Home> Plastic Surgery>

Abdominoplasty

What is abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty consists of the removal of excess skin and abdominal fat and the correction of muscle flaccidity, to achieve a flatter, firmer abdomen and a narrower waist.
 
I want an appointment.

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

If you are concerned about an accumulation of fat or excess skin in the abdominal area and you have not seen improvement despite diet or physical exercise, you could be a good candidate. Women who have gone through several pregnancies, after which it costs to recover a flat stomach or a smooth skin, are also good candidates.

In case of significant overweight you should wait and lose weight before undergoing a tummy tuck.

 

Tummy tuck surgery

The abdominoplasty procedure usually lasts between 2 and 3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. It is made through a long incision from one hip to the other, just above the pubis and a second incision around the navel, in order to separate it from the surrounding tissues.

The skin of the abdominal wall is then pulled upward to the ribs, exposing the abdominal muscles. These muscles are tightened and joined in the midline, so that we achieve a firm abdominal wall and a narrower waist. The separated skin is stretched towards the pubis and the excess skin is removed. We place the navel in its new position.

Finally, sutures are made and a bandage and a temporary drainage tube are placed to eliminate excess fluids that may accumulate in the operated area.

 

After abdominoplasty

During the first days after a tummy tuck the abdomen is usually somewhat swollen and you may notice some discomfort or pain that will be controlled with medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you will stay a day or two at the clinic. At first it is advisable not to stretch completely but you should start walking as soon as possible.

The external points of the skin will be removed between 5 and 7 days; the internal points in 2 or 3 weeks. You will have to wear an abdominal belt for a month (day and night), which will help reduce inflammation of the abdomen.

If your physical condition before surgery is good, the recovery after the abdominoplasty will be faster. You can usually return to work 2 to 4 weeks after the intervention. Physical exercise will help you recover earlier, and will help reduce inflammation, decrease the possibility of venous thrombus formation and tone muscles. At first, however, you should avoid heavy exercise.

 

The results

You have to wait 9 months to 1 year for the scar to flatten and lighten. The scar, although permanent, will not be visible even when wearing a bikini or swimsuit.

Abdominoplasty provides excellent results in patients whose abdominal muscles are weakened and have excess skin and fat. In most cases the results are definitive, as long as it is accompanied by a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Techniques

Before a tummy tuck: The incision is placed over the pubic area to allow excess skin and fat to be removed.

The skin is separated from the abdominal wall, up to the ribs.

The muscles and tissues of the abdominal wall are approximated to achieve a narrower and longer waist.

Excess skin is removed; in complete tummy tucks the navel is repositioned.

After a tummy tuck: The abdomen is flatter and narrower. The scars, although definitive, become less visible over time.