Abdominoplasty is a surgical operation of the lower and middle abdomen that corrects the disfavour of the stomach, whether it is excess fat or skin or muscle alterations.
The operation tightens the muscles of the inner abdominal wall. The method is very popular in women after pregnancy and in both sexes after significant weight loss due to bariatric surgery. The result is a flatter, firmer and healthier stomach.
Main reasons for having an abdominoplasty
Although a tummy tuck can be a partial cosmetic procedure, it can also be like a complete and reconstructive surgery:
- Abnormalities caused by pregnancy, obesity, severe weight loss, trauma, tumors or other diseases
- Correct structural defects of the abdomen
- Improve the function of the abdominal muscles
- Removal of abdominal hernia
- Removal of excess skin from the abdominal apron
Types of Abdominoplasty
Full tummy tuck
An incision at the level of the pubis allows the surgeon to peel off the skin of the belly, to section the cutaneous and fatty excess then to put back in tension the muscles "rectum" abdominal. The healthy skin is then draped down. The navel is repositioned.
Mini Abdominoplasty
The mini-tummy tuck is operated on patients with small bellies rounded between the navel and the pubis. The abdominal muscles are not affected to the point that requires a complete tummy tuck. The incision for the operation is the same as the cesarean section. Liposuction is used as an additional method to remove excess fat and the skin on the abdomen is pulled out as much as possible. The navel is not repositioned during such an operation.
During the operation
The surgery is done under general anesthesia and lasts about two hours. An incision at the level of the pubis allows the surgeon to peel off the skin of the belly, to section the cutaneous and fatty excess then to put back in tension the muscles "rectum" abdominal. The healthy skin is then draped down. The navel is repositioned. After surgery, patients wear a special medical corset. The drains are placed for two days and then removed. It is important that patients make as much effort as possible to move around after surgery to improve blood circulation. Pain relievers are prescribed to relieve pain and discomfort. Maintaining physical activity and load movements is necessary in the coming weeks.
Abdominoplasty or liposuction?
Patients with damaged skin on the lower abdomen after fatness or drastic weight loss are patients whose tummy needs to be straightened with an abdominoplasty. If there is an accumulation of unwanted fatty tissue in the area and skin elasticity is preserved, the procedure can be combined with liposuction.
Combination with other procedures
Abdominoplasty can be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation or liposuction of another part of the body. This combined surgical procedure creates a complete body change.
Are there any scars left?
Unfortunately, scarring is an inevitable part of all invasive procedures. For women with a cesarean section, the scar will remain the same size. Most patients view the physical and emotional change after surgery as a major benefit and the scarring as a side effect. Surgeons try to minimize postoperative scarring and the scars can be treated with lasers to whiten them within a year.
What happens in a subsequent pregnancy?
For best results, women are recommended not to plan for a subsequent pregnancy (one and a half years). This step is the key to maintaining postoperative results.
For more information, contact your medical consultant.