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Abdominal wall surgery

• Overview
• Recovery
• Risks

Definition:

Abdominal wall surgery is voluntary (elective) surgery that improves the appearance of flabby, stretched-out abdominal muscles and skin. Such surgery is often called a "tummy tuck." It is a different procedure than liposuction.

Alternative Names:

Cosmetic surgery of the abdomen; Tummy tuck; Abdominoplasty

Description:

Cosmetic repair of the abdomen can help improve appearance, especially after massive weight gain and loss. Abdominoplasty can help flatten the lower abdomen and tighten stretched skin.

The surgery is done in a hospital's operating room. You will receive general anesthesia , so you will be deep asleep and pain-free during the procedure. The surgeon will make a cut across the abdomen, just above the pubic area. Excessive fatty tissue and loose skin are removed from the middle and lower sections of the abdomen. The abdominal muscles may be tightened.

Stitches are used to close the surgical cut. Excess skin and fat can also be removed from the arms and legs.

Small flat tubes (drains) may be inserted to allow fluid to drain out of the surgical cuts. A firm elastic dressing is applied to the abdomen.

Indications:

Abdominoplasty can be helpful when:

• Diet and exercise have not corrected severe muscle weakness, for instance, after multiple pregnancies
• Skin and muscle cannot regain its normal tone, which can occur with obesity

Abdominoplasty is not used as a substitute for weight reduction.

References:

Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery , 17th ed. St. Louis, M0: WB Saunders; 2004.

• Review Date: 7/25/2007
• Reviewed By: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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