Extended Abdominoplasty (Torsoplasty)

Why do patients request an extended abdominoplasty?
The most common reason for asking for an extended abdominoplasty is that patients do not like the appearance of their abdomen. This appearance can be due to excess skin which extends round to the back, stretch marks or an excess of fat. These appearances can result from pregnancy but usually as a result of massive weight loss.

Are there any reasons not to have an extended abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty surgery is not a method of weight loss and should not be used as such. The best time for surgery is when patients are as close to their ideal weight as possible.

Sometimes previous abdominal surgery can be reason not to have surgery as can your previous medical history. Patients who smoke are usually not good candidates for surgery.

What does the operation involve?
The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. The skin of the abdomen is tightened by removing a section of skin all round the abdomen. The scar usually extends from all round the abdomen and is hidden under your underwear. Drains are often used after surgery to prevent fluid collecting under the skin. There is also a scar around the umbilicus (bellybutton). Liposuction is often performed at the same time as an extended abdominoplasty.

What you need to know

How long does the operation take?
The operation takes from 3-4 hours depending on how extensive the operation needs to be.

How long am I in hospital?
The normal length of stay in hospital is 2-3 nights. This can be longer if the drains need to stay in place. However sometimes patients can go home with their drains in.

What happens when I go home?
Patients normally go home in a tight abdominal binder, which they asked to wear night and day for 2 weeks. Patients are reviewed in outpatients 2 weeks after their operation and then approximately 3 months after surgery. Driving is not normally permitted for 7-10 days after surgery and patients should be back to normal activities after 4-6 weeks

How long do I need of work?
This depends on the extent of the operation but usually patients require at least 2 weeks off work.

Will the operation need revising in the future?
It is very unusual for an extended abdominoplasty to need repeating but with weight gain and loss or subsequent pregnancies the skin may stretch again.

What are the risks and complications of the operation?

• Bleeding and haematoma formation
• Seroma formation – collections of clear fluid under the skin
  Infection, wound breakdown, skin loss (particularly in smokers)
• Pain
• Numbness
• Dogears – little folds of skin which need adjusting usually under a local anaesthetic.
• Venous thrombosis