Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty is the operation that aims to remove excess fat and skin from the abdomen, to restore the relaxation and dimension of the abdominal muscles, thus restoring the aesthetic proportions of the abdomen.

It is a very effective method for dealing with the changes that occur in the abdominal wall with age, pregnancy and large changes in weight.

There are different variations of abdominoplasty (mini, full, liposuction, circular, etc.) depending on the needs of each individual.

Also in almost all cases it is combined very effectively with liposuction and liposculpture techniques for even greater improvement of the final result.

• Healthy people without serious health problems
• People without frequent or large fluctuations in their weight
• Non-smokers or people who intend to follow instructions for at least a temporary cessation of smoking
• People who after talking with the doctor understand the possibilities and what this surgery can offer them
• Overweight people will benefit to some extent from this surgery, however, it would be ideal to first stabilize at the ideal weight and then undergo the most appropriate cosmetic surgery for them to have the best possible result, which without subsequent weight fluctuations will have very long duration.

During the exam you should be ready to discuss:

• Why do you want to do this surgery, your expectations and the end result that you would consider desirable.
• Medical problems you may have, drug allergies and previous surgeries and medical treatments
• List of medications, vitamins, and supplements you use.
• Also tell your doctor about alcohol, tobacco, or drug use.

Medical examination

It includes an assessment of your general health and identification of any risk factors for surgery.

Examination / evaluation of excess skin and / or fat in the abdomen, analysis of its distribution, control of the quality and tone of your skin and assessment of the accumulation of local fat in specific areas.

The examination also includes an evaluation of the condition of the abdominal muscles and the areas around the abdomen so that after the surgery we have the best possible physical result.

• Quit smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery.
• Avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs and other medications as they may increase bleeding during surgery (you will be given a list of medications, supplements and foods we recommend to avoid preoperatively)
• Stop taking drugs because they may interact dangerously with the drugs that will be used in the operating room.
• In case the surgery will be performed under general anesthesia
• You will need to have a general blood test
• If you are over 40 or have a health problem you may need a chest x-ray, electrocardiogram or some more specialized tests.
• If you have a chronic illness you may need to see your doctor or adjust the doses of the medicines you are taking.
• Confirm that you have with you the pressure pads that you will wear postoperatively.

The operation can be done with a combination of local anesthesia and sedation (usually in mini abdominoplasty) or with general anesthesia.

These options will be discussed during the review.

After the injection of the specially prepared local anesthetic, an incision will be made in the lower abdomen. The location and length of the incision will be decided precisely before the operation. If there is a previous caesarean section then there will be an incision for the abdominoplasty otherwise it is done in a position low enough to be covered by underwear and swimwear. Then the skin will come off, the abdominal muscles will be sutured and compressed, the excess skin will be removed, the navel will be placed in its new position and the incision will be sutured.

Liposuction techniques and liposculpture techniques can be applied in combination with abdominoplasty depending on the goals of the surgery

The decision for any plastic surgery is personal and should be made by weighing the benefits of achieving your main cosmetic goals and the risks and possible complications of surgery.

Liposuction is usually a very safe procedure, with very little chance of complications, however as with any surgery there are some unavoidable risks.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the process and the potential risks and possible complications.

The form we have prepared for you is very detailed, analyzes and explains in depth all the possible risks associated with the operation.

In addition to the analysis in the office, this form will be given to you so that you can study it with more time at your disposal at home and to be able to solve any additional questions that may arise during a second visit to our office.

The key to the success of your surgery is to follow exactly the postoperative instructions that will be given to you.

You usually need to be hospitalized for one day so that you can recover from the medication given during the operation.

You will be mobilized immediately in the first hours after the operation to reduce the risk of complications and speed up your recovery.

Usually at the end of the operation, small drainage pipes will be placed, which are usually removed the next day.

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or an unusual heartbeat or bleeding from the incision site, contact your doctor.

It is common to have tanning after surgery, especially in the areas where liposuction was performed, which will subside after 10-15 days as well as swelling (swelling which will gradually improve in the postoperative period.

It will be useful to wear pressure pads for 4-5 weeks after the operation to accelerate the recovery and remission of the swelling.

It is expected that there will be a slight loss of fluid from the incision sites in the first 1-2 days.

You will need to take antibiotics and painkillers for a week.

You should treat the cuts with antiseptic spray until the seams are removed

You will be able to return to work after a few weeks depending on the extent of the liposuction.

Scheduled review is recommended on the 7th postoperative day and the 1st, 3rd and 6th month

• Am I a good candidate for this surgery?
• How should the operation be done to have the best possible results?
• What are the risks and complications associated with surgery? How often do these problems occur?
• How are complications treated?
• How much recovery period and what help will I need during it?
• What should I do to help get the best results?
• Will the picture change over time?
• What are my options if I am unhappy with the aesthetic result of the surgery in the future?