Tummy tuck, Abdominoplasty

Dr. Marlon Lajo is a board certified cosmetic plastic surgeon, a diplomate of the Philippine board of Plastic Surgery and a fellow of the Philippine Assoc. of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, Inc. (PAPRAS), the only bonafide medical society of surgeons that do cosmetic and reconstructive plastic procedures, recognized by Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS). During formal hospital training in plastic surgery (U.P-P.G.H.), Dr. Lajo has found great interest in abdominoplasty or tummy tuck procedures. Since then Dr. Lajo has done countless tummy tuck procedures on his years of private practice. Dr. Lajo is now part ( as an active consultant ) of the world class Aesthetic Surgery Center of St. Lukes Medical Center.

The following information regarding abdominoplasty provided by Aesthetic Surgery Center - St. Luke's Medical Center is for information only and should not be substituted for professional health consultation.

"Skin in the belly, as in other parts of the body, has a limit as to how much it can stretch and still return to normal form. When it stretches beyond a certain point, exercise and diet may no longer be effective in returning your belly to its original shape and firmness. The most effective method of dealing with this condition is to have surgery like abdominoplasty or tummy tuck.

A tummy tuck is a major cosmetic plastic surgery that flattens your abdomen by removing extra fat and skin, and tightening muscles in your abdominal wall. Women and men who have loose abdominal skin and fat that is concentrated in the abdomen can benefit from abdominoplasty. It also improves the appearance of stretch marks, especially those located below the navel.

You may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- excess or sagging abdominal skin
- an abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion with the rest of your body
- abdominal muscles that have been separated and weakened
- excess fatty tissue that is concentrated in your abdomen
- no previous operation that resulted in a long scar crossing the abdomen above the navel (relative contraindication)

If you plan to become pregnant or lose weight in the future, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon. Scarring from previous abdominal surgery may limit the result of your abdominoplasty.
What to do before the procedure:

You should consult your plastic surgeon first and be prepared to discuss your medical history, including information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, pregnancies, previous surgeries and medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information.

During the consultation, you will be asked with the results you would like to achieve from abdominoplasty. This will help your surgeon to understand your expectations and determine whether they can be realistically achieved.

How is the procedure done?

A general anesthetic is administered so that you will be asleep throughout the procedure. It may be performed using regional anesthesia and intravenous sedation.
Generally, 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. Some patients have loose skin under the navel, and in such cases, the surgeon may make a second incision around the navel so that redundant skin above it can be pulled down. Skin is lifted from the abdominal wall, and the excess abdominal skin is removed. The position of the navel remains unchanged. To tighten the abdominal wall, the surgeon brings loose underlying tissue and muscles together with sutures. The contour of these incisions will vary somewhat according to the structure of your abdomen and the style of bathing suit or undergarments that you prefer. Your plastic surgeon will try to keep the incision within your bathing suit lines but this may not always be possible.

Are there any risks?

Risks and potential complications of surgery are best discussed on a personal basis between you and your plastic surgeon. Some of the potential complications include bleeding, infection and reactions to anesthesia. Tissue loss along portions of the horizontal incision is possible, more common in patients who smoke or have medical conditions such as diabetes. Fortunately, significant complications from abdominoplasty are infrequent. You can help to lessen certain risks by following the advice and instructions of your plastic surgeon, both before and after surgery.

Preparations for the surgery:

Your plastic surgeon will give you requests for diagnostic tests suited for your age and medical condition. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. You will be asked to stop taking other blood thinning medications. Your surgeon will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.
Abdominoplasty, tummy tuck may be performed on an outpatient basis. If this is the case, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for at least the next day or two. When abdominoplasty is performed in conjunction with medically necessary procedures such as hysterectomy or hernia repair, a short hospitalization may be required.

What to do after the tummy tuck procedure:

When the abdominoplasty procedure is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. In many instances, small drain tubes will have been placed within the abdominal tissues to help avoid accumulation of fluids. Gauze or other dressings may be applied to your abdomen and covered with tape or an elastic bandage.
You may be permitted to go home after a few hours, unless you and your plastic surgeon have determined that you will stay in the hospital overnight. Your surgeon will give you detailed post-operative instructions which you will strictly follow. You will also return to your plastic surgeon's clinic for follow-up care at prescribed intervals, at which time your progress will be evaluated.
Resuming to normal activities:

It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals. Depending on the extent of your abdominoplasty and your general physical condition, you may be able to return to non-strenous work anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities, including some form of mild exercise after a few weeks. You may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort and swelling during this time, but such feelings are normal. Severe pain should be reported to your doctor. Any sexual activity should be avoided for a minimum of 4 weeks.

How long will the results last?

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck will enhance your body contour by making your abdomen firmer and flatter. You may find that you feel more comfortable in your clothing and are more confident about your appearance. Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or becoe pregnant, you will feel that way for many years. However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually take their toll. If, after a period of years, you again become dissatisfied with the appearance of your abdomen, you may choose to undergo a second procedure to restore a more youthful body contour.

Why choose St. Luke's?

The St. Luke's Aesthetic Surgery Center is the first hospital-based center housed in a Joint Comission International-accredited world class medical facility in the country. It is staffed by highly skilled, Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery-certified surgeons who work hand-in-hand with the team of other board-certified related specialists in providing the highest quality aesthetic procedures in an environment of safety and discretion. It utilizes evidence-based protocols in a multidisciplinary approach supported by anesthesiologists, dermatologists, internists, psychiatrists, nutritionists and nurses. The center has a comprehensive array of procedures delivered by the following units: Facial Enhancement and Rejuvenation Unit, Body Contouring Unit, Minimally Invasive Unit and the Hair Restoration Unit. "

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