The increase in abdominal volume caused by obesity, aging, muscle laxity, and localized subcutaneous fat can be corrected with this plastic surgery called Mini Abdominoplasty / Abdominoplasty.
The goal of this surgery is to remove excess fat and skin from the abdomen and, when necessary, correct the lax muscles in the center of the abdomen. The rectus abdominis muscles may be separated (diastasis) as a consequence of pregnancy or repeated weight gain and loss.
SURGICAL PROCEDURE
All excess skin and fat must be removed. A horizontal incision is made above the pubic hairline, and the excess fat and skin both above and below the navel are detached.
In most cases, it is necessary to reposition the navel. Stitches are placed to bring the muscles closer together, and the wound is closed. Due to the large area of detachment, drains must be used to prevent the formation of seromas.
ANESTHESIA AND SURGERY DURATION
In our experience, the surgery lasts between 90 and 180 minutes.
Anesthesia can be general or epidural. This detail should be discussed with the surgeon and the anesthesiologist.
The hospital stay can vary between 6-8 hours and 1-2 days.
RESULT
Most patients lose some weight with this surgery, but it cannot be considered a weight-loss surgery. It is intended to treat localized fat and reshape body contours.
The best results are achieved in people with a weight close to the average for their height and age, with some skin laxity in the abdominal wall or slight excess fat or muscle flaccidity in the abdominal wall.
Occasionally, minor adjustments may be necessary. In general, the result is permanent, although future weight changes or pregnancies may reduce some benefits of the surgery.
Your surgeon is the best person to advise if your expectations are realistic for the results of the surgery.
Although scars are the inevitable result of any surgery, your surgeon will do their best to make the scar as inconspicuous as possible. In most cases, the scar can be hidden by a bikini. However, healing is a personal characteristic and varies from patient to patient. The final result is visible after 6 months.
POSTOPERATIVE CARE
After surgery, the patient will wear an elastic girdle, which should be worn for approximately 30 days. Initially, the girdle will only be removed for personal hygiene. After 30 days, it can be taken off at night for sleeping.
The patient should maintain a semi-flexed trunk position in the first few days to avoid tension on the scar. Drains are removed between 3 and 7 days after surgery. Dressings are usually changed every 48 hours during the first week and less frequently afterward.
Strong pain relief is rarely necessary. A shower or bath is only allowed with the doctor’s approval.
During the first few postoperative weeks, the patient should avoid physical exertion, as there is a risk of the muscle sutures reopening. After this period, the patient will gradually return to normal activities, including physical efforts.
The resulting scar will largely depend on the individual’s healing ability. Each person has unique healing characteristics.
TYPES OF ABDOMINOPLASTY
Type 1
Conventional abdominoplasty with umbilical transposition and rectus abdominis muscle plication.
Type 2
Mini abdominoplasty: there is no umbilical transposition, and the scar is much smaller. It is indicated to correct small excesses of suprapubic skin.
Type 3
Mini abdominoplasty: similar to the previous one, but with a slightly larger scar. The umbilical insertion can be cut at its base, causing the navel to move slightly downward, but it does not leave a scar on the navel.
Type 4
Abdominoplasty with umbilical transposition: the scar from the old navel remains above the horizontal scar due to insufficient excess skin to be removed.
Other types
Vertical abdominoplasty, submammary abdominoplasty, etc.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON ISSUES THAT CAN OCCUR IN AN ABDOMINOPLASTY?
Although it is uncommon, abdominoplasty, like any other surgical procedure, can present complications such as seroma, hematoma, wound dehiscence, infection, skin necrosis, etc. Whatever the complication, it is important to remain calm and trust the doctor to solve the problem.
The occurrence of any of the above issues is part of the so-called “calculated risk,” which applies to all types of surgery. Fortunately, these complications are rare and generally do not permanently affect the results.
