This is similar
to a full abdominoplasty
but avoids re-siting
the umbilicus.
It is usually
combined with
liposuction of
the abdominal
skin and hips
and the recovery
time is invariably
shorter.
PRE-OPERATIVE
Weight
- Should be close
to ideal weight,
therefore diet
pre-operatively.
It is not a correction
for obesity.
Smoking
- Essential to
stop at least
3 weeks prior
to surgery, and
until wounds are
fully healed or
at least 2 weeks
after.
Other scars
- Some may prevent
full abdominoplasty
and the technique
will be modified
accordingly.
Drugs
- Avoid aspirin
and similar drugs
for 2 weeks pre-operatively.
OPERATION
Scar
- Bikini line
just above the
hair line.
Muscle tightening
may be required
especially following
pregnancies.
Sutures
- Dissolving buried.
Drains
- Remain in place
until significant
drainage ceases.
Dressings
- Supportive bandaging,
girdle supplied.
POST-OPERATIVE
Posture
- The abdominal
skin will feel
tight and you
are usually unable
to stand up straight
for several days.
Skin support
- Firm cycling
shorts or girdle
type pants should
be worn for 6
weeks post-operatively
day and night,
in order to support
the abdominal
skin.
Exercise
- Avoid vigorous
exercise, including
lifting of heavy
shopping bags
etc, for 6 weeks.
Moderate exercise
such as walking
or swimming is
recommended at
this time.
Care of scars
- Apply Micropore
tape (1 inch)
along the scar
for 3 months to
prevent stretching
and accelerate
scar softening.
Vit. E creams
may be used after
this period.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
Pain
- Moderate discomfort
can be expected.
- Avoid aspirin/ibuprofen
type analgesics
which can increase
bruising.
Bruising
- May last for
2 - 3 weeks, and
general post-operative
swelling may last
for several months.
Wound
- Occasional mild
infection , invariably
responds to a
short course of
antibiotics.
- Rarely, delayed
healing or skin
loss.
- Very rarely,
serious infection
or haematoma (blood
collection) requiring
drainage.
Numbness
- This is expected
in the lower abdominal
skin. Invariably
lasts for 3 -6
months but may
be permanent.
DVT
- Leg vein thrombosis
is rare. Measures
will be taken
to keep risk low.
