Abdominoplasty

(Abdominal Plastic Surgery, Abdominal Dermolipectomy, Tummy Tuck)

An abdominoplasty is a procedure aimed at removing all the fat located in the lower abdomen, as well as skin flaccidness around the umbilical region (navel) and stretch marks located along the strip that runs between the navel and the pubis. However, the procedure does not manage to eliminate stretch marks located towards the back of the waist. It is a major surgical procedure that resolves the issue of abdominal aesthetic imbalance in a more radical way than liposculpture.

There is erroneous information regarding this surgery, most of which is generated by exceptional cases of patients operated on by professionals who are not qualified to do so and who, sometimes, simply perform the operation as a complement to other intra-abdominal surgeries, even though this increases surgical risk.

A tummy tuck is a procedure that should be strictly performed by a plastic surgeon.

In those cases where the surgery is to carried out together with another intra-abdominal operation, the plastic surgeon hast to coordinate efforts with the general surgeon or gynecologist.

What type of anesthesia will I receive?

This surgery is performed under epidural anesthesia under sedation, more general epidural anesthesia or general anesthesia.

What is the postoperative pain management therapy?

It consists of a continuous flow of anesthesia administered through a catheter from the moment the patient enters the surgery room and that allows the patient not to experience pain or distress when coming round after surgery. The anesthesia, which is placed by the anesthesiologist or the anesthesiologist assistant, may be maintained for another day, as required by each individual case. You must consult your anesthesiologist or your surgeon if you want to enjoy this current resource that allows to undergo surgery with the least possible discomfort.

How long will my operation last?

Normally, this surgery takes between two and three hours. Duration itself will depend on the extent of tissue to be removed and on your doctor’s surgical skills.

For how long will I be confined?

Given the magnitude of this operation, you will have to be admitted into the clinic the day before in order to facilitate recovery and prevent any complication that may arise. On the following day, after the operation, you may stand up, walk and go back home, but you will have to hunch over, so that your injury and your abdominal muscles are not subjected to too much tension. This position is to be maintained at least during the first week after surgery.

What is exactly done in an abdominal plastic surgery?

A large amount of excess skin and fat is eliminated. During the procedure, the abdominal muscles (the so-called "six-pack", which are very-well defined in athletes) are stitched and joined up at the medial portion in order to give them strength and tonicity. This gives the waist a more curved appearance, too, thus producing the sensation of having worked out for long time. The navel is also placed at the same position it used to have.

Will the scar be visible?

Nowadays, the scar left with the operation can be easily concealed, as it will be located inside the bikini line. They are very discreet scars: imagine a Cesarean section scar, but a bit longer towards the ends. With this technique, we can also eliminate scars left from other previous Cesarean sections or other intra-abdominal operations. After three months, the scar may look reddened, but it will become clearer and will tend to disappear. Generally, a distorted or drooping navel will gain a more juvenile look. In the case of patients who are prone to developing thick scars, we can apply recovery therapies specially designed to avoid this result, with the possibility of giving the scar some retouching six months after surgery.

Can I smoke before or after the surgery? What medications should I not take?

You have to avoid tobacco for at least ten days before your surgery and fifteen days after it. Nicotine is a powerful vasoconstrictor (that is, it blocks blood vessels) that will end up ruining your surgery and, in some cases, it may even entail complications.
Be cautious and take care of your surgery. You must not take aspirin or similar medications before your surgery. If you are under a treatment, you must notify your doctor.

What postoperative precautions should I take?

Wear a girdle for at least four weeks after the operation.
Follow the postoperative therapies suggested by your doctor.
Take due rest. Even though you will feel fine on the following day after surgery, you have to avoid lifting heavy weights during some fifteen days after surgery.
Try to walk hunched over during the first week in order to avoid putting tension on your scar.
Change your position constantly in bed after you leave the operation theater, move your feet, bend your legs. These maneuvers will increase blood circulation in your lower limbs.
Cover the operated area when taking a shower.
Take good care of the injury once the stitches have been removed around the tenth day after surgery.
It is possible to resume walking workout after the third week. However, you will have to wait until the fourth or fifth week to lift weight.

How many pounds will I lose with the surgery?

Naturally, you will lose weight. But what is most important is that you will gain a more harmonious figure, with a well-proportioned abdomen in relation to your torso and limbs.

Will I lose my surgery if I get pregnant?

The result may be preserved, provided that you do not exceed your weight during pregnancy.