Abdominoplasty or Tummy tuck, is the recommended surgery for the correction of sagging and excess skin from the abdomen, the removal of fat from the same area and the tightening of the abdominal wall.
PROBLEM
The effect of time, weight fluctuations as well as pregnancies (any factor in other words) affect the change of elastic forces of the skin causing it to overstretch, resulting in relaxation of both the abdominal wall and the underlying muscles that contribute to its configuration. The particular concern is effectively treated through abdominoplasty.
As far as women are concerned, with the loss of the skin’s elasticity restoring powers, especially after one or more pregnancies, the skin “stretches out” and is impossible to return to its original state.
The skin in the abdomen area then shows sagging which, depending on its degree, shows folds that may even reach the genital area. Usually there are stretch marks on the surface of the skin as well as distension (ie distance from the midline) of the rectus abdominis muscles internally as well as hernias (umbilical hernias, abdominal hernias).
Unfortunately, when the above picture is present, no exercise, diet or conservative treatment can solve the problem of flaccidity of the abdominal wall, but only abdominoplasty.
TECHNIQUE
At the doctor’s office, a complete medical history is obtained and a clinical examination of the patient is performed to determine the extent of relaxation in the abdominal wall, the presence of any hernia and if it is necessary to perform liposuction at the same time on the side of the wall or in adjacent areas in order to achieve the best aesthetic result. Photographs are taken which, with the revolutionary 3D Technology applied by the doctor, depict the before and after result according to the plastic surgery interventions. This is followed by a basic pre-operative check on the same or a few days before the surgery, cardiological and anesthetic assessment.
During the surgery, the excess skin and fat in the abdomen are removed. At the same time, the dimension of the rectus abdominis is strengthened and any hernia is restored. The stretch marks located in the relaxation area, especially below the navel, are removed and of course the whole result is about shaping a slimmer waist and a smaller belly contour. The incision, curved in its shape, is “hidden” in the area of the underwear or on the old scar of a caesarean section, and extends between the two anterior iliac spines (ie between the two front bones palpated on the right and left of the pelvis).
Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck can also be successfully combined with liposuction in the area of the lateral abdomen and the epigastrium (at the height of the abdominal wall where the stomach anatomically corresponds), for even more enhanced aesthetic results.
Abdominoplasty, usually performed under general anesthesia, takes about 2 to 3 hours depending on the extent of the problem, and requires a hospital stay of 24 hours. The patient then wears a corset for about 1 month and can return to his daily activities after a maximum of 10-15 days.
It is recommended to avoid intense exercise and weight lifting for 15 days-20 days while gradually the patient can return to exercise after the first month of the procedure.
PROCEDURES
Abdominoplasty is successfully combined with other body procedures aimed at lifting and removing excess fat and loose skin, in people after massive weight loss or in women after multiple pregnancies (mommy make over). Such procedures are:
- breast lift with or without augmentation
- Liposuction in the “Love handles” area
- Lift or thigh liposuction
- Body liposuction
COMPLICATIONS
As in any surgery, there are possible complications for which, however, all precautionary measures are taken so that their impact is further reduced.
These are:
- Bleeding (need to return to surgery)
- Hematoma
- Inflammation, wound dissolution
- Serous fluid collection
- Deep vein thrombosis
