Abdominoplasty: Definition, Procedure, and Recovery

Definition of Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reduce abdominal volume or belly bulge. The procedure removes excess skin from the area, along with fat deposits and addresses diastasis recti (separation) of the abdominal muscles.

It's important to remember that abdominoplasty is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for a balanced diet and exercise.

Who is Abdominoplasty For?

This procedure primarily targets individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight, postpartum women, or those whose abdominal skin and muscles have lost their natural elasticity due to aging. It's also recommended for those with persistent excess skin and fat despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise. Generally, abdominoplasty is intended for healthy adults with realistic expectations regarding the results and understanding of the risks and constraints associated with surgery. Before undergoing this procedure, it's essential to consult a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if abdominoplasty is the best option based on the patient's aesthetic goals and overall health.

What are the Conditions for Abdominoplasty?

Abdominal Apron, Stretch Marks, and Scars

More than just an aesthetic issue, an abdominal apron can negatively impact a person emotionally, causing insecurity and discomfort, whether it's related to clothing or the unpleasant odor that can affect some patients.

This condition is characterized by excessive sagging and relaxation of the skin in the abdominal region. Due to the functional problems (typically, skin rashes and even restricted movement) this condition can cause, when we talk about correcting an abdominal apron, we're talking about reconstructive, not just cosmetic, plastic surgery. In this case, an abdominoplasty proves to be the best solution.

Abdominal Fat Excess

The objective of abdominoplasty is to remove excess skin below the navel and tighten the remaining skin. This type of surgery alone does not remove fat from areas other than what comes out with the skin. That's why when a patient has excess fat, the abdominoplasty is combined with liposuction to achieve a flat stomach effect.

To perform this procedure, it is necessary to cut the skin, which leaves an abdominoplasty scar, precisely the condition necessary to correct the laxity. The size of this abdominoplasty scar is variable, being proportional to the excess tissue. The greater the laxity, the larger the scar will be.

Diastasis Recti and Umbilical Hernia

Diastasis recti is simply the separation of the abdominal muscles, specifically the rectus abdominis muscles.

It often occurs during pregnancy when the abdominal muscles stretch due to the increasing size of the uterus, causing the separation of the rectus abdominis muscle.

However, this condition can also manifest in obese individuals who have experienced sudden weight loss or those who have gained too much weight too quickly.

In addition, individuals with collagen production disorders, chronic pulmonary diseases, and even diabetes can also develop diastasis recti. In this case, abdominoplasty is the solution.

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How is Abdominoplasty Performed?

Surgical Treatment of Abdominal Apron and Abdominal Fat

Abdominoplasty involves removing excess abdominal skin and fat and addressing the loosening of the abdominal muscles, resulting in permanent scars on the abdomen and navel. This cosmetic surgery of the abdomen therefore allows for the treatment of the abdominal apron. There are variations in the methods employed, but the standard procedure involves a low incision, which has the necessary extension to remove excess skin and fat and treat the muscles. Ask your cosmetic surgeon for before and after abdominoplasty photos to get an idea of an abdominoplasty scar and the results.

When the degree of laxity and muscle excess is less, the cosmetic surgeon can perform what is called a mini-abdominoplasty, that is, techniques that allow less skin and fat to be removed while treating the muscles in the same way. In these cases, the incision can be smaller, and it is possible that the mark (scar) remains under the bikini line if the excess skin is minimal.

Abdominoplasty for the surgical treatment of the abdominal apron is performed under general anesthesia, lasts approximately 2 to 4 hours depending on the extent of the procedure, and the patient spends 24 to 48 hours in the hospital, depending on the extent or combination with other surgery.

This abdominal surgery requires nursing assistance in the postoperative period with home care. It is indicated to use a surgical corset for 3 months. Lymphatic drainage is indicated postoperatively.

Surgical Treatment of Diastasis Recti

Abdominoplasty is the most commonly used surgical intervention to treat diastasis recti. It involves bringing the parts of the rectus abdominis muscle closer together, reconstructing it. Depending on the severity and extent of diastasis, it may be necessary to place a mesh to better support the abdominal wall.

Correcting diastasis recti is very important because if not performed, it can lead to complications and pain. Moreover, tummy tuck surgery for diastasis recti reversal, when properly indicated, is a safe and calm procedure. Therefore, abdominoplasty for diastasis recti removes excess fat and skin and restores weakened or separated muscles, providing a more defined and toned abdominal profile.

What Does Postoperative Care Involve?

Postoperative care is crucial for optimal recovery after any surgical intervention, including abdominoplasty. After this procedure, patients are usually required to follow strict guidelines provided by their plastic surgeon. This may include wearing a compression garment continuously to reduce swelling and promote incision healing, as well as proper pain management with prescribed medication. Patients should avoid strenuous physical activity for some time and follow a specific diet, promoting healing and minimizing complications. Maintaining good hygiene around the incisions to prevent infection is also crucial. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are essential to monitor healing progress and make adjustments as needed. In short, postoperative care involves a combination of attentive medical follow-up, adequate rest, pain management, and rigorous hygiene practices, thus ensuring safe and effective recovery for patients after abdominoplasty.

What is the Recovery Like After Abdominoplasty?

Generally, during the initial days of abdominoplasty recovery, the patient experiences some discomfort, mainly during the first 5 days, during which they will have to be more careful when lying down and getting up, in addition to administering, according to medical guidance, all necessary medications.

For showering, the first few days are a little longer, as insecurity and pain generally make patients a little apprehensive. Therefore, the guidance is to do everything very slowly. Generally, it is necessary to wait 2 days before the first bath. Therefore, to clean the skin, use only moistened tissues or a damp towel.

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