NEW AGE TUMMY TUCK - New advancements in the techniques of liposuction and Abdominoplasty.

I now offer a combination of both procedures with much less recovery time, reduced discomfort and reduced risk. These surgeries are commonly performed in my AAAHC Certified Office Surgical facility. Patients stay at home or in a local hotel and recovery is rapid.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

A protruding abdomen as a result of weak abdominal muscles, weight gain or pregnancy is a condition that causes distress to thousands of people. This condition does not respond well to diet or exercise because the skin and underlying muscles have been stretched.

The Abdominoplasty procedure (Tummy Tuck) is designed to flatten a protruding abdomen through the tightening of abdominal wall muscles and removal of excess fatty tissue and skin.

Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss. The objective of the surgery is to improve the contour of the body by flattening and narrowing the abdomen. This is achieved by removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles. The best candidate for the surgery is the individual who is of normal weight but who has weak abdominal muscles and excess skin and fat. Age, obesity and smoking habits are some of the factors the physician considers when evaluating a candidate for this procedure.

Before Surgery

Prior to the surgery, a complete medical history is taken and a careful examination performed in order to evaluate the general health of the patient. The physician and patient discuss together what can realistically be expected. Photographs are taken before and after surgery to evaluate the amount of the improvement. The type of anesthesia to be used, the procedure, and possible risks and complications are also discussed. Preoperative instructions may include the elimination of certain prescription and herbal medications (aspirin, garlic, etc.) in order to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding. Antibiotics are normally given during and after surgery to prevent infection and are normally not prescribed pre operatively. Patients are advised to refrain from smoking before surgery and in the postoperative period.

The Procedure

Abdominoplasty is commonly performed as an outpatient surgery procedure in our AAAHC Certified Surgical Facility or at a local outpatient surgical facility. Patients commonly stay for one to two days in the area in a local hotel before returning home. The procedure may also be performed concurrently with other surgeries, such as hysterectomy, hernia repair etc. Anesthesia may consist of a deep sedative with local tumescent anesthesia or a general anesthetic depending on the health and specific needs of the patient.

The most common procedure now performed by Dr. Galoob (The New Age Tummy Tuck) involves a combination of liposuction and excess tissue excision. New techniques make this combination safe and effective and promote rapid healing and recovery. A gentle curved incision is made from one hipbone and across the pubic area (hidden in the bikini line) to under the other hipbone. If a new belly button (umbilicus) is to be constructed, a second incision is made around the naval. The skin is then separated from the abdominal wall to the extent needed to correct the contour problem exposing the tissue that covers the abdominal muscle. Weak abdominal muscles from previous pregnancies or other factors may be repaired. The skin is then pulled and tightened over the abdomen and excess skin and fat is removed. The incisions are closed with small sutures and the navel is reconstructed if necessary. Dr. Galoob uses special techniques to give the bellybutton a natural appearance. Small drain tubes are inserted to eliminate fluid buildup. They are commonly removed in 24 to 48 hours. Firm elastic bandages are then applied to the area. The patient is placed in an elastic girdle that makes early ambulation more comfortable.

After Surgery

Patients undergoing this procedure as an outpatient either go home or to a hotel if from out of town. Because early ambulation and outpatient treatment is used for the majority of these procedures, pain is usually only moderate and easily controlled with oral medication.

Sutures are removed approximately one week after surgery and the patient continues to wear an abdominal support garment for several weeks. During this time, patients must refrain from heavy lifting, straining or excessive activity. The physician will decide when normal activities may be resumed based upon the extent of surgery and the patient's progress. Most individuals will resume normal activity within 2-4 weeks after a full Abdominoplasty, or sooner after a Mini- Abdominoplasty (Minimum skin removal and liposuction, usually with no muscle repair or belly button reconstruction). Ultrasound treatments applied to the operated areas just before the surgery will significantly shorten healing time and greatly reduce bruising and swelling around the treated area. Scars from the procedure remain but fade significantly in time. Troublesome scars may be improved with Pulse Dye laser treatments or surgical revision if needed.

Thousands of Abdominoplasty procedures are successfully performed each year. The amount of improvement is individual and depends upon the extent of surgery, the patient's skin tone, body build and healing process. Complications connected with the procedure are rare. However, there are inherent risks such as infection, bleeding and anesthetic problems connected with every surgical procedure. Possible risks and complications should be discussed thoroughly with the physician prior to surgery. Patients can minimize complications by carefully following directions given by the physician and by avoiding smoking.

Most insurance companies do not pay for Abdominoplasty if performed for cosmetic reasons. Some insurance companies do allow benefits if the patient has severe laxity of the abdominal wall with back pain and/or a hernia. Each insurance carrier is different, and it is recommended that individuals check with their own agents to determine if there is coverage.

The following items are often required for insurance carriers to consider Abdominoplasty eligible for coverage:
· The panniculus (Skin apron at lower part of Tummy) hangs below the level of the pubis (which is documented in photographs)
· The individual has had significant weight loss of 100 pounds or more (document weight on start date and document weight today)
· The individual has maintained a stable weight for at least six months
· If the individual has had bariatric surgery, he/she is at least 18 months post operative;
· Date of Bariatric Surgery
· The patient has significant symptoms, documented in their medical records that interfere with activities of daily living including but not limited to the following:
· There are recurrent or chronic rashes, infections, cellulitis, or non-healing ulcers that do not respond to conventional treatment for a period of 3 months. This information should be documented in photos and documented in office visit records from the patient's regular Doctor.
· There is difficulty with ambulation and interference with the activities of daily living that is documented in office visit records from the patient's regular doctor.
· Failure of comprehensive conservative measures to address the patient's problems that include the use of appropriate local hygiene and topical pharmacologic treatments for skin rash and irritation. This should be documented in office records from the patient's regular physician.

If you are interested in learning more about Abdominoplasty, contact us and we will be happy to answer your questions.