Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty or tummy-tuck is surgery to remove excess fat and excess skin from the abdominal area and to restore relaxed muscles. With abdominoplasty, the size of the abdomen is dramatically reduced and the overall image of the body improves.

Abdominoplasty or tummy-tuck: Statistics

The first abdominoplasty was applied in 1899 in Baltimore. Since then, the technique has evolved and millions of interventions have been carried out to correct abdominal imperfections throughout the world. Nowadays, abdominoplasty is the fourth most popular plastic surgery operation on a global scale. In our country there are about 15,000 plastic surgery every year with abdominoplasty holding fifth place with 8%.

Abdominoplasty (tummy-tuck) or liposuction

Many people face this dilemma because they mistakenly believe that liposuction is the procedure they should take to correct the unsightly problem of the loose abdomen. Liposuction can not solve the problem of relaxed muscles located in the abdominal wall. The surgery that gives the solution to the loose skin and streaks (stretch marks) is abdominoplasty. Liposuction will remove the local fat, but it will probably create a greater aesthetic problem because relaxation will worsen. Liposuction is indicated for people who do not experience a problem of laxation but accumulation of local fat. In case there is too much excess fat, abdominoplasty is combined with liposuction on the flanks.

Abdominoplasty: Who are the right candidates?

Suitable to proceed to abdominoplasty are:

• Women and men characterized by good general health and can not get rid of the skin laxation but also the shape of the belly despite diet and gymnastics.

• People who have undergone bariatric procedures to deal with obesity and laxation are overlooked

• women after pregnancies showing stretch marks and laxation in the abdominal muscles

Abdominoplasty: Types

Classical abdominoplasty is the surgery performed to remove large amounts of unnecessary fat and skin. It requires general anesthesia and many need to reposition the navel in a new position after removing the fat surrounding it. The incision is as an extended  caesarian incision.

Mini abdominoplasty is the procedure used in people whose body weight does not differ greatly from normal and the degree of relaxation is relatively small. It is done in the lower part of the abdomen (below the navel). The incision that is opened is much smaller and the scar that will be left will be almost imperceptible. Mini abdominoplasty is performed with local anesthesia and sedation and does not require the patient to stay in the hospital.

Abdominoplasty: Analyzing the procedure of the operation

In fact, this is a simple procedure in which the plastic surgeon makes an incision above the pubic area, as an extended Caesarian incision. The incision  can be hidden in the underwear or swimsuit.  Then remove excess fat and unnecessary skin and tighten the musces of the abdominal wall. Abdominoplasty is not performed to lose unnecessary weight but to restore the aesthetic problem in the abdomend. Finally, the doctor places two drains (tubes) to collect the fluids.. The duration of the intervention is proportional to the problem we have to deal with. It can take between two and four hours.

Consultation before abdominoplasty

Before any examination of either general or plastic surgery, examinations are performed for precautionary reasons. So before undergoing abdominoplasty you will need to take the following examinations:

• general urine

• generalized blood

• biochemical blood

• electrocardiogram

• chest X-ray

Abdominoplasty : Postoperative course

Classical abdominoplasty requires the patient to remain in the hospital or clinic for 1  day. The patient returns home by wearing a special pressure belly belt. This belt should be worn for the next 4 to 6 weeks, both because it helps in the comfort of the movements and because it contributes to the faster healing of the muscles. After 4 to 5 days, the patient is able to carry out all his daily activities with caution without making sharp movements. The return to work takes place after about 10 to 12 days.

In mini abdominoplasty recovery is faster and the return to work can take place in 5 to 7 days.

Abdominoplasty is painful?

Every person understands pain differently. Abdominoplasty could be described as an operation that has moderate pain in the postoperative phase. By administering simple analgesics, it is completely dealt with and should not concern you. The result is what counts and in this case it is spectacular.

Possible complications

Complications from abdominoplasty are rare and are mainly due to the patient’s non-compliance with the plastic surgeon’s instructions and to a lesser extent to genetic factors.

1. Infection or slow healing occurs primarily in smokers and did not stop smoking at least 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after abdominoplasty.

2. Very rare occurrence of hypertrophic or keloid scars due to genetic factors.

Please note that any complications occurring are treated with appropriate medical intervention without any particular problem.