Suitable candidates for abdominoplasty are mainly patients who have excess skin, fat or even stretch marks in the area of the abdomen (stretch marks of the skin below the level of umbilicus can be removed with abdominoplasty) and those who have also diastasis recti abdominis. This is more common after a pregnancy but also after massive weight loss. Abdominoplasty results in a mild weight loss and is performed mainly to reshape the contour of the abdomen. In no case is it a means of dealing with obesity.
Classic abdominoplasty
Classic abdominoplasty is indicated for patients who have excess fat or skin in the lower abdomen. That part of the abdomen between the belly button and the pubes is removed and the belly button is “transferred” to its new position. A key advantage of classic abdominoplasty is that before suturing the skin, the underlying abdominal muscles are tightened (rectus diastasis is repaired), which helps to improve the shape of the abdomen and reduce the waist circumference.
Mini abdominoplasty
Mini abdominoplasty is indicated mainly for patients with a small excess of skin and fat in the lower abdomen, which does not justify a classical abdominoplasty.
Incisions
The extent and location of incisions will depend on the type of abdominoplasty. During the first six weeks scars will be pink / red and then they will fade to white. Scar maturation takes up to more than a year. In most cases, the quality of scars will be extremely good in the future. In rare cases, hypertrophic or keloid scars may form, but this can be predicted by the way other wounds have healed in the past (complete medical history is always taken before each surgery).
FACT
Abdominoplasty results in a mild weight loss and is performed mainly to reshape the contour of the abdomen.
DURATION
1-3 hours
TECHNIQUE
General anesthesia
RECOVERY
1-2 months
Duration of the procedure
Depending on the type of operation, duration may vary from 1 hour to 3 hours in most cases. While classic abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia, mini abdominoplasty can also be performed under local anesthesia and sedation.
Hospital stay
You will be hospitalized for one or two nights. Mini abdominoplasty can be performed as a day case.
Drainages
Placement of surgical drains to remove a possible unwanted small collection of blood / fluid is probable during surgery and they will remain under the skin in the area of the abdomen for 48 hours to 72 hours, while in rare cases they may need to remain for a longer period of time.
Absence from work
People differ with regard to their recovery time. In general, however, patients should be given at least two weeks to recover. Patients whose work involves a lot of movement or manual labor may need more time.
Abdominoplasty has immediate, visible results. However, the result is constantly improving, as the tissues soften and regain their optimal shape and form after four to six months.
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