ABDOMINOPLASTY

The surgical procedure of abdominoplasty, known as tummy tuck, promises to make your abdomen flat by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. It can also remove some, if not all, of the stretch marks on the lower abdomen. It is popular after pregnancy and after massive weight loss. Most patients report improvement of their self-esteem, as a result of abdominoplasty.

When to consider abdominoplasty  

• If you have fat, stretch marks or excess skin in your abdomen which do not improve with diet or exercise.
• If the appearance of your abdomen is affected by pregnancy or massive weight loss.
• If you feel that showing your belly is not at all attractive.
• If your confidence suffers because of this part of your body.

As with all types of cosmetic surgery, abdominoplasty also has its advantages and disadvantages, all of which we are going to discuss in detail when you visit my clinic.

Clearly, abdominoplasty will offer you a flat stomach and your body will look more youthful. We must not forget the incision, which stretches from one iliac crest to the other, or the incision of mini abdominoplasty, a small one like a caesarean section. In any case, this is covered by your underwear or bathing suit and, in order for it to improve significantly, I will prescribe silicone sheets and, when the time is right, I will recommend Fraxel Restore laser treatment, which reduces the length and thickness of the incision and smooths it out impressively.

If you are planning to have a child it would be recommended to postpone the surgery to avoid a negative impact on its outcome.

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How to know if I need abdominoplasty

There comes a time when you realize that your efforts through diet and exercise are not producing the desired results and cannot change the appearance of your saggy and protruding abdomen.

The following are some of the most common reasons why you might want to consider abdominoplasty:

• Ageing, heredity, pregnancy, previous surgery or weight fluctuations have left excess skin on your abdomen or abdominal muscle weakness, or both.
• You do not smoke. Smoking slows the healing process and increases the risk of serious complications during and after surgery. If you smoke, you should quit smoking at least six weeks prior to surgery.
• Your weight is stable. Lean individuals with additional fat and loose skin in the lower abdomen are the best candidates. If you are obese, this process is not suitable for you.
• If you have a significant amount of abdominal fat around your internal organs, you may need to slim down before abdominoplasty.
• You are physically healthy. You need to be in relatively good physical condition to have surgery.
• You have completed childbearing. The muscles that are repaired during an abdominoplasty can be separated again during a future pregnancy.
• Internal or external scars from any previous abdominal surgery may also affect your eligibility for surgery.

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How abdominoplasty is performed

The operation begins with the surgical removal of the anterior abdominal wall and simultaneous repositioning of the belly button. It is usually combined with liposuction if there is local fat accumulation, particularly on the sides of the body.

Knowing every detail of your medical history and having carried out the necessary preoperative checks, we will avoid all trouble.

Taking drugs such as contraceptives should be discontinued for one month and taking anticoagulants must be stopped (e.g. aspirin) 10 days prior to surgery.

The abdominoplasty requires general anesthesia, but in some cases it can be done under local anesthesia and sedation in the presence of anesthesiologist.

The surgery takes place in an organized operating room and requires a hospital stay of one day. Pain after abdominoplasty is not very intense and usually subsides with analgesics, such as Depon, Ponstan or Lonarid. Patients return to their daily activities after about two weeks.