What is the Purpose of Placing a Patient in a Chair While Performing a Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Question

Hi, my stomach is completely covered in a lot of stretch marks. I had a consultation for a tummy tuck and the doctor mentioned something about possibly making the incision higher on my sides to remove some more of the stretch marks on my hips. Also, the doctor mentioned something about possibly having me placed in a chair during the surgery. I'm confused about what the purpose of placing me in a chair during the surgery is. Can you please explain what the purpose is of using a chair? Thank you.

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. We use surgery tables which can be folded up into a chair, and this is just to bend the patient a little to reduce the tension on the incision when closing the incision. I hope this helps.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Flexing the table at the time of abdominoplasty is a way of removing some tension and allowing slightly more skin and fat to be removed.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Most likely your surgeon was mentioned placing you in a seating position during the surgery.  When the surgery starts, you will be lying flat on the table.  However, after the skin is elevated, the operative table is transformed in a "beach chair" configuration" so you bend at the waist.  This allows the surgeon to pull your skin tighter and make your stomach even flatter.

	 

	Good Luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am as confused as you are; therefore best to ask the plastic surgeon what exactly he was referring to.

	 My best guess would be: during the closure  portion of the tummy tuck  procedure, plastic surgeons will place the patient in the flexed ( beach chair) position  to allow for avoidance of tension upon closure.

	 I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

Randy Proffitt, MD · Answer

Your Surgeon was referring to the way we determine how much skin to remove.  The Operating table flexes at the hip level.  It is electrically powered so that when it comes time to excise skin, the table is flexed.  This allows more skin to be excised and closed without tension during surgery.  The abdominal skin will always relax over time.  That is why patients want as much skin and fat removed safely at the time of the tummy tuck.  The downside is that you will have to walk in a bent over position for a few days.  I have never had a patient say "Oh you made my tummy too tight"

What is the Purpose of Placing a Patient in a Chair While Performing a Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Answers (9)

Answer: Positioning during Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Answer: Positioning during Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Answer: Using a Chair during Tummy Tuck Surgery

Answer: Using a Chair during Tummy Tuck Surgery

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What is the Purpose of Placing a Patient in a Chair While Performing a Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Answers (9)

Answer: Positioning during Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Answer: Positioning during Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Answer: Using a Chair during Tummy Tuck Surgery

Answer: Using a Chair during Tummy Tuck Surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.