Abdominoplasty is an operation that consists of removing excess skin and abdominal fat, as well as correcting sagging abdominal muscles. This intervention can drastically reduce the bulging appearance of the abdomen in exchange for a scar in the pubic region. Sometimes abdominoplasty is performed associated with liposuction of the flanks with the aim of improving body contour.
All men and women concerned about reducing the accumulation of fat in the abdominal region are candidates for this intervention, and it is especially indicated in women whose abdomen, after pregnancy, has not recovered its initial tone. Patients with obesity diagnosed by BMI greater than 30 should postpone surgery until they lose weight.
What does the surgery consist of?
The intervention is carried out in a hospital operating room and under general anesthesia. The duration of the operation is between 2 and 3 hours, although it may vary in each particular case. The incision is located in the suprapubic region and must be long, from one hip to the other, to ensure a good aesthetic result. A second incision is also made around the navel to separate it from the surrounding tissues. During the intervention, in addition to removing excess fat and skin, the diastasis (separation) of the rectus abdominis muscles is treated, returning tension to the abdominal wall.
What is the postoperative period like?
Depending on the extent of the surgery, you will remain in the clinic for 1 or 2 days. Although you should not stretch all the way at first, you should start walking as soon as possible. You will need to wear an abdominal binder for a month (day and night), which will help reduce abdominal swelling. Some people return to work in about 2 weeks, while others need 3 or 4 weeks of rest and recovery. The scars will remain red during the first year, a period during which the sun should be avoided. You have to wait at least a year for the scars to flatten and lighten.
Results – Abdominoplasty
