Abdominoplasty (Tummy tuck)

Abdominoplasty (Tummy tuck)

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Abdominoplasty (Tummy tuck)

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is indicated in patients with a large excess of skin and fat in the abdomen. It is usually accompanied by relaxation of the abdominal muscles and is combined with liposuction.

Tummytuck 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.


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tummy tuck
tummy tuck
λιποαναρροφηση

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.

The results of the abdominoplasty are spectacular and visible almost immediately after the surgery. A belly smooth, flat, without relaxation, which can not be achieved in any other way.
It is recommended to perform the operation when all the extra pounds have been lost, so that the re-loss of weight after the operation will not cause further relaxation.

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.


Here is a complete guide to deciding what is the best technique to get the most out of your abdominoplasty. You will read that using abdominoplasty we transform the body with excess skin and sagging into a well-shaped body with firm skin.


  • Mini Abdominoplasty
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
Typical Abdominoplasty

Slightly outdated technique which involves the removal of a large amount of skin and fat, as well as the repositioning of the navel.

The incision is made supraperitoneally from one pelvic bone to the other. Then the skin and fat break down up to a few inches below the sternum. During the preparation of the flap and when we reach the navel, we make sure to cut it with a more circular incision so that it remains on the ground of the abdominal wall. Remove all the fat and skin from the height of the navel and below and re-coat the muscle wall with the skin and fat of the upper abdomen.

I avoid using this technique as it has higher serum rates. The serum is a collection of serous fluid that encapsulates and requires its postoperative puncture by the doctor until it subsides. In addition, conventional abdominoplasty requires the use of drainage precisely because of postoperative fluid collections. Nevertheless, the percentage of serums remains high.


  • Abdominoplasty with floating navel
Abdominoplasty with floating navel

It is a variation of the classic abdominoplasty with the difference that the navel is not cut perimetrically but at a depth from its stem. Thus, it remains in place on the skin of the abdomen and descends lower when the flap of the upper abdomen is sutured in the supraspinatus. It is a technique that I present but never use as the navel shifts lower. This new low position of the navel seems in my opinion inelegant and is the main reason I avoid it.


  • Extensive abdominoplasty
Extensive abdominoplasty

It is also a variation of the classic abdominoplasty with the difference that the incisions extend to the sides of the abdomen towards the so-called buns. Extensive abdominoplasty is indicated for people who have lost weight en masse and have dramatic skin sagging. It is the technique for people with many sags and “folds” as in these cases the excess skin can not be treated otherwise.


  • Trunk lift
Trunk lift

It is the appropriate operation for someone who needs to remove excess skin from the abdomen and at the same time straighten the buttocks and thighs. It is a great operation which when performed by a properly trained Plastic Surgeon gives impressive results. The surgeon has the ability to perform liposculpture of the whole body. It is indicated when we have too much saging also on the buttocks and thighsand a strong appearance of orange peel. The result is a now formed body, in exchange for the scars that often extend to the middle of the sanctuary.


  • Zone Dermolipectomy
Zone Dermolipectomy

It is an operation used almost exclusively in people who have lost weight after bariatric surgery. As the name of the operation suggests, it is an abdominoplasty that extends around the perimeter. It is essentially an extensive body lift that provides effective solutions to people with loose skin around the perimeter.

The incision is just like a belt and in this way any excess is removed which incidentally creates serious infection problems under the folds. Patients undergo buttock and thigh lifts along with abdominoplasty and admittedly everyone is satisfied with their new image. To apply this technique it is required that the patient has remained at a constant desired weight for at least one year. It is the most expensive operation of its kind as it requires a lot of surgery time. The cost is also determined by the fact that these patients should be hospitalized for 2 to 3 days for follow-up.


  • Reverse Abdominoplasty
Reverse Abdominoplasty

Reverse abdominoplasty is indicated for people who have excess skin and lipodystrophy above the navel. The incisions are inserted into the submandibular folds and joined. The incisions can thus be camouflaged satisfactorily. Patients who are indicated for reverse abdominoplasty remain satisfied as epigastric lipodystrophy is a difficult problem especially in people who have tried liposuction of the area without success.


  • Abdominoplasty Fleur De Lis
Abdominoplasty Fleur De Lis

It is another variant of the classic abdominoplasty which differs in the placement of the incisions. In addition to the horizontal “hidden” incision, a vertical super-umbilical incision is made which is impossible to camouflage. Despite this disadvantage there are patients who even benefit from this option. It is suitable for people with enough excess who do not want to extend the incision laterally but vertically in the center.

Another category is patients who have previously undergone laparotomy. I could also say that this group of patients benefit from the correction of the usually deformed scars of the laparotomy.


  • VASER-assisted abdominoplasty or conventional liposuction
VASER-assisted abdominoplasty or conventional liposuction

In selected patients, liposuction or VASER liposuction significantly facilitates abdominal surgery. The acronym VASER stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance. It is essentially ultrasound-assisted liposuction that makes the tedious task of manual classical liposuction easier for the surgeon. It is important to understand that technology cannot replace a surgeon’s competence in liposuction. In fact, in the hands of someone who does not adequately understand the art of liposculpture can be a disadvantage.

The most common failures are asymmetry and deepening of the skin in places. In any case, I must emphasize that there are patients who particularly benefit from the combination of liposuction with abdominoplasty.


  • Abdominoplasty and 4D Liposuction-Fat recycling
Abdominoplasty and 4D Liposuction-Fat recycling

A variant of abdominoplasty-liposuction is abdominoplasty-liposuction. In this case, some of the fat can be used in areas where we want to add volume. Usually the majority of patients request breast augmentation and buttock augmentation also known as Brazilian Butt-lift liposuction. Patients who choose these breast augmentation methods report that they feel that the result very natural.


  • Abdominoplasty with preservation of Scarpa fascia
Abdominoplasty with preservation of Scarpa fascia

The technique of this abdominoplasty was developed to reduce the chance of creating a serous postoperative collection, as more lymphatics are preserved while retaining the Scarpa fascia. In addition, the perspiration of the area is better resulting in faster recovery of patients. It is a technique that I always combine with others as I have found that all patients benefit.


  • Abdominoplasty with folding of the rectus abdominis muscle
Abdominoplasty with folding of the rectus abdominis muscle

The concomitant contraction of the rectus abdominis muscle in many cases is the only way to do it, as many patients have muscle dimension. The beautiful shape of the abdomen is not only related to the relaxation of the skin and the presence of fat. The muscular system is especially important. The muscles of the abdomen are its natural corset. When for some reason the corset “overflows” the Plastic Surgeon is called to correct it. Either a pregnancy or chronic obesity are factors that exert forces on the abdominal wall. Constant pressure from the inside transforms the trunk from pipe to barrel.

There are tendon sutures in the abdomen. These are one vertical line in the middle and three horizontal. These look like a “six-pack” on fit thin people. Thus, it is especially important when this middle tendon suture has been extended to be folded as needed so that the body acquires the hourglass shape. The narrow waist is in demand for a sturdy beautiful body. In combination with liposuction on the sides of the abdomen, this technique gives perfect results.

When some of the above techniques are combined with this technique, patients, in addition to enjoying an amazing aesthetic result, are safe and do not suffer any particular discomfort such as pain, delayed healing and other complications.



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
    Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

    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.

    An abdominoplasty can also be done in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures for the contour of the body, such as a breast surgery. If you have removed the fat from your abdomen with liposuction and your skin has not tightened, you can decide to have a tummy tuck for any excess skin.

    Contraindications to Abdominoplasty

    Relevant contraindications are if:

    • You want to lose a significant weight
    • You are thinking of a pregnancy in the short term
    • You have a body mass index greater than 30
    • You are a smoker
    • You have had previous abdominal surgery that caused significant scar tissue

    While the absolute contraindication is if:

    • You have a serious chronic illness, such as heart disease or diabetes 
    Complications of Abdominoplasty

    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.

    How do you prepare for your Abdominoplasty?

    First, talk to your plastic surgeon about having a tummy tuck. During your first visit, the plastic surgeon will ask:

    • the medical history for current or previous diseases. You will list any medications you are taking or have recently taken, as well as any surgeries you have had.
      Let me know if you are allergic to specific medicines. You will also be asked detailed questions about your weight gain and loss.
    • The following is a palpation examination to determine treatment options. Photos of your abdomen will also be taken for the medical record.

    • 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.

      You will take medication to prevent complications. Shortly before your tummy tuck, you will receive an anticoagulant during your admission to avoid a prophylactic dose. Seek help during recovery. Make sure someone takes you home after you leave the hospital and stays with you for at least the first night of your recovery at home.

    .

    Abdominoplasty: Expected before and after surgery

    A tummy tuck is always done in a hospital. During a tummy tuck, you will be under general anesthesia. Upon awakening you will be led to your room where you will rest for a few hours. On the night of the operation, with the help of the doctor, you will mobilize. This will help you to stop the anticoagulant earlier as mobilization is the best anticoagulant protection.

    During abdominoplasty, the plastic surgeon makes incisions to remove most of the skin and fat between your abdomen and the pubic area in a horizontal oval or elliptical shape. The connective tissue (fascia) above the abdominal muscles is then tightened with permanent sutures.

    The plastic surgeon will reposition the skin around your abdomen. Your navel will come out of a small incision in the correct position and will be sutured in its normal position. The incision from pelvis to pelvic bone and through the scalp to the supraorbital region is sutured and will leave a scar that falls along the natural fold in the bikini line.

    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.

    You will probably feel moderate pain, which will be controlled with medication. This pain is referred to as weight and superficial sting. It is normal to have swelling in the surgical area.

    The drains can remain in place for several days after surgery. The doctor or another member of the care team will show you how to empty and take care of your drains. You may need to continue taking an antibiotic while they remain.

    Your surgeon may also prescribe a blood thinner shortly after your abdomen.

    You will wear a supportive abdominal garment (abdominal corset) for about six weeks after your surgery. This helps prevent fluid retention and provides abdominal support while you are healing. Your doctor will explain how to take care of your scar.

    For the first 2 weeks after a tummy tuck, you need to be careful when moving. You should also avoid positions that stretch your incision line to prevent the wound from opening.

    You will need to schedule regular follow-up visits. Ask your doctor how often you should see.

    The result of the Plastic abdomen

    By removing excess skin and fat and strengthening the abdominal wall, a tummy tuck can give your tummy a softer, slimmer and more beautiful appearance. The effects of a tummy tuck are permanent if you maintain a steady weight.



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    Surgery
    Abdominoplasty
    Duration
    2,5 - 3 hours
    Recovery time
    1 - 2 weeks
    Sia Sfi
    Sia Sfi
    17/02/2022
    Εμπιστευτήκαμε το γιατρό για ένα θέμα υγείας του συζύγου μου. Υπομονετικός, ευγενικός και μας έλυνε ότι απορία είχαμε. Διαθέσιμος οποιαδήποτε στιγμή τον χρειαστήκαμε. Άριστος χειρούργος, εξαίρετος άνθρωπος!
    Γεώργιος Τακμακης
    Γεώργιος Τακμακης
    17/02/2022
    Εξαιρετικός! Τον εμπιστεύτηκα σε ένα σοβαρό πρόβλημα που μου έτυχε. Μου εξηγούσε τα πάντα, με μεγάλη υπομονή στις ερωτήσεις που του έκανα. Υπεροχος γιατρός και άνθρωπος. Νιώθω χαρούμενος που τον γνώρισα και άνετα από δω και πέρα θα είναι ο γιατρός μου!
    Álvaro Escobedo
    Álvaro Escobedo
    15/02/2022
    Dr Karantonis has been very nice and professional in his treatment of me and my laser hair removal. Also, he never had a problem with me having to postpone an appointment and has gone out of his way to make sure I was comfortable and happy with the results (which I am)
    Ελένη Οικονόμου
    Ελένη Οικονόμου
    04/02/2022
    Ένιωσα εμπιστοσύνη από την πρώτη στιγμή. Στην πρώτη μας επαφή απάντησε άμεσα και λεπτομερώς στα email μου, γεγονός που με έκανες να κλείσω άμεσα ραντεβού. Το αποτέλεσμα ήταν το καλύτερο δυνατό! Άριστος χειρούργος!
    penny avagianou
    penny avagianou
    19/01/2022
    Εξαιρετικός γιατρός ! Τον εμπιστευτήκαμε αμέσως. Πολύ αναλυτικός και ιδιαίτερα υπομονετικός στις δικές μας ανησυχίες. Ήταν κάθε στιγμή διαθέσιμος να λύσει κάθε μας απορία, ότι ώρα κι αν τον χρειαστήκαμε. Η επιτυχία της δουλειάς του είναι προφανώς σίγουρη! Τον εμπιστευτήκαμε δύο φορές με επιτυχή αποτελέσματα και άνετα θα τον εμπιστευόμαστε ξανά ! Γιατρέ σας ευχαριστούμε.
    ΧΡΗΣΤΟΣ ΨΥΧΟΥΛΑΣ
    ΧΡΗΣΤΟΣ ΨΥΧΟΥΛΑΣ
    17/01/2022
    Αφαίρεση βασικοκυτταρικου καρκινωματος το 2012 στο νοσοκομείο Ανδρέας Συγγρος. Άριστος γιατρός και υπέροχος άνθρωπος. Σας το συστήνω ανεπιφύλακτα...
    mary papamitsou
    mary papamitsou
    06/01/2022
    Από την 1η κιόλας επίσκεψη κέρδισε την εμπιστοσύνη μου χάρη στις αναλυτικές πληροφορίες σχετικά με την περίπτωσή μου, τόσο για τις επιλογές όσο και για τους κινδύνους. Πολύ προσεχτική προσέγγιση όλων των παραγόντων που έπρεπε να ληφθούν υπ' όψιν. Πρόκειται για επιστήμονα που εκτός από γνώσεις τον χαρακτηρίζουν το ήθος και η συνέπεια. Το ειλικρινές του ενδιαφέρον για τον ασθενή πριν αλλά και μετά την επέμβαση είναι παραδειγματικό και σίγουρα τον συνιστώ ανεπιφύλακτα. Σας ευχαριστώ πολύ για όλα!
    ΠΕΓΚΥ ΧΡΟΥΝΤΑ
    ΠΕΓΚΥ ΧΡΟΥΝΤΑ
    18/12/2021
    Ευχαριστώ το γιατρό για την υπέροχη συνεργασία που έχουμε και θα συνεχίσουμε να έχουμε!! Από την πρώτη στιγμή που ενέπνευσε εμπιστοσύνη..Εξαίρετος άνθρωπος, αναλυτικός στις διαδικασίες και άριστος στο αποτέλεσμα!
    Stavriani Leonti
    Stavriani Leonti
    19/11/2021
    Ο καλύτερος γιατρός! Ένιωσα ασφάλεια μαζί του από την πρώτη στιγμή. Ο κύριος Καραντώνης ήταν σε συνεχή επικοινωνία μαζί μου καθόλη την διάρκεια της ανάρρωσης μου και ήταν δίπλα μου όποτε τον χρειάστηκα! Μου έδωσε επίσης το καλύτερο αποτέλεσμα. Άψογος χειρούργος και εξαιρετικός άνθρωπος, τον συστήνω ανεπιφύλακτα!

    Dr. Karantonis Fotis is a Plastic Surgeon and maintains a clinic in Athens. Born in Toronto, Canada, he is a graduate of the College of Athens, holder of an MSc in Minimally Invasive Surgery of the Athens University of Applied Sciences and a Doctorate of the Medical School of Athens. He is a specialist in Plastic Surgery – Aesthetic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery.