Denver Plastic Surgery, Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty for Flabby Tummy
Denver Colorado Plastic Surgeons

Cosmetic
Procedures

Breast Augmentation - Mammoplasty
Breast Lift - Mastopexy
Breast Reconstruction
Chin Surgery - Genioplasty
Ear Surgery -Otoplasty
Eyelids -Blepharoplasty 
Face Lift - Rhytidectomy 
Cheek Implants - Malarplasty
Cosmetic Surgery for Men
Lipoplasty or Liposuction
Nose Surgery -Rhinoplasty
Spider Veins
Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty
Upper Arm Lift
Jaw Surgery - Maxillofacial
Mid Body Lift
Facial Rejuvenation

            Abdominoplasty is the removal of redundant and excess skin and subcutaneous fat of the anterior wall of the abdomen. It can include simultaneous repair of laxity of the rectus abdominous muscles (vertical) and or the external oblique muscles (horizontal). Abdominoplasty may be performed as a reconstructive procedure or may be performed for cosmetic purposes.

            Abdominoplasty is considered reconstructive when performed to correct or relieve structural defects of the abdominal wall and or chronic low back pain due to functional incompetence of the anterior wall. These conditions may be caused by:

 Permanent over-stretching of the anterior abdominal wall following one or more pregnancies;

Permanent over-stretching either with or without separation of the rectus abdominous muscles from the midline;

Trauma or surgery to the anterior wall of the abdomen resulting in loss of muscle of fascial integrity of pain from scar contracture; or Abdominal hernia following previous abdominal surgery.

 Abdominoplasty may include suction lipectomy of the upper and lateral abdomen to contour the reconstructed abdominal wall.

 Cosmetic Abdominoplasty is performed to improve the appearance of the patient, to remove excessive fat and skin from the abdomen in the patient’s who are not excessively overweight and are generally in good health.

 There are several popular approaches. The most common involves an incision across the lower abdomen, a little above the pubic area. The procedure involves making and incision around the belly button to free it from the surrounding skin. The skin is separated from the abdominal wall and lifted up above the rib cage. Next, the surgeon pulls loose tissue from the left and right of the abdomen together, towards to center and sutures it together.

 It tightens muscles, provides a stronger abdominal wall and makes the waist smaller. By removing the sagging, excess skin and accumulating fatty tissue, you’ll immediately enjoy a flatter, firmer abdomen and thinner waist.  

                        FOLLOW UP VISITS:

A follow up visit after surgery is required the following day. If it is a Friday, Dr. O’Donnell will need to see you on a Monday. You will advise postoperative follow up after each visit.

                         DRAINS:

Drains can stay in for up 1-2 weeks. Don’t be alarmed of the amount or color. A small amount of blood mixed with fluid can look like a lot. Empty as needed.  

                        SUTURES:

Sutures remain in place for 3 weeks, the longer in place the longer the healing. Discoloration and swelling is present about the incisional area, which with a surgical procedure.

                         COMPLICATIONS:

There may be possible minor complication that may occur. In the event or any minor complication such as pain excess bleeding excessive swelling, fever or 102*. Soft tissue infection, fluid or blood may accumulate in operative sites, which may require aspiration or drainage. The surgical scar is permanent.

                         INSTRUCTIONS:

Patients must start their medication the day after surgery. Take pain medications as directed. Walk around after surgery for 15 minutes each hour; this will decrease chances or a blood clot. Walk slow bent at the hips, to help decrease pressure and pulling. Refrain from vigorous physical activity. NO heavy lifting. Always eat something when you take pain medication or antibiotic.

Elevate your head and at the foot of the bed put 2-3 pillows under your feet to prevent tension on the suture line.

Use your medications as ordered.

NO alcoholic beverages while taking prescription pain medicine.

Do NOT drive car for 48 hours.

Drink lots of fluids.

NO aspirin or aspirin products until incisions are healed.

(Aspirin changes the clotting factors of the blood and will cause you to bleed more.)

 By evening you may have a light meal.

DRESSINGS:

Must be kept dry.

Dilute hydrogen peroxide with 50/50

Using a Q-tip or cotton ball dipped in the 50/50 solution, you will begin to clean your sutures located horizontally on your abdominal area going from hip to hip.

After cleansing the area apply Vaseline to sutured area. This is done 2-3 times a day.

Rebandage abdominal area with a snug dressing to mini pads may be applied to treated area.

INCISION AREA:

The incision area will show discoloration and swelling which is normal. The incision may also appear to look puckered and wrinkled. It may also have some excess fluid that may leak from it. All of these are normal and will decrease over a period of time.  

                        GARMENT:

You are given 1st compression garment for your recovery. A stage 1 which is used directly after surgery it has easy access with less difficulty of getting on and off in early postoperative recovery. The 2nd stage is to be used at the time you personally feel you can get the garment on and off without difficulty. The garment is used as a compression to decrease swelling and to assist in the healing process. This garment is to be worn at all times for 6 weeks.

                         SCARS:

In this operation the surgical scar are permanent. The extend from hip to hip near the bikini line and around the umbilicus. These scars are quite noticeable for a period of approximately 1 full year. Occasionally it is necessary to revise these scars such as an operation is a minor procedure revise at discretion of the surgeon.

                         SOCIAL ACTIVITY:

Social activity should be limited for approximately 2-3 weeks during the immediate post operative recovery more rapidly than others and this of course affects the suggested time of limited social activity. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 6-8 weeks depending upon any muscle repair that has been performed. Moderate walking is fine.