Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty - Plastic in the abdomen

The appearance of your belly does not satisfy you. You've gained too much weight, you've lost too much weight, your image has been burdened by pregnancy, your skin has relaxed and badly distributed fat is embarrassing. Exercise and diet can help reverse these changes to some extent, but in many people, it is difficult to take back the form it once had.

Candidates for abdominoplasty

In these cases, abdominoplasty helps you tighten muscles and remove excess skin, giving you the image you desire, greatly emphasizing self-confidence and love towards yourself and your body.

The operation

With abdominoplasty, removing skin and fat and strengthening the central muscles of the abdomen improves the waistline and your abdomen looks flatter and weaker than ever.

It should be stressed that this is not an act primarily aimed at removing fat, but at removing loose skin and tightening muscles.

Full Abdominoplasty Surgery

For a complete abdominoplasty an incision is made slightly over the pubic area within the bikini line. Some ladies may already have the scar of the caesarean section in this area which can be improved and incorporated into the abdominoplasty scar.

After this incision of the skin is made and the fat in the lower abdomen is lifted away from the underlying muscles at the level of the navel.

At this point a second incision is made around the navel in order to release it from the surrounding tissue.

Once this is done, the skin and fat are again lifted of the abdominal muscles to the level of the thoracic cage leaving the navel on a stem.

The abdominal muscles are tightened by sewing together creating a firmer wall-belly and a narrower waist.

The flap of the skin is then stretched downwards and the extra skin is removed.

A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then s sewed into place. Finally, the incisions within the bikini line will be sewn and bandages applied.

This procedure is often done in combination with liposuction to remove some excess fat.

Mini Abdominoplasty Surgery

In mini abdominoplasty the incision is made through the bikini line, but is often a little smaller than full abdominoplasty.

The skin is separated only between the lower incision within the bikini line and the navel.

The navel is left in place without the need for further scar. This allows the removal of loose skin and excess fat from the lower abdomen, as well as muscle tightening to improve the middle line.

Liposuction can be combined with this procedure if there is fat that needs removal in the upper abdomen or around the waist.

After surgery: Useful Instructions

After abdominoplasty it is normal for the abdominal muscles to feel a little tight.

As long as you are lying in bed it is advisable to keep your knees bent and two pillows behind them, as this reduces tension and is more comfortable.

You will also need to walk with a little bent knees forward in the first few days postoperatively.

To help the swelling over the abdomen you should wear a surgical corset for the first 4-6 weeks after the operation.

Your stitches around the navel are removed between 7-10 days, while those in the bikini line are removed in 10-14 days

Abdominoplasty is an important operation and you should therefore take two weeks off work to recover during which you will need some help at home with housework.

It is recommended not to drive during the first two weeks until the stitches are removed.

Although walking is useful during the first 3-4 weeks to improve circulation, sport should be avoided for the first 4 weeks and weight lifting for 6 weeks until the abdominal muscles have healed.

Frequently Asked Questions about Belly Plastic

How can I prepare for abdominoplasty surgery?

It is important to avoid taking aspirin or products containing aspirin for 2 weeks, as aspirin has a negative effect on bruises.

The same goes for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Brufen and Nurofen).

If you are a smoker, it is useful to stop for two weeks before surgery and for a week afterwards, so as not to restrict circulation to the skin.

What kind of anesthesia is used?

Abdominoplasty is done under general anesthesia.

How long does the operation take?

The duration of your intervention depends on the procedure. Full abdominoplasty usually lasts about two and a half hours, while mini abdominoplasty lasts about an hour and a half.

Abdominoplasty is a painful operation?

Pain and discomfort are subjective sensations, but it is true to say that abdominoplasty is considered one of the most painful procedures. This is most evident when standing or walking in the first few days after surgery. Therefore, for the first week you should take painkillers.

Abdomoplasty results

The overwhelming proportion of people who have undergone abdominoplasty were completely satisfied with the results of the operation.