ABDOMINAL CONTOURING (Abdominoplasty)
ABDOMINAL CONTOURING CONSULTATIONS, Continued
It is always encouraged to bring a friend or significant
other with you to be present during the discussion and the question-and-answer
phase. This way there is a much greater comprehension and retention
of the information that is given at the time of the consultation.
After this, Dr. Vogt will perform a focused physical examination,
addressing important issues such as the amount of excess skin,
the amount of muscle spread, the amount of fatty tissue that needs
to be liposuctioned, the status of the hip rolls and flank, and
the status of the umbilicus (bellybutton).
Patient-satisfaction is very high with abdominal contouring surgery
as long as the preoperative expectations are realistic. Some patients
will simply require a modified abdominoplasty which primarily involves
removal of skin below the bellybutton and liposuction of the hip
rolls, upper abdomen, flanks, and pubic area. Others will require
a full abdominoplasty which involves removing skin from the lower
abdomen and mobilizing the skin of the upper abdomen all the way
to the rib cage. This will also usually involve repair of the underlying
muscles, particularly in women who have had several pregnancies.
The next level of involvement is abdominal contouring and extended
abdominal contouring. These procedures will be performed in individuals
who have had larger weight gains and losses and demonstrate more
skin laxity. These incisions will extend further onto the back
and buttock area to remove excess skin in the flank area at the
same time that skin in the abdomen is contoured. This will also
involve repair of muscles, reconstruction of the umbilicus, improvement
of the pubic area, elevation of the front of the thigh, and liposuction
where it is possible.
A detailed discussion is held with the patient at the time of
the initial office consultation as to medications that need to
be avoided, time required from work if undergoing abdominal contouring
surgery, and level of activity following the surgical procedure.
The patient will also meet with the surgical and scheduling director
who will outline costs of the operative procedure which will be
all-inclusive of the garments, the operating room, anesthesia,
and the surgical fee.
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