General description
Abdominoplasty or lipectomy is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat and skin from the middle and lower abdomen, and, at the same time, it tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. So, it reduces the protruding of the abdomen.
Benefits
Abdominoplasty is best for women and men whose body shape has big fat deposits and loose abdominal skin that do not disappear with diets or exercise.
The loss of elasticity and the stretching of the skin in women who have had several pregnancies are also conditions where this plastic surgery can help.
Those patients who want to loose a lot of weight or women who plan to have more babies should wait a while before undergoing this surgery.
Patients who have difficulty in scarring must be aware of the risk of unpleasant scars after abdominoplasty.
Technical description
Procedure – Abdominoplasty is the cosmetic fixing of the abdomen to give it a better shape, specially after dramatic weight gain or loss. Abdominoplasty can help flattening the abdomen, tighten loose skin and strengthen abdominal muscles.
General anaesthesia is used so the patient does not feel any pain. An horizontal incision is made on the abdomen, just above the pubic area.
The excess of skin and fat is removed form the abdominal wall, beginning at the pubic area up to the thorax. When this is over, the incision is sutured.
It is common to insert some tubes (draining) and leave them there for a few days so fluids can drain. An elastic bandage is then placed around the abdomen.
Excess fat and skin from arms and legs can also be removed.
Hospitalization – From 2 to 3 days, approximately.
Time – Complete abdominoplasty normally takes a few hours depending on the amount of skin covered.
|
