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.
