This procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen, remove the excess bulk, and recreate a waistline that has otherwise been stretched over time.
If you are considering an abdominoplasty, the information provided will give you a basic understanding of the procedure, but it can't answer all of your questions, since it depends on your individual circumstances. A consultation with Dr Larocque is necessary to evaluate if you are a good candidate for this surgery.
1. Am I a good candidate for the surgery?
2. What should I expect from my consultation?
3. How is the surgery performed?
4. What is the recovery like?
5. What should I know about my results?
1. Am I a good candidate for the surgery?
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are women or men who have a flabby abdomen. There are not only excess fatty deposits but also excess loose skin. The surgery is particularly helpful to men and women who, through episodes of weight gain and loss or pregnancy, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal.
The procedure can somewhat improves the appearance of stretch marks, especially those located below the navel. If you plan to loose weight or become pregnant in the future, you should wait before having this procedure.
If you are in good health and have realistic expectations, you should be an appropriate candidate for the surgery.
2. What should I expect from my consultation?
During the consultation, you will learn about the surgery, its limitations and risks, and discuss your needs and concerns. This will help Dr Larocque understand your expectations and whether they realistically can be achieved. He will examine your abdomen while you are standing, sitting and lying down. Your skin tone and the degree of loose skin in the abdominal region will be assessed. Dr Larocque also will evaluate the amount of excess fat in your abdomen and the condition of your abdominal muscles. He will explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you. You will see "before and after" results of some representative patients.
He will review your medical history or any medical conditions that can influence the result of the surgery or its risks. Photographs will be taken for your medical record. Finally, you will meet with the patient coordinator to discuss the surgery fees and scheduling dates.
3. How is the surgery performed?
The surgery is usually done under general anesthesia in our surgical center. The procedure takes 2 to 3 hours to complete. A horizontal incision is placed just within or above the pubic area. The length of the incision, which extends laterally toward the pelvic bones, depends largely on the amount of skin to be removed. If there is loose skin above the navel, a second incision is made around the navel. Skin and fat are separated from the abdominal wall. To tighten the abdominal wall, Dr Larocque brings loose underlying tissue and muscle together with strong sutures. The abdominal skin is pulled downward and the excess is removed. A small incision is made to bring the navel through. Skin of the lower abdomen that contains stretch marks is removed but some of them can remain. There are many variations to the technique depending on the amount of loose skin and the excess of fat deposits. Sometimes, liposuction may be used in conjunction with abdominoplasty. Sometimes, the incision is shorter and the procedure is called "mini-abdominoplasty". Dr Larocque will discuss with you the particular method that he recommends for achieving the best result in your particular case.
It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals. You will feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery but most of the discomfort and/or pain can be controlled by medication prescribed by Dr Larocque. After the surgery we will keep you for a few hours in our recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. Then a medical transportation will bring you to a recovery facility near our Center for an overnight stay. Dr Larocque will see you the next morning and you will be able to go home. Specific instructions will be given to you and you will be able to contact Dr Larocque anytime if you have any concerns. It is often possible to return to work 2 or 3 weeks after the surgery depending on what physical activity your job may require of you.
5. What should I know about my results?
The swelling will disappear over a period of weeks. However, it may be months before all swelling subsides and you see the final result of your abdominoplasty. The incisions from the procedure will heal and fade over time. It is important to realize that the incision lines will be permanently visible. In some instances, they will eventually be only faint lines. Certain individuals may have incision lines that are more noticeable. Fortunately, the incisions for your abdominoplasty are usually in locations concealed by most bathing suits and undergarments.
Abdominoplasty will enhance your body contour by making your abdomen flatter and firmer. You may find that you feel more comfortable in your clothing and are more confident about your appearance.
