Dear Doctor: I have had Gastric Bypass surgery with a 130 pound weight loss. I am interested in information on Abdominoplasty.

Dear Reader: Abdominoplasty or the "tummy tuck" operation is a plastic surgical procedure designed to improve the waistline and lower abdomen. Like liposuction, abdominoplasty is not a short cut to weight loss and generally is most successful in those men and women without generalized obesity, but with a localized area of excessive abdominal skin and fat, and who exercise good nutritional and fitness habits. From your description it sounds as though you would be a good candidate for this surgery. After surgery it would be important for you to consult with a professional about maintaining your new figure in a healthy way.

Abdominoplasty is usually performed as an outpatient surgical procedure under general anesthesia, but an overnight stay may be recommended. During your preoperative consultation the amount of excess skin and fat to be removed will be determined by you and your surgeon. The incision is designed low on the abdomen, usually hidden in the "panty line," but usually leaves a visible scar. Although the overall body contour and figure are greatly improved, poor quality skin with stretch marks will remain, but without the excessive bulges. Convalescence usually takes from four to six weeks during which time the abdomen may feel tight, requiring loose clothing and guarded activity.

Complications related to abdominoplasty are rare but do include infection, poor scarring, asymmetries, prolonged abdominal wall discomfort, tightness of surrounding areas, collections of serum under the skin and blood clots under the skin. Rarely, healing problems related to poor blood supply to the skin or fat occur, with a possibility of skin loss. Again, these problems are more common in individuals that are obese or who smoke. Although abdominoplasty is one of the more extensive cosmetic procedures undertaken, the improvements in certain figure faults can be dramatic with an overall improvement in your body contour.

I perform strictly facial and nasal plastic and reconstructive surgery; however we have other highly trained surgeons who perform body procedures. They can look over pictures from you and then make recommendations. Or, you may prefer to schedule a one-on-one consultation. A consultation should provide you with a great deal of information about your particular problem, even if surgery is not recommended. The fee for the consultation varies depending on the complexity of the problem and the amount of time required for the evaluation, but generally costs less than one hundred dollars. I am having one of our coordinators send you an information packet which includes, among other things, my patient information book The Image in the Mirror.

If you would like information on anything related to plastic or reconstructive surgery, or would like your own FREE copy of The Image in the Mirror, call the McCollough Plastic Surgery Clinic at 967- 7000 or visit us at www.mccolloughinstitute. com.

If you would like to ask Dr. McCollough a question, email him at info@mccolloughinstitute. com. All correspondence may be used in future columns; however, names and any personal information will be kept completely confidential. Please be advised that email is not a secure form of communication unless it is delivered across a secure server. If you have any questions regarding whether your email is secure or not, please call us before emailing us with any personal information.