Description
This is a more invasive procedure used to treat the excess of fat on cutaneous and sub-cutaneous tissue, with or without abdominal muscle wall repair.
In order to optimise the aesthetic result, liposuction can usually be used before, during or after this surgical approach. After removal of excess fat, the umbilical scar is replaced.
Other scars are usually around the umbilicus, or hidden by the pubic hair, in a similar position as the caesarean scar.
The umbilical scar is imperceptible, whereas the inferior, pubic scar is as long as the amount of excess fat and the outcome is strongly linked to the individual characteristics of each patient. Surgery usually needs hospital admission for two days.
Anesthesia
Abdominoplasty should be performed with a general anaesthesia. However, some surgeons will choose local anaesthesia combined with a sedative. In this case, the patient will remain awake during the operation, but may feel some discomfort in the abdominal area.
Indications
Abdominoplasty is indicated for patients with an excess of abdominal skin (due to multiple pregnancies or to drastic weight loss) and for laxity of the abdominal muscles.
Risks, complications and side effects
One of the most important complications is the incomplete correction of the irregularities of the body shape. Systemic complications are rare and include: serous fluid accumulation, infections, perforation of the pleura, abdominal cavity or gallbladder, and, also thrombo-embolic complications such as pulmonary embolism.
Also important for achieving good results is the post-surgical treatment using lymphatic drainage, or the use of ultrasound therapy or hyaluronic acid injections. This programme is designed to achieve the best possible results and will last at least 3 weeks.
After surgery, patients should maintain an adequate food regimen and should exercise more often. In the event they gain weight, the distribution will be homogeneous.
Post-operative care
Patients should feel some discomfort for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. That pain can be minimised with pain relief medication.
The patient should always wear a panty girdle with stomach reinforcement, except for bathing. This girdle will offer some comfort and will help to reduce swelling.
Recovery time
Recovery time varies from patient to patient, but the majority will resume working five to seven days after treatment.