J. GERALD MINNITI, M.D., F.A.C.S. PLASTIC SURGEON, PRIVATE PRACTICE 10 YEARS 500 PLUS ABDOMINOPLASTIES EXPERIENCE
J. GERALD MINNITI, M.D., F.A.C.S.
PLASTIC SURGEON, PRIVATE PRACTICE 10 YEARS
500 PLUS ABDOMINOPLASTIES EXPERIENCE
The purpose of an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is to improve the appearance of the abdomen, pubic area, and the front of the hips. Persons who would benefit from this procedure include post partum women and persons who have had significant weight loss after obesity.
The goal of a properly planned abdominoplasty is to address the three composite layers of the region from deep to superficial: abdominal muscle wall, subcutaneous fat, and skin. Each potential candidate for abdominoplasty presents with her own individual anatomic problem(s) that would need to be addressed accordingly by the surgeon. Liposuction is commonly utilized in surrounding areas including the posterior hips and waist, and can also be an effective tool to further sculpt the abdominal region as part of the abdominoplasty.
Potential candidates should have a thorough history and physical examination taken, and blood work performed prior to surgery. Any person with a history of blood clots or a family history of blood clots, taking hormone replacement therapy, has a BMI of more than 30, or is actively smoking, are not safe candidates for abdominoplasty. Candidates should prepare two weeks off from work or childcare. Commencement of exercise is usually 4 weeks after; abdominal exercise may commence 8 weeks after.
An anesthetic infusion pump placed at the time of surgery will provide local anesthesia to the muscle wall after the surgery for significant reduction in discomfort. Suction drains will also be utilized for up to 7 days to evacuate fluids from under the skin of the abdomen and encourage healing in the region. A compression garment will provide support to the abdomen, hip and waist area for up to one month.
Sensation to the abdominal region may be altered or diminished for up to a year after surgery. In certain individuals, small areas of the abdomen may remain partially numb permanently. Most complications are minor and include thickened scarring, and temporary fluid collections under the skin called seromas. These problems are the most frequent and can occur up to 10% of the time.
More significant complications include poor healing of the skin leading to opening of the incision, discoloration of the skin, and even loss of skin and fat. All of these complications are a direct result of inadequate circulation to the abdominal skin after the surgery. Fatal or life threatening complications include blood clots that form in the veins of the lower body and travel to the heart and lungs, called pulmonary emboli. Risk of this nationwide has been estimated at one person in 2000, however properly selected individuals will have a much lower individual risk.
In general, the abdominoplasty procedure combined with liposuction of the surrounding region will have a dramatic impact in the appearance of the midsection and is a procedure with a high satisfaction rating by patients. If you are interested in improving the appearance of your midsection, have lost significant weight and have loose skin, or have had disruption of the belly muscles including hernias due to pregnancy, please call for a consultation with Dr. Minniti, one of Beverly Hills premier cosmetic plastic surgeons who is an expert in this procedure.
J. Gerald Minniti, M.D., F.A.C.S.
120 South Spalding Drive Suite 330
drminniti@drminniti.com
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