top of page
ABDOMINOPLASTY
"Using the latest abdominoplasty techniques provides greater patient safety and excellent results.
CONCEPT
Abdominoplasty is the ideal solution for those who want to achieve a flat tummy and end sagging or excess skin in the abdomen.
​
​
This is a major surgery which removes excess fat and skin, in addition to repositioning the muscles of the abdominal wall. Before opting for an abdominoplasty other routes must be exhausted: lifestyle changes, diets, exercise ... Under no circumstances should abdominal surgery be used as an alternative to weight loss.
General Overview
Abdominal reduction, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the abdomen.
​
During a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen. In most cases, the connective tissues of the abdomen are also reinforced with sutures. The remaining skin is relocated to create a more toned appearance.
​
If you have accumulated skin around the navel area and a weak lower abdominal wall, you may choose to have a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck can also enhance your body image.
Why it is performed?
A flaccid abdomen is the result not only of fat accumulation, but also of poor skin elasticity, excess skin, and stretching of the inner belt of the connective tissue (abdominal fascia) and abdominal muscles that extend from the ribs to the pubis. This internal belt, which holds the internal organs, is responsible for the tone and appearance of the abdomen.
​
The abdomen is more likely to protrude after stretching of the abdominal fascia during pregnancy or after significant weight changes. Abdominal reduction can remove excess skin and fat, and reinforce the weak fascia. A tummy tuck can also remove stretch marks and excess skin in the lower belly below the navel. However, tummy tuck does not correct stretch marks outside this area.
​
You could consider a tummy tuck if:
​
-
You have excess skin built up around the navel area
-
The abdominal wall in the lower abdomen is weak.
-
Liposuction did not adequately improve the appearance of the abdomen
-
If you've had a C-section before and you have scar retraction
-
If you've had a C-section before, your plastic surgeon may be able to incorporate the existing C-section scar into the tummy tuck scar.
​​
Abdominal reduction may also be performed in combination with other cosmetic body contouring procedures, such as breast surgery.
Tummy tuck is not for everyone. Your doctor may advise against tummy tuck if:
-
Plan to lose a significant amount of weight
-
You might consider a future pregnancy
-
Have a serious chronic illness, such as heart disease, diabetes, or irritable bowel syndrome
-
You have a body mass index greater than 30
Risks
Abdominal reduction poses a number of risks, including:
​
-
Fluid build-up under the skin (seroma) Drainage tubes left after surgery may help reduce the risk of seroma. After surgery, your doctor may also remove the fluid with a needle and syringe.
-
Poor wound healing. Occasionally, areas along the incision line heal poorly or begin to separate. During and after surgery, you may be given antibiotics to prevent infection.
-
Scarring. The incision scar of an abdomen reduction is permanent, but it remains along the bikini line, which is easily hidden. The length and visibility of the scar vary from person to person.
-
Tissue necrosis. During an abdomen reduction, the fatty tissue deep inside the skin of the abdominal area could be damaged or die. In addition, smoking increases the risk of tissue necrosis. Depending on the size of the area, the tissue may heal on its own in a matter of weeks or require a surgical touch-up procedure.
-
Changes in skin sensitivity During a reduction of the abdomen, relocation of the abdominal tissues may affect the sensory nerves on the surface of the abdominal area and, in rare cases, the upper thighs. You may experience less sensation or numbness. This usually decreases in the months following the procedure.
Like any other type of major surgery, tummy tuck involves a risk of bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to the anesthesia.
The Ideal Candidates for Abdominoplasty
​
Men and women who are in good health, with realistic expectations and a positive attitude. Many women who present muscular flaccidity and hanging skin after several pregnancies usually go to the consultation.
Excess fat
It is also an alternative for people who were obese at some point in their lives and still have excessive fat deposits with excess hanging skin in the abdominal area. It is very important for the patient to stop smoking for at least three weeks before and after surgery.
​
​
Who should not have this surgery?
​
Those women who wish to have children, since future pregnancies may loosen the muscles that have been repositioned during the tummy tuck. It is also not a recommended intervention for obese people, as it corrects body shape and contour, not body mass. People who suffer from obesity must lose a lot of weight before this type of surgery can be performed.
How to Prepare Yourself
First, you will talk to a surgeon about a tummy tuck. During the first visit, the plastic surgeon will likely:
​
-
Check your medical records. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses. Tell them about any medications you are taking or have recently taken, as well as any surgeries you have had. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications. If your desire to have a tummy tuck is related to weight loss, your doctor may ask you detailed questions about your weight gain and loss.
​​
-
Perform a physical examination. To determine treatment options, your doctor will examine your abdomen. The doctor may also take pictures of your abdomen for your medical record.
​​
-
Talk about your expectations. Explain why you want a tummy tuck and what you expect in terms of appearance after the procedure. Make sure you understand the risks and benefits, as well as the scars. Keep in mind that previous tummy tucks may limit the results.
You may also need to do the following before a tummy tuck:
-
Stop smoking. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can decrease the healing process. In addition, smoking increases the risk of tissue damage. If you smoke, your doctor will recommend that you stop smoking before surgery and during recovery.
-
Avoid certain medications. You should probably avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding.
-
Maintain a stable weight. Ideally, you should maintain a stable weight for at least 12 months before having a tummy tuck. If you are too overweight, your doctor will recommend that you lose weight before the procedure. Significant weight loss after the procedure can affect the results.
-
Take medications to prevent complications. Shortly before your tummy tuck, you'll need to start taking an anticoagulant to prevent blood clots.
-
Organize for help during recovery. Ask someone to drive you home after you leave the hospital and stay with you at least the first night of recovery at home.
How is the intervention?
Depending on the desired results and the patient's physical condition, the operation may take from two to three hours. Your surgeon will evaluate you beforehand to determine which type of abdominoplasty best suits your needs.
Complete
It involves, in addition to the incision in the lower abdomen, another around the navel. This removes excess skin, repositions muscles and removes excess fat through liposuction. Drains are usually necessary and will be removed a few days after the operation. Normally epidural anesthesia with sedation is used, although general anesthesia can be chosen.
Partial
Indicated for those patients whose fat deposits are below the navel. A single incision is made in the pubic area. Through this incision, the surgeon removes the excess skin, repositions the muscles and performs complementary liposuction to perfect the area.
What to Expect
Abdominal reduction is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical center. During the tummy tuck, you will be under general anesthesia, so you will be completely unconscious and painless. In some cases, you may receive an analgesic and be moderately sedated (partially asleep).
During the procedure
The surgeon will make incisions in the shape of an oval or horizontal ellipse to remove most of the skin and fat between the navel and pubic hair. The fascia, which covers the abdominal muscles, will be reinforced with permanent sutures.
The surgeon will then reposition the skin around the navel. The navel will be removed through a small incision and stitched into its normal position. The incision from hip to hip above the pubic hair will be sutured and a scar will be left along the natural fold within the bikini line.
During the procedure, you may be given an antibiotic to reduce the risk of infection.
The procedure usually takes about three hours.
​
After the procedure
​
After a tummy tuck, the abdominal incision and navel are probably covered with a surgical dressing. Small tubes may be placed at the incision sites to drain any excess blood or fluid.
Your bed will be positioned so that your upper body is slightly raised and your knees are angled for the first few days after surgery. Members of the health care team will also help you walk as early as the first day after your tummy tuck to help prevent blood clots from forming.
You will probably feel moderate pain, which will initially be controlled with analgesics. It is normal to have swelling in the surgical area for about six weeks. In some cases, the inflammation may take up to three months to disappear. Drains may be left in place for several days after surgery.
Your doctor or a member of your health care team will tell you how to empty and care for the drains. You may need to keep taking an antibiotic while you have the drains. Your surgeon may also prescribe blood thinners for several days after your tummy tuck.
You will wear abdominal support garments (abdominal girdle) for approximately six weeks after your tummy tuck. This will help prevent fluid buildup and provide abdominal support during recovery. Your doctor will explain how to care for the scar.
During the first six weeks after your tummy tuck, you will need to be careful when moving and avoid positions that stress the incision, such as leaning forward quickly to prevent the wound from opening. In addition, you will need to schedule follow-up visits with your doctor over the next year.
Results
By removing excess skin and fat, and restoring the abdominal wall, tummy tuck can give the abdomen a more toned appearance.
​
The results of tummy tuck are usually long-lasting. Keep in mind that maintaining a stable weight is critical to maintaining results.
What about the scars?
We will always have scars after a tummy tuck, and although they may partially disappear, they will never disappear completely. The surgeon may recommend certain creams or other treatments to disguise the scar.
​
What is the recovery like?
It lasts for a period of one or two months. During the first few days and in order to avoid any type of complication, it is necessary to rest quietly following the surgeon's instructions. It is important to get up and walk little by little, with your abdomen flexed but not in a hurry.
​
​
General Recommendations
​
Compression garments are recommended to control inflammation for a period of one and a half months. After a few weeks, mobility will recover. However, vigorous exercise should be avoided in the first month and a half, as it can cause fluid retention in the treated areas.
bottom of page