Abdominoplasty (Tummy tuck)
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is an operation that gives immediate results and offers great satisfaction to patients. The problem usually occurs after pregnancy or after losing many pounds. The skin over the years gradually loses its elasticity. Thus, it can not follow the reduction of the volume of the underlying tissues. Quite often it is accompanied by relaxation of the abdominal muscles. Relaxation of the rectus abdominis basically means the dimension, ie the increase of the gap, the midline of the abdomen between the two rectus muscles.





How Abdominoplasty is done
The patient is under general anesthesia. The abdominal incision is made from one pelvic spine to the other, low, to a point where it can be hidden by underwear or swimwear.
The length of the incision depends on the relaxation of the skin. Excess skin and subcutaneous fat are removed. When needed, the muscles are sutured to tighten them.
When the problem is large, the umbilicus is repositioned in its new position, since the extent of the dermal tissue that is removed is large.
Abdominoplasty and postoperative course
The duration of the operation is 2.5 – 3 hours and the patient usually stays in the hospital for one day. Postoperatively, an elastic bandage is applied to the abdomen, while after the first change, a special corset is applied, which the patient wears for about two months. The return to activities for the patient is estimated at 1-2 weeks, depending on the severity of the operation and always following the instructions of the doctor, regarding issues like weight lifting etc.
Abdominal sagging after pregnancy and abdominoplasty
Motherhood is undoubtedly a period of joy but also of great changes for a woman. The physical condition of the body changes dramatically and at the same time her personal time is limited. As a result of full time devotion to her child, not every mother can devote time to exercise.
For some mothers it is quite difficult to maintain their ideal weight. Thus, during the period of childbirth, while the excess 5 to 6 kilos of amniotic fluid and the baby have disappeared, some or even several extra kilos are difficult to be lost.
Even worse it seems that the body does not return to the previous state but shows a difficulty in losing weight. This is especially common when the skin is overstretched. This period often lasts for years and the woman enters a vicious cycle especially when she is not strict with her diet.
People who have lost weight suffer in the same way. Many, after a successful return to their normal weight, notice that the skin no longer has elasticity and does not shrink on the muscular system.
Abdominoplasty: Techniques and History
The first recorded abdominoplasty was performed in 1899 in Meryland. The techniques evolved a lot in comparison to the first technique which created several problems. It is characteristic that in these early techniques the surgeon removed the navel.
Now, with the right choice of patients, it is a safe operation that gives very satisfactory results to patients. The right Plastic Surgeon has been trained in the full range of techniques so that he can give the maximum in each case. By reading this article you will probably have a much better understanding of the operation.
- Mini Abdominoplasty
A very popular choice for people with a body mass index usually below 30 and without particular weight fluctuations is mini abdominoplasty. It is a technique suitable for correcting excess skin under the navel. Also, many candidates ask for it to correct a bad cesarean section scar.
It is minimally invasive compared to other techniques. Therefore the recovery time is usually 7 to 14 days. The Plastic Surgeon places the incision in the supraorbital country, hidden in the underwear as well as the caesarean section. The length of the incision is limited in size and is indistinguishable after a few months.
The cost of mini abdominoplasty is lower compared to the classic abdominoplasty consequence of the relatively minimal surgical time required to complete the operation.
An important disadvantage of mini abdominoplasty is that not much skin can be removed. Thus, this technique is limited to people who have lost relatively few pounds (about 10 to 20 depending on body type and height) and show sagging of the abdomen below the navel.
- Typical Abdominoplasty
- Abdominoplasty with floating navel
- Extensive abdominoplasty
- Trunk lift
- Zone Dermolipectomy
- Reverse Abdominoplasty
- Abdominoplasty Fleur De Lis
- VASER-assisted abdominoplasty or conventional liposuction
- Abdominoplasty and 4D Liposuction-Fat recycling
- Abdominoplasty with preservation of Scarpa fascia
- Abdominoplasty with folding of the rectus abdominis muscle
Indications Contraindications Complications of Abdominoplasty
- Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
- Contraindications to Abdominoplasty
- Complications of Abdominoplasty
- How do you prepare for your Abdominoplasty?
- Abdominoplasty: Expected before and after surgery
- The result of the Plastic abdomen
There are several reasons why you may have excess fat, low skin elasticity or weak connective and muscle tissue in your abdomen causing it to sag. These include:
- Significant changes in weight
- Pregnancy
- Abdominal surgery, such as a caesarean section
- Aging
- Your natural body type
A tummy tuck can remove loose skin and fat and tighten weak fascia and muscles. It can also remove stretch marks below the navel. It can also incorporate a pre-existing cesarean section.
- You have a serious chronic illness, such as heart disease or diabetes
An abdominoplasty can involve several risks, such as:
- Collection of fluid under the skin (serous). Installing a drain hose can help reduce the risk of collection. In case of collection, puncture under local anesthesia with a syringe and a fine needle is required.
- Poor wound healing. Sometimes the areas along the incision are difficult to heal or may split.
- Deformed scar. The incision of a tummy tuck is permanent, but is placed along the bikini line. The length and visibility of the scar varies from person to person.
- Changes in the aesthetics of the skin. During an abdominoplasty, the preparation of your tissues can affect the nerves in the abdominal area. You probably have reduced sensation or numbness. This is usually transient for a few months afterwards.
Like any other type of major surgery, a tummy tuck carries a risk of bleeding and infection. For any possible complication, countermeasures are taken such as taking antibiotics, meticulous hemostasis, prophylactic anticoagulant therapy.
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The following is a palpation examination to determine treatment options. Photos of your abdomen will also be taken for the medical record.
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You will discuss your expectations. Explain why you want a tummy tuck and what you hope for the appearance after the procedure. you will understand the benefits and risks, including scarring.
Before abdominoplasty it is also reasonable to:
- Quit smoking. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down the healing process. In addition, smoking increases the risk of tissue damage.
- Avoid certain medications. You should avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, which can change your coagulation profile.
- Maintain a constant weight. Ideally, you will maintain a steady weight for at least 12 months before having a tummy tuck.
If you are particularly overweight, I would recommend losing weight before. Significant weight loss after surgery can alter a good result.
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During the procedure you may be given an antibiotic to prevent infection.
The process usually takes about two to three hours.
After the procedure
After a tummy tuck, the incision will be covered with a surgical bandage. Small tubes (drains) can be placed along the incision to drain any excess blood or fluid.
The members of the treatment team will help you to walk from the first day after a tummy tuck to prevent the formation of blood clots in the lower extremities of those who are predisposed.
























- Surgery
- Abdominoplasty
- Duration
- 2,5 - 3 hours
- Recovery time
- 1 - 2 weeks