Abdominoplasty, also called abdominal lipectomy, is a surgical procedure whose purpose is to remove excess skin and fat from the lower-middle abdomen, strengthening the muscles of the abdominal wall. The abominoplasty is recommended for people who after dieting and exercise fail to reduce the volume of your abdomen, or in the opposite case, have suffered a significant weight loss or pregnancy and abdominal skin has become too flaccid, lax. The general appearance is usually an excessive volume of the abdomen that sometimes rests on the pubis -what is colloquially called “flap”-, and flanks that protrude and hang above the belt line. These fat deposits can also be removed with a small liposuction during surgery.
What does the abdominoplasty procedure consist of?
For the reconstruction of the abdomen, first the excess fat and skin is removed, and then the so-called plication of the rectus muscles is performed. This procedure consists of tightening the muscles of the abdomen that have been distended after pregnancy or other causes. The remaining skin is then repositioned and tightened over the corrected abdomen, and a circular incision is made over the internal navel to create a “new” skin navel at the level of the “new” waist. Finally, the sutures are closed. This results in a harder, firmer abdominal wall and a slimmer waist.
There are different surgical techniques to perform abdominoplasty depending on the severity of each patient: sometimes a vertical incision is made from the navel to where the pubic hair begins, or also from hip to hip below the bikini line depending on the case; and when abdominoplasty is simpler, only the cut is made horizontally on the pelvis (mini-abdominoplasty).
Abdominoplasty requires in all cases general anesthesia, and a postoperative period that begins with a bandage that the patient must wear for a week. Afterwards, this protection is replaced by a girdle that must be worn day and night for at least three more weeks.
What results can be expected from the abdominoplasty procedure?
During the first week after the operation, it is usual to feel tightness and tension in the abdomen, and throughout the first months it is absolutely normal to also notice some numbness and swelling. Gradually, and with the passage of time, a definitive result is achieved. This is not fully achieved until one year after the operation.
As for the scar, taking into account that the cut has been made on the pubis, a standard panty or a bikini not too low -or in the case of men a conventional briefs- will help to hide the scar without any problem. In addition to the surgeon’s skill, the patient’s healing capacity is very important and, if the evolution is correct, the mark that remains after an abdominoplasty is performed will be, in most cases, a discreet line hidden under the clothes that will disappear with time.