“Sagging of the skin of the abdomen is often due to causes such as obesity, lack of exercise, multiple pregnancies, frequent weight fluctuations, and previous intra-abdominal surgery.” says Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ioannis Daliannoudis. Abdominoplasty reduces the size of the abdomen, corrects its sagging, strengthens the abdominal muscle wall and removes stretch marks from the skin that is removed.
Classical Surgical Procedure
There are many surgical variations of abdominoplasty, but all of them have three common goals:
- Strengthening the abdominal wall and repairing any blemishes that may coexist (e.g. umbilical hernias).
- The removal of loose skin and excess fat in the lower abdomen (submandibular dermolipectomy).
- The treatment of any malformations, scars and striae
The abdominoplasty procedure is performed under general anesthesia while the patient is in a supine position with the thighs bent at 45°. A suprapubic incision is made at exactly the same height as the cesarean incision, but extending over a longer length than the cesarean incision. The skin with the subcutaneous fat is then detached, pulled downwards and the excess is excised and removed. The navel is prepared in a new position. During this operation, the abdominal wall is strengthened by suturing the rectus abdominis muscles to the midline of the abdomen and plastering possible navel patches (umbilical hernia) or white line patches. After the operation, a drain is placed and a special pressure corset is necessary in the abdominal area.
The procedure
Mini abdominoplasty (mini abdominoplasty) is a minor abdominoplasty that can be performed in the office under local anesthesia. It is only done in selected cases where the problem is very minor and only involves loosening of the skin of the lower abdomen (below the navel only).
With the patient in a supine position and only under local anesthesia (without intoxication or hypnosis) the excess skin is stretched and removed, and the scar resulting from the mini abdominoplasty is very thin and smaller in size.
In case a small amount of local fat is present, it can be removed by bloodless liposuction during the mini abdominoplasty in the office.
No drainage is required and the patient returns home immediately wearing a special corset for approximately 30 days.
Bloodless Procedure
Abdominoplasty
Bloodless abdominoplasty or scalpel-free abdominoplasty refers to the laser lipolysis of the abdominal area. This technique can, in minor problems, lead to a reduction of local fat in the abdomen at the same time as tightening it with results comparable to a classic abdominoplasty without the hassle of a traditional abdominoplasty.
Abdominoplasty is often combined with liposuction in the abdominal area when, in addition to sagging, there is excess fat under the skin. Liposuction can take place either in the classic abdominoplasty with the patient under general anesthesia or in the mini abdominoplasty with the patient under local anesthesia. The combination of abdominoplasty and liposuction leads to the best possible result as it improves the overall body image. The use of a special abdominal belt is also considered necessary here.
Its only disadvantage is that it is ideal for certain body types and patients should be carefully selected. The use of a corset is also mandatory.
Before – After Results
Abdominoplasty (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that corrects sagging of the abdominal skin and other abdominal wall deformities. The most common lesions seen in the abdominal wall are skin laxity (alone or in combination with localized fat accumulation), stretch marks and thinning of the muscle wall leading to hernias in the abdomen.
These lesions are due to a variety of causes, the most common being obesity, lack of exercise, multiple pregnancies, frequent weight fluctuations and previous intra-abdominal surgery.
During abdominoplasty, skin and fat are removed from the abdominal area. The body image is therefore greatly improved.
FAQ
Abdominoplasty
Can a woman have an abdominoplasty after pregnancy?
After pregnancy, a woman must wait at least 8 months to undergo a tummy tuck, always assuming that most of the weight gained during pregnancy has been lost.
How much does abdominoplasty cost?
Abdominoplasty is a completely personalized procedure and its cost depends on the size of the problem and the technique used (classic abdominoplasty, mini abdominoplasty, lipolysis or not).
What is the most appropriate time to undergo abdominoplasty?
Any time is suitable and there is no restriction. However, the person should keep in mind that he/she will need to wear a special corset for about 1 month after lipolysis.