Surgery performed for the removal of excess abdominal skin and fat, and to correct muscular flaccidity of the abdomen. This surgical procedure may be performed in males and females.
The surgery usually takes 2 to 3 hours and it is performed at a hospital, with the need for hospital admittance for a day. Most frequently used anesthetics are epidural or general anesthesia. Patients may return to their normal activities after 2 to 3 weeks, and should abstain from more strenuous activities for a period of 8 weeks. Postoperative pain is well managed with the use of common painkillers.
Edemas, bruising or suture dehiscence may occur. Abdominoplasty may be combined with liposuction to better improve the silhouette of the abdomen or to reduce the size of the incisions. Post-op physical therapy sessions are strongly recommended for several weeks following the surgery.
For less severe cases, the patient may opt for a mini-tuck abdominoplasty. When compared to the traditional abdominoplasty, the mini-tuck abdominoplasty removes a smaller amount of excess skin and the size of the incisions are also smaller.
Drains are usuallyunnecessary. The patient will need to wear a dressing on the area of the surgery, as well as a compression garment for a period of approximately 10 weeks.
Frequently asked questions:
1. WHAT IS ABDOMINOPLASTY?
It is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen, as well as to tighten abdominal muscles.
2. WHEN IS THIS PROCEDURE RECOMMENDED?
Abdominoplasty is often sought by patients whose abdominal contour suffered as a result of obesity, by individuals presenting skin flaccidity or sagginess after pregnancy or weight loss, or by those with scarring from a precedent surgery. The overall appearance of the body is improved by the reduction and reshaping of the skin and abdominal fat. Abdominoplasty is not intended as a weight loss method, or as a cure for obesity.
3. HOW CAN THIS PROCEDURE HELP ME?
When considering abdominoplasty, the first step you must take is to consult with your plastic surgeon. You should discuss your goals and expectations with your surgeon of choice, and then your plastic surgeon will determine if this surgery is appropriate for you. You may also be a candidate for lipoabdominoplasty, which is a procedure that combines abdominoplasty and liposuction. You must always keep in mind that your goal is to improve your appearance, and not to achieve perfection.
4. HOW IMPORTANT ARE PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS IN REGARD TO THIS PROCEDURE?
Emotional stability is a determining preliminary factor and must be considered before any type of plastic surgery is executed. A “new body” does not guarantee a new life or the elimination of one’s personal problems. A successful result is determined, in most cases, by the frame of mind of the patient. Abdominoplasty can significantly improve your appearance and renew your self-confidence.
5. HOW IS ABDOMINOPLASTY PERFORMED?
This procedure is done with the use of general anesthesia. Excess skin and fat are removed from the middle and lower abdomen, and abdominal muscles are tightened. In some patients, this level is repositioned.
6. DOES THE PROCEDURE LEAVE SCARS?
Scars are inevitable results of surgical procedures, but your surgeon will make every effort possible to leave them inconspicuous. In some cases, scars can be hidden beneath the tan line and made barely noticeable. In any case, the healing process of each individual is different, and results may vary from patient to patient.
7. WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?
Final results vary from patient to patient. Patients who are near their ideal/normal weight and that present some flaccidity of the abdominal skin, slight excess of fat, or protracting abdominal muscles obtain best results.
8. DO I NEED TO BE ADMITTED TO A HOSPITAL FOR THIS PROCEDURE?
Hospital admittance is needed. Generally patients remain hospitalized for a period of time of a few days, though there are cases in which the patient is cleared for discharge after only one day. The length of your hospitalization will depend on your general health, the extension of the procedure, and your surgeon’s assessment.
9. WHEN CAN I GO BACK TO MY USUAL ACTIVITIES?
Healing time varies from patient to patient, though most patients return to their normal activities after a period of 2 to 4 weeks. However, patients should abstain from more strenuous activities for a period of 6 weeks. After abdominoplasty, patients may feel tensing of the skin in the lower abdomen and even some desensitization of the area. This should not be a cause of concern, for it is normal and goes away with time. Patients may also experience build up of fluid under the skin. On such cases, it is necessary to drain the area. Infections are rare and easily treated with antibiotics.
Before and After - The Federal Board of Medicine forbids the display of pictures of patients who underwent plastic surgery.
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