Abdominoplasty
Description
This technique is indicated for patients with excess abdominal fat and skin and consists of the removal of excess abdominal skin and fat and the relocation of abdominal muscles (diastasis correction), leaving behind a suprapubic and a periumbilical scar. As a result, we achieve the flattening and stretching of the region, and sculpturing of the waist. It is important to point out that this is NOT a replacement of diet. Sometimes this process fails in removing all the streaks in the area, and it only removes the ones in the infraabdominal suprapubic region.
Length of Results
Permanent, if the patient does not have states of great obesity or prolonged inactivity. With physical exercise and a balanced diet, it is easy to maintain the results. If it is possible, plan this intervention when you are not going to get pregnant in the short term.
Details
Surgical time: from 2 to 4 hours.
Anaesthesia: general or high epidural sedation. Rarely local anaesthesia with sedation.
Hospitalisation: usually one day, maximum 72 hours. After surgery a medical girdle will be put on.
Postoperative Care: drains will be removed after 24-48 hours. Two days after surgery the patients will go to the clinic for wound care. Removal of stitches: within 10-15 days.
Recovery: rest at home 2-4 weeks. For normal life, more or less 1 month and for exercise, 2-3 months (gradually).
Process
Day 1
- Arrival in clinic
-
Consultation with the plastic surgeon:
- Diagnostic confirmation and indication for surgery (30 min.)
- Preoperative test: blood test, X-ray and EKG.
-
Consultation with anaesthesiologist.
- Back to hotel.
Day 2
- Admission to the clinic in the morning and nothing to eat for six hours before admission time. No other drinks or foodstuffs to be taken.
- Surgery approx. 9.00 h.
- After surgery a girdle will be put on.
- Stay in the clinic in a single room with a bed for a companion.
Day 3
- Discharge from hospital after the surgeon's assessment.
- Transfer to hotel
Day 4
- Visit the clinic for wound care and drains removal.
Day 5 a 8
- The patient stays at the hotel and can do all the activities recommended by the doctor.
Day 9
- Removal of stitches
- Ready to go/fly back home.
Frequently asked questions
Is it painful?
After the surgery the patient will feel pain and discomfort that are made more intense by walking, that will reduce with the analgesic treatment. The feeling of tightness in the abdominal region will eventually disappear.
What kind of anaesthesia is the most recommended?
The procedure is usually done under general anaesthesia, but in some cases epidural anaesthesia can be used.
How long is the hospital stay?
The patient can stand up and walk the day after surgery and is usually hospitalised for one or two days.
How many days are required to get back to a normal life?
The patient will have a significant recovery after a month, although the return to work may happen earlier depending on the type of work involved.
What are the risks?
Occasionally after surgery, fluid may accumulate under the skin forming a seroma. Though removing a seroma is painless. Some potential complications - as in all surgical interventions - may include bleeding, infection, and reactions to anaesthesia. Temporary numbness on the abdomen may also occur but usually resolves spontaneously. Impaired wound healing and skin necrosis (much less common) are possible complications, which may require additional treatment.
What precautions should I take?
Before surgery, the patient can benefit from weight loss. At least 15 days before surgery, the patient should stop smoking and taking drugs like aspirin, which can alter the blood coagulation
The patient should wear a girdle for at least 1-2 months after surgery.
How is the scar?
The scar will be longer or shorter depending on the amount of tissue resected. It is located in the lower abdomen so it is covered by underwear or bathing suits and it will go, blurring over time.
In some cases it requires a correction.