Denis J. Winder M.D.
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ABDOMINOPLASTYIf you're considering abdominoplasty.... | ||
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Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical technique where excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen can be removed. The muscles of the abdominal wall are also tightened. If your area of concern is below the waist, you may be a candidate for a partial abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a mini-abdominoplasty. If, however, you have concerns both below and above the waist, you are more than likely a candidate for a full abdominoplasty. You may also want to consider having some liposuction done at the same time. The best candidates for a mini or full abdominoplasty are women who are not planning on having any more children, patients who have completed their weight loss program, and people who do not smoke (if you do smoke, it will be necessary for you to quit for several weeks before and after surgery). You should be healthy and have a realistic expectation of what these surgeries can accomplish. Abdominoplasty surgery can have very dramatic effects, but you must consider that the scar for a full abdominoplasty is large, going from hip to hip. It will, however, be covered by a bathing suit or lingerie. With a mini abdominoplasty the scar is much smaller, and is positioned just above the pubic hair. | ||
| Before the surgery... | ||
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| The surgery... | ||
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The surgery is performed under general anesthesia in our SurgiCenter in Durango with an overnight stay with one of our nurses, complete confidentiality, and with considerable cost savings vs. hospitalization. Abdominoplasty takes between two and four hours or so, depending on whether you're having mini-abominoplasty or full abdominoplasty. | ||
| After the surgery... | ||
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A snug elastic dressing must be worn for about six weeks. For the first few days your abdomen will be swollen and bruised. Different patients tolerate the pain differently, but you'll be given medication to help with this. You may be able to return to work in as little as a week or two, but it might be as long as three to four weeks depending upon the level of activity required for your work. Read our most Frequently asked Questions about Abdominoplasty. | ||
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You'll meet with Dr. Winder and his patient counselor to go over all the information and details you will need to know to make a fully informed and educated decision about this surgery (including looking at "before & after" pictures of other patients). Approximately one week prior to surgery you will have your pre-op appointment in the Durango office; one of our nurses and Dr. Winder will do a complete physical and history, and we will send you for pre-op laboratory tests.