Surgical procedures

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is an operation to tighten abdominal muscles and remove excess skin and fat. Dr. Pugash will examine you and suggest an operative plan to provide the best possible result.

Some patients need only a mini-abdominoplasty, in which the surgery is limited to the area below the navel. Most benefit from a complete abdominoplasty, since the entire abdomen area between the ribs and pubic area usually needs correction.

Abdominoplasty surgery is usually carried out as an outpatient procedure, but may occasionally require a one-night stay in extensive cases.

Most abdominoplasties begin with liposuction to reduce fat accumulations. Dr. Pugash used standard, ultrasonic or power-assisted liposuction to reduce fat accumulations in the waist and hips.

Then an incision is made across the lower abdomen, passing low over the pubic area and angling up over the hips. The abdominal apron is peeled up to the bottom of the rib cage. Loose abdominal muscles are then tightened with sturdy stitches. The apron is then pulled down, all excess skin and fat is removed (usually the entire roll between the navel and the pubic area), and the abdomen is carefully stitched up. The patient is left with a fine scar around the navel, and a scar across the lower abdomen that will be hidden by most clothing.

Patients can expect to wear a compression garment, or girdle, for about a month following surgery. The abdomen is quite tight for the first week or so, and most patients will note moderate discomfort during this time. Many individuals will return to normal activities of daily living after 2 to 3 weeks. Strenuous activity is avoided for 8 weeks to allow the newly tightened muscles to heal.

Possible complications of abdominoplasty surgery include reactions to the anesthetic, infection, bleeding, inaccurate placement of the navel, fluid accumulations, skin loss, irregularities from the liposuction, and an unsatisfactory aesthetic result. Some patients will require a revision, or touch-up, to refine the result.

Dr. Pugash will provide complete care following your surgery so you remain comfortable, return quickly to all your usual activities, and obtain the best possible result.