Abdominoplasty – Tummy Tuck

Technical name: abdominoplasty or dermolipectomy
Body region: abdomen
Type: cosmetic plastic surgery
Age: when you decided not to have more children
Anesthesia: preferably epidural
Duration of surgery: on average two to three hours
Scar: at the height of the abdomen, being able to be hidden under the bikini

Indication

With aging, pregnancy, alternation of fattening and weight loss, there is a flaccid bulging of the abdomen, formed by leftover fat and, mainly, skin. Abdominal dermolipectomy, also known as abdominoplasty, reshapes the abdomen by removing excess tissue (skin and fat) that builds up below the navel and by adjusting the loose muscular tape. It is not a surgery to lose weight but to remodel the abdomen. In the case of patients who, in addition to sagging and excess skin have fat located in the abdomen, liposuction can be associated to remove fat, while the abdominoplasty corrects sagging and excess skin. Type of anesthesia: Anesthesia is usually epidural.

Goal

Improve the appearance of the abdomen by returning the patient's body contour by removing excess skin and fatty tissue from the lower abdomen (abdominal dermolipectomy).

The goal is not to achieve perfection but to substantially alleviate the problem.

Main aspects

This surgery strengthens the muscles of the region and causes flattening of the lower abdomen, as well as giving tonicity to the skin that has been stretched. Do not confuse this surgery with treatment for obesity, although there may be weight reduction after surgery, since fat and amounts of skin are removed.

What defines the result of this surgery is not the possible loss of weight, but the new forms that the patient will gain. The results are more satisfactory the larger the amounts taken from excess skin. The most common type of anesthesia is the epidural accompanied by sedation. Due to the incision that is made, the navel will be transplanted and remodeled if necessary.

Pre and post-operative care

Do not take acetylsalicylic acid 10 days prior to surgery (impairs bleeding). Remedies for weight loss are also prohibited (they alter the effect of sedatives); Diuretics should also be avoided (may decrease pressure). Any changes in the patient's physical condition (colds, colds, etc.) should also be reported to the physician. The recommendations that precede the surgery should be followed strictly (avoiding certain medications, absolute fasting the day before surgery, among others). It is also advisable not to ingestion of alcoholic beverages and reduction of smoking seven days before the operation. The postoperative period is usually painless and the average length of hospital stay is 24 hours. During the first 14 to 21 days it is recommended to walk with the torso slightly curved forward and in short steps. During this period one should avoid climbing very long stairs.

For 90 days, belt should be used.

At the maximum in six months the swelling and the decrease of sensitivity in the place disappear. The final result comes after 12 to 18 months.

The scar usually turns reddish for a few months, tending to lighten between six months and a year, depending on the patient's skin type and genetics. Direct exposure to the sun should be avoided for one month

Duration

The average duration of surgery is two hours.