Abdominoplasty
What is abdominoplasty surgery
Abdominoplasty is a surgical operation aimed at reshaping and toning the abdomen, eliminating excess skin and fat and, in some cases, correcting the diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles. This procedure is suitable for both men and women who want a flatter and more compact abdomen, contributing to a more harmonious appearance. It is also ideal for correcting the results of significant weight loss, or for removing excess skin after bariatric surgery.
Types of abdominoplasty
The intervention can be of two types:
- Full tummy tuck: This is more invasive and is aimed at patients who need significant removal of skin and fat. During the procedure, the surgeon repositions the abdominal muscles and corrects them the diastasis, if necessary. Liposuction is often also combined to further improve the aesthetic result.
- Mini abdominoplasty: It is less invasive and is perfect for patients with little excess skin tissue and mild dermatochalasis, but with a strong abdominal diastasis. This procedure allows you to reposition the muscles and eliminate excess skin with a personal technique, minimizing scars and returning the abdomen to its original shape, as it was before pregnancies.
Benefits of abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty offers numerous advantages:
- Aesthetic improvement: The patient's entire figure appears slimmed, highlighting the waist and improving body harmony.
- Postural advantages: Restoring the correct position of the abdominal muscles strengthens the abdominal wall and improves posture, reducing the load on the lumbar area.
- Reduction of skin inflammation: The elimination of skin folds reduces the risk of skin inflammation.
- Functional correction: By strengthening the abdominal wall, the operation removes the risk of abdominal hernias and allows the repair of umbilical hernias, improving the overall health of the abdomen.
Ideal candidates
Abdominoplasty is suitable for individuals in good physical health, with realistic expectations. It is particularly useful for:
- Women: Who have had multiple pregnancies and have excess skin or abdominal diastasis
- Men and women: Who have lost significant weight, leaving loose skin on the abdomen.
- Post-bariatric surgery patients: Who need to treat excess skin after bariatric surgery or after significant weight loss.
Scars and recovery
Scars are usually hidden under underwear, and new techniques allow for rapid recovery, allowing the patient to move after a few hours. The result is a natural appearance and improved posture.
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FAQs
The motivation that drives a patient to undergo this operation arises from the aesthetic need to make his abdomen more toned and to proportion it to his body structure. This operation can be useful if any cause, such as significant weight loss (diet and/or bariatric surgery) or pregnancy, causes relaxation of the abdominal wall with a decrease in skin elasticity. Skin resection of the lower abdominal region also allows for the improvement of skin blemishes that are very frequent in this type of patient, such as scars and stretch marks.
This operation has the aim of eliminating excess fat and skin, as well as strengthening the abdominal wall through particular muscle suturing techniques, giving tone to the muscles. However, the purpose of the surgery is not weight loss and is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.
This operation has the aim of eliminating excess fat and skin, as well as strengthening the abdominal wall through particular muscle suturing techniques, giving tone to the muscles. However, the purpose of the surgery is not weight loss and is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.
The operation takes place under general anesthesia and can last two or three hours. The standard abdominoplasty surgical technique involves a transverse incision above the pubis between the two iliac crests. We proceed with the suprafascial dissection of the abdominal wall up to the xiphoid process of the sternum and periumbilical incision with isolation of the navel. If necessary, in the case of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles, the muscular margins are brought together along the midline by means of sutures. The operation proceeds with downward traction of the abdominal wall, with the resection of the excess tissue and the suturing of the margins. The operation ends with the repositioning of the navel and the positioning of suction drains. Compared to the standard procedure, the mini-abdominoplasty requires less dissection of the abdominal wall and does not require umbilical repositioning. At the end of the operation, a compressive bandage is applied, which, once removed, is replaced by an elastic support girdle. In some cases it is also possible to combine liposuction of excess adipose tissue in specific areas.
One or two days of hospitalization is normally required. After approximately 48 hours, the wound is dressed, the compression bandage is removed and the drains are removed. At this point the patient must wear a support girdle for a period of 25-30 days. The sutures are removed approximately 15 days after surgery. In the days following the operation, absolute rest and limitation of movements are recommended. It is preferable to sleep in a semi-sitting position for at least two weeks. After 7-10 days, work activity can be resumed, and, after approximately 40 days, sports activity. Mini-abdominoplasty allows for faster recovery, thanks to the less invasive nature of the operation and the reduced extension of the sutures.
In the first post-operative days, the presence of pain, swelling, redness and bruising in the treated area will be normal. Post-operative discomfort can be controlled with normal painkillers, antiemetics and anti-inflammatories.
There will be two residual scars: a long, transverse "gull wing" scar, suprapubic, easily concealable with normal underwear and a periumbilical scar. In more severe cases, a third vertical suture, subumbilically, perpendicular to the transverse incision may be necessary.
The success of the surgical operation depends on several factors: the initial clinical condition of the patient, the patient's ability to heal, adequate tissue resection and the patient's compliance with the doctor's post-operative instructions (avoid inappropriate movements/exposure in the sun). The abdominal profile desired by the patient will also be achieved with the help of a correct diet and suitable physical exercise.
Complications of the operation may consist of: hematomas and bleeding, infection and delayed healing of the surgical wound, seromas, poor healing, modification of skin sensitivity, skin necrosis, persistent pain, venous thrombophlebitis and abdominal asymmetry.
It is not possible to give an immediate answer to the question about costs, since every surgical procedure requires a preliminary visit to evaluate the cost. Before and after photographs are available on the page Instagram.