Who is a good candidate for abdominoplasty?
Anyone who has one or more of the following conditions:
- Excess or sagging abdominal skin.
- An abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of the body
- Abdominal muscles that have been separated and weakened
- Excess fatty tissue that is concentrated in the abdomen
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How abdominoplasty is performed?
Individual factors, personal preferences and previous surgeries will determine the specific technique selected for the operation. Generally horizontal incisions are placed just within or above the pubic area. The loose skin is separated from the abdominal wall. The underlying tissue and muscles are tightened. Excess abdominal skin and fat is pulled down and removed. The navel position is decided and brought out through a small incision.
If necessary, it is combined with liposuction of the thigh, hips and waist to get the proper shape. There are many variations to the design of incision and technique.
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Preparation for surgery:
- Smoking and Aspirin can increase the chances of complications; so it would be advisable for you to stop or cut down on cigarette consumption 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery.
- Notify the doctor or nurse of any cardiac or medical problems you may have, allergies to any kind of tape, drugs or medications must also be reported.
- The purchase of a specially designed pressure garment is necessary. It is important that you get the garment with you on the day of the surgery.
Morning of Surgery:
- Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before. Have a good body and hair wash with medicated soap and shampoo.
- Please inform the office if you take any heart or blood pressure medications, some medications may be taken with a small sip of water.
- Do not wear your contact lenses, any makeup, facial lotion or creams.
- Wear clothing that fits loosely and does not have to go over your head, preferably a button down shirt, sweat pants, and slip on shoes.
- Leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
First week after Surgery:
On the day of the surgery, the effects of anaesthesia will slowly pass, which may take a variable amount of time. Pain medications may prolong the sense of fogginess or cause an upset stomach. The anaesthetic and pain medicines tend to produce constipation, so it is advisable to eat high-fiber foods and/or take stool softeners during recovery. Start with liquids, and advance to a normal diet when you are sure your stomach is comfortable. Try to maintain a low-salt diet to discourage water retention.
The day after surgery, you will be encouraged to get out of bed for short walks to promote blood circulation. You may not be able to stand straight for 7-10 days. Straining, bending and lifting have to be avoided, since these activities may cause increased swelling or even bleeding. You need to sleep on your back with pillows under your knees.
Surgical drains will probably be removed within a week following surgery and at the same time the dressing may be changed or removed. After which you will be instructed to wear a support garment for several weeks. If necessary, the stitches will be removed after a week.
You may shower after the dressings and drains are removed.
A few weeks after operation:
The amount of time for recovery varies greatly among individuals depending on the extent of abdominoplasty and general physical condition.
- You must wear the pressure garment, 24 hours a day, for 4-6 weeks. The garment will help control the swelling. Leg and ankle swelling can be improved by elevating the legs as often as possible.
- You can assume most of your normal activities including mild exercise after a few weeks. You may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort and swelling during this time.
- You may notice swelling and bruising which is to be expected. This will disappear over a period of weeks. However, it will take 6 months or more for all the swelling to subside. The numbness over the lower portion of the abdomen is common and may persist for months, but you will recover some of the sensation over time.
- Massage of the scars will help to soften them
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Results of Abdominoplasty:
Abdominoplasty will enhance your body contour by making your abdomen firmer and flatter. The scars will fade over time to a faint line, but will be a permanent one. Certain individuals may have incision lines that are more noticeable. Fortunately, these incisions can be concealed by swiming suits and undergarments.
Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your abdomen should remain firmer and flatter for many years. However, gravity and the effect of aging will eventually take their toll. After a period of several years though, you may choose to undergo a second procedure to restore a more youthful body contour.
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What are the risks:
Fortunately, significant complications from abdominoplasty are infrequent. The risk and complications are related to individual body weight, medical problems and previous surgery.
Some of the potential complications are bleeding, infection and reaction to anaesthesia. Tissue loss along the portion of the horizontal incision is a possibility when abdominoplasty is very extensive. This complication may delay healing and prolong recovery. The delayed wound healing is more common in patients who smoke, are diabetic or have other medical problems. Revision surgery is sometimes helpful in certain instances where incision may have healed poorly. Occasionally, fluid may accumulate under the skin which can be removed easily, but may need a few extra visits to the hospital. In rare cases, the wound may get infected and may prolong the healing.
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