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Abdominal repair Description:
Cosmetic repair of the abdomen can be helpful in improving appearance, especially after massive weight gain and loss. Abdominoplasty can help flatten the lower abdomen, tighten stretched skin, and strengthen abdominal muscles.
The patient is admitted to the hospital and the surgery is done in the operating room. General anesthesia is used to keep the patient deep asleep and pain-free. An incision is made across the abdomen, just above the pubic area. Excess skin and fat are removed from the abdominal wall, from the pubic area to the rib cage, around the umbilicus and the abdominal muscles are tightened. The incision is stitched (sutured) closed. Small flat tubes (drains) may be inserted and used for a few days to allow fluid to drain out of the incisions. A firm elastic dressing is applied to the abdomen.
Indications:
Extremely loose and flabby abdominal skin and muscle , usually following massive weight gain and loss. Abdominoplasty can be helpful when: - diet and exercise have not corrected severe muscle weakness (which may occur after multiple pregnancies), or
- the skin and muscle cannot regain its normal tone (which can occur with massive obesity in young people and slight obesity in older people)
Abdominoplasty is not used as a substitute for weight reduction .
What to Expect After:
The patient can expect to feel some pain and discomfort for several days after surgery, which can be managed with pain medications . Resting with the legs and hips bent (flexed) will reduce pressure ( tension ) on the abdomen during the recommended 2 to 3 day hospital stay.
Convalescence:
An elastic support (much like a girdle) worn over the abdomen for 2 to 3 weeks provides extra abdominal support while healing. Strenuous activity and straining should be avoided for 3 to 4 weeks.
The scars will become lighter in color and flatter during the next 3 to 6 months.
Risks:
The risks of bleeding and infection are present for all surgeries. Additional risks of blood clots and poor healing should be considered.
Cost:
The costs of any surgery varies significantly between surgeons, medical facilities, and regions of the country. Patients who are younger, sicker, or need more extensive surgery will require more intensive and expensive treatment.
Surgery charges can be separated into five parts: 1) the surgeon's fee, 2) the anesthesiologist's fee, 3) the hospital charges, which includes nursing care and the operating room, 4) the medications, and 5) additional charges.
1. Surgeon's fee: variable
2. Anesthesiologist's fee: averages $350 to $400 per hour
3. Hospital charges: basic rate averages $1,500 to $1,800 per day (more for the intensive care unit (ICU) or private rooms)
4. Medication charges: $200 to $400
5. Additional charges: assisting surgeon, treatment of complications, diagnostic procedures (such as blood or Xray exams), medical supplies, equipment use, and so on.
Insurance coverage for surgery expenses depends on many factors and should be explored for each individual instance.
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