PLASTIC AND COSMETIC SURGERY > Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgical intervention used to improve the appearance and contour of the abdominal region. By this procedure the excess skin and fat accumulated in the stomach following pregnancies, obesity and age is removed.

The objectives of abdominoplasty are to reduce and flatten the abdomen giving the appearance of an athletic stomach, by removing excess skin, reducing or eliminating the striations and scars outside the bikini line, also improving the definition of the waist, lessening the thickness of the subcutaneous fat in the whole abdomen and as well as correcting the relaxation of the abdominal wall.

How is abdominoplasty carried out?

Abdominoplasty is generally performed under general anaesthesia.

The surgical operation is designed in accordance with the specific needs and characteristics of each patient.

It is advisable to start the surgery with liposuction of the abdomen to reduce the subcutaneous fat. A transverse cut is made in the lower part of the abdomen, so that the scar will be inside the bikini line The tissues over the muscles are dissected up to the upper part of the abdomen. The muscles are brought close together, moving them towards the centre, therefore improving the waistline. Finally the skin is stretched and any excess removed.

A hole is made in the skin to re-site the umbilicus in its normal position. Finally drainages, which will come out above the pubis, will be put in place and the wounds closed.

Obviously it is different for each patient, since some cases need more fat extracted, whilst others will have more superfluous skin (in this case we talk about either a partial or complete abdominoplasty)

Once the fat and skin are removed, the abdominal muscles are reduced in length and stitched together, so that they are tight and reduce the waistline of the patient. A new opening is created for the umbilicus, which is placed in its new position by stitching it to the skin. During this stage in the operation any striations or scars can be easily eliminated.

Recovery

When abdominoplasty only is carried out, it takes between 2 and 4 days to be able to walk without assistance. Office work can be reassumed in 7 to 10 days. For other types of work 10 to 14 days will be necessary. When the abdominoplasty is associated with other procedures a recovery period of at least 10 to 14 days will be required.