Prior to surgery, Dr. James will assess how much excess fat and loose skin you
have in your abdomen as well as the condition of your stomach muscles.

The standard abdominoplasty incision is made above the pubic area extends in a
horizontal line toward the pelvic bones. Effort is always taken to keep the incision
below the line of a bathing suit or undergarment.

There are several approaches to this procedure depending upon the amount of skin
and fat to be removed. Because there are several possible approaches that can be
used for this surgery, Dr. James will talk to you about the method he feels will
achieve the best result in your case.

It is possible to experience tissue loss where the abdominoplasty incision is made if
the procedure is extensive. Tissue loss happens more in those who smoke or have
diabetes.

Other risks include fluid accumulation under the skin though accumulated fluid can
be removed painlessly in several office visits.

You will be given a support garment to wear for several weeks and you should not
sit for long periods in the week after your surgery.

While bruising and swelling disappear over a few weeks, numbness in some areas of
the abdomen may persist for several months.

Scars will be deep in color for some time following surgery and will likely always be
visible. In some cases, scars eventually fade to very faint lines.