Abdominoplasty – Patient 164

A mother of 2 in her early 30’s who is bothered by bulging and laxity of her abdomen. She is 5’3” and 146 lbs and is shown just before and again, 6 weeks after an abominoplasty. Exparel was used to limit her postoperative need for narcotics. Progressive tension sutures were used to decrease her risk of seroma. Scars are typically at their thickest and reddest at 6 weeks and will then begin to fade and improve over the next 2 years. Her abdominal incision is placed low, in a “thong” position, where it is hidden by most clothing styles. There is typically still significant swelling in the abdominal skin a the 6 week mark that takes 6 months to fully resolve. Having said that, she has an excellent contour already, and tightening of the loose abdominal muscles have given her a nice waistline.