Tummy Tuck

Q: I have been considering a tummy tuck but am afraid of the pain with this procedure. Is there a less painful alternative?

A: An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is undoubtedly one of the more extensive body contouring procedures. The procedure involves the surgical removal of excess skin and fatty tissue of the abdomen as well as tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles. It is a form of excisional body contouring whereby the extra tissues are surgically removed. For women who have had children, the underlying muscles have often separated and stretched causing a so-called diastasis recti. This diastasis or separation is sutured together creating a tight abdominal wall which acts much like a muscle corset. The tighter the corset, the better the overall shape and contour that can be obtained.

Unfortunately, surgical muscle tightening is ultimately what causes pain. Historically, abdominoplasty procedures have always been associated with a painful recovery. For the past 4 years, I have been using a sophisticated pain control mechanism called the Stryker Pain Pump. This device was first developed for orthopedic surgeons who use it after shoulder, knee or hip surgery. The pump is a completely automated device that delivers a long-acting anesthetic agent via thin catheters to the site of pain. For the orthopedic patient, this usually involves a joint. For tummy tuck patients, the catheters are positioned directly on top of the muscles that have been stitched together. The pump lasts 3-5 days and has dramatically reduced the pain associated with surgery, with some patients actually having no pain at all. For most, the need for additional pain medications is significantly decreased thereby reducing narcotic related complications and speeding the recovery process. For my practice this device has proven extremely effective and I use it for all of my tummy tuck patients. For more information log onto my website at www.drhainer.com or www.stryker.com/instruments/painmanagement.