Abdominoplasty is a procedure in which excess skin and fatty tissue on the abdomen, often caused by significant weight gain or loss, are removed. The excess skin and fat in the abdominal area can be a significant aesthetic and psychological burden and may also lead to significant health difficulties.
It is an excellent method when serious muscle laxity occurs, often after multiple pregnancies, which cannot be improved through diet and exercise. The goal of the surgery is to reduce fat tissue on the abdomen and create an aesthetically pleasing appearance - a flatter and tighter abdominal wall.
The procedure itself can be combined with liposuction, and if necessary, the separated muscles of the abdominal wall can be reconstructed. There are various types of abdominoplasty, depending on the specific issues involved.
During a standard abdominoplasty, excess skin and fat tissue from the abdominal wall between the groin and the navel are removed. The abdominal muscles are tightened, and the skin is sutured. The scar is located in the lower abdominal area, above the pubic hairline, and around the navel. The procedure typically takes about three hours, and drains are usually removed the next day.
In a mini abdominoplasty, a smaller amount of excess skin below the navel is removed, leaving a small scar above the pubic hairline. There is no scar around the navel. It is possible to correct looseness or hernia in the abdominal wall area at the same time.
With a circumferential abdominoplasty, excess skin and fat tissue are removed from the hips and back, and the scar is positioned around the hips towards the lower back.
In vertical abdominoplasty, also known as fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty (due to the shape resembling a lily), a vertical incision is added to standard abdominoplasty to reduce excess skin along the entire circumference of the abdomen. An additional vertical scar is formed, extending upwards in relation to the horizontal incision, reaching the area above the navel.
Typical candidates for this procedure are women with excess skin in the abdominal area resulting from pregnancy, as well as individuals, both male and female, with weak abdominal muscles and a protruding abdomen. Patients who, despite exercise, cannot tighten the skin on the abdominal wall and achieve a smooth and flat abdomen are also excellent candidates for this procedure. Those who have lost a significant amount of body weight may be candidates for a specific type of vertical abdominoplasty or a procedure to lift the lower part of the body.
Recovery largely depends on the complexity of the procedure itself. After the surgery, you can expect moderate pain, which can be alleviated with pain medication. Within a week or two, you should be able to perform light activities without discomfort. Engaging in sports may not be possible for at least five weeks, especially in cases where the abdominal muscles are tightened with stitches.
It is recommended to wear an abdominal binder, which helps reduce swelling and contributes to a sense of comfort during the first month after the surgery.