Procedure: |
Flatten abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles of abdominal wall. |
Length: |
2 to 5 hours. |
Anesthesia: |
General, or local with sedation. |
In/Outpatient: |
Either depending on individual circumstances and extent of surgery. |
Side Effects: |
Temporary pain. Swelling, soreness, numbness of abdominal skin, bruising, tiredness for several weeks or months. |
Risks: |
Blood clots. Infection. Bleeding under the skin flap. Poor healing resulting in conspicuous scarring or skin loss. Need for a second operation. |
Recovery: |
Back to work: 2 to 4 weeks. More strenuous activity: 4 to 6 weeks or more. Fading and flattening of scars: 3 months to 2 years. |
