Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a procedure in which abdominal fatty tissue and skin gets surgically removed, and abdominal muscles are tightened, if indicated. Many women who struggle to regain a firm and contoured figure after pregnancy opt for abdominoplasty when dieting and exercising do not produce the desired results. However, abdominoplasty is also beneficial to men and women who have had severe weight loss.

There are two types of abdominoplasty procedures, depending on the desired result. The two abdominoplasty procedures are:

Partial Abdominoplasty

Partial or a mini-abdominoplasty is a procedure in which the patient’s condition is not severe enough to require a full abdominoplasty. In this case, using smaller incisions, fat deposits and skin in the lower abdomen are removed.

Full Abdominoplasty

A full or complete abdominoplasty is a procedure which allows for removal of more extensive excess abdominal tissue and subcutaneous fat. Dr Najjaar will place a drainage tube under the skin which will only be removed a few days later.

Pre-Operative Instructions

It is imperative to follow pre-operative instructions to avoid complications. Dr Najjaar may instruct you to do the following:

• Refrain from all nicotine products for four weeks before the procedure
• Avoid blood-thinning medication, Anti-Inflammatory Non-Steroidal Drugs (NSAIDs), and medication that include aspirin and ibuprofen for two weeks before the surgery.
• Avoid alcohol for the week before surgery.
• Avoid eating and drinking anything from midnight before the day of surgery

When to contact Dr Najjaar

It is normal to experience uncomfortable symptoms after your procedure. However, certain complications may arise. If you experience any of the following, contact Dr Najjaar:

• Fever over 37℃
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Redness, swelling, foul drainage or bleeding from the site of the incision
• Pain that isn’t relieved with medication