Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty

 

The reasons why patients take into consideration the plastic surgery of the abdominal wall are different. The most common are:

  • Stretched, slender folds of the abdomen and stretch marks after pregnancy, which are difficult to get rid of by means of diet, exercise and other cosmetic procedures
  • Significant weight loss and “no fit” of the skin to the new silhouette

The good news is that regardless of the reasons and motivation, abdominoplasty comes to the Patients with help. Combining modern technologies and the experience of a doctor, the operation of abdominoplasty can bring the desired results. The doctor will remove the excess loose skin, and the patient will gain tight skin and a smooth, flat stomach. While performing liposuction surgery, the plastic surgeon will get rid of fatty tissue and carve a shapely, natural belly and waist. It can also change the position of the navel, if necessary.

 

For whom?

Tummy tuck is aimed at people who are affected by the following problems:

  • the separation of abdominal muscles as a result of pregnancy or weight gain
  • abdominal fat deposits that do not respond to physical exertion or diet
  • loose, drooping skin after pregnancy or significant weight loss
  • the appearance of stretch marks between the navel and the pubic line

Health status Patients opting for abdominoplasty should be at least good. It is also important to involve the patient in the process of recovery, readiness to comply with medical recommendations (including, for example, quitting smoking) and maintaining a stable weight after surgery (abdominoplasty is not a slimming procedure). This surgery is best done after the birth of the last child, because re-conceiving may change the effect of the operation.

Tummy tuck – before surgery

During the initial consultation, the doctor will discuss with the patient the planned surgery and its results, so that the patient can make the final decision. It is also an ideal moment to ask any questions and provide detailed answers. The consultation also serves to familiarize with the medical history of the patient, thanks to which the doctor can be sure that the surgery can be performed safely without any risk to the patient’s health or life. Smokers should know that nicotine can cause post-operative complications, so your doctor will advise you to stop it a few weeks before the planned operation.

The patient should complete the initial consultation with the feeling that he has obtained all the necessary information about the appropriate preparation for the operation of abdominoplasty, its course and period of convalescence. He must also be sure that abdominoplasty is a procedure that will fully meet his expectations as to the appearance after treatment.

Types of abdominoplasty procedures

The plastic surgeon will adapt the type of procedure to the scope and level of the required abdominal correction, patient’s expectations and its safety during the operation. The doctor can choose between the following options:

Traditional (full) abdominoplasty

This is the most common type of abdominoplasty, including a cut that runs just under the line of panties, between the hip bones. Thanks to such a prolonged incision, the surgeon can shape the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin. During the procedure, liposuction can be performed to further smooth out and sculpt the belly. Typically, the position of the navel also changes, which results in a more natural effect.

A small abdominoplasty (miniabdominoplasty)

This is abdominoplasty with a limited, smaller incision that may be recommended for patients whose abdomen requires correction only below the navel. The incision is made under the line of underpants, below the pubic symphysis, but is usually much shorter than in the case of traditional abdominoplasty. Excess skin is cut out, and the abdominal muscles are modeled to remove the bulge and create a flatter stomach. In this case, the navel usually does not require a change of position.

Tummy tuck “fleur de lis”

This type of abdominoplasty is usually reserved for patients undergoing bariatric surgery, in which a significant amount of unnecessary skin affects the positive effect of slimming. The procedure combines a horizontal incision of the entire abdomen, with a perpendicular incision running into the center of the torso. An additional incision allows removing a larger amount of skin, both from the middle part of the abdomen and its sides. It may also be necessary to change the position of the navel to achieve the most natural effect.

Belly-shaped abdominoplasty

This procedure brings the greatest effects and correction possibilities to Patients after a bariatric surgery. It is designed for those who have dropped 40 kg or more, and have a huge amount of loose skin around the torso. In addition to profiling the abdomen, this procedure allows you to remove unnecessary skin around the hips, sides and buttocks. As the name suggests – the incision runs completely around the centre of the body, allowing you to get spectacular, three-dimensional results.

 

What does the operation of abdominoplasty look like?

Typically, the operation of abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia, which requires at least one night spent in the hospital. As a result, the Patient is provided with professional care. Such medical treatment also minimizes the risk of possible postoperative complications. The operation takes two to four hours, depending on how large the area needs to be adjusted. Wounds are closed with absorbable sutures and drains are left to prevent hematoma.

 

Recovery

Recovery is usually longer than other treatments of this type. Most patients return to regular activity within 3-4 weeks. Up to six weeks after the procedure, the patient should avoid strenuous exercise and lifting heavy objects. After completing convalescence, the patient can enjoy lasting effects of surgery – a flat, firmed belly. The condition is, however, to maintain a constant body weight.