Abdominoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that involves removing excess, sagging skin from the abdomen. After completing the weight loss process, due to significant weight loss, it sometimes happens that the skin of the abdomen does not shrink completely

Also, after the birth of a child, the abdominal skin, which was greatly stretched during pregnancy, may not be able to shrink completely. As a result, an unsightly, sagging fold of skin remains, located in the middle and lower part of the abdomen. As a result of pregnancy, the abdominal muscles may also separate. The presence of such defects is an indication for an abdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty can be combined with liposuction . Abdominoplasty allows for a flat and well-toned abdomen. Women who plan to become pregnant should avoid the procedure.

Liposuction or abdominoplasty* Which procedure to choose*

If the patient has excess fat tissue located around the abdomen, the doctor may recommend liposuction to better shape the body

Liposuction can be performed if the skin is free of scars, stretch marks, and there is a small amount of excess skin that does not qualify for removal. If there is a significant amount of excess skin, an abdominoplasty procedure is recommended, which is a skin and subcutaneous tissue reduction procedure

The course of the abdominoplasty procedure

Abdominoplasty is an invasive procedure, but it restores skin tension. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and the incision is made from one hip spine to the other, below the underwear line. The height of the incision is individually selected for the patient's figure so that it can be hidden. During the operation, a new place for the navel is also made so that the abdomen has a normal appearance and is symmetrical

Mini-abdominoplasty

Mini-abdominoplasty or partial abdominoplasty can be performed in patients with small skin-fat folds located mainly in the lower abdomen, under the navel. The advantage of this method is a short incision. The procedure is similar to a full abdominoplasty, but does not require such extensive tissue intervention, and the navel remains intact.

Post-procedure recommendations after abdominoplasty

After the procedure, a pressure dressing and drains are applied to drain excess fluid and blood. Pain in the surgical site may persist for several days, and this discomfort is effectively treated with generally available painkillers 

It is possible to develop a hematoma, swelling and bruising of the operated area. In the first postoperative period the patient cannot fully straighten up but must be in a slightly bent position. There may be slight swelling, redness or bruising. All these side effects usually disappear spontaneously after a few days 

Depending on the type of procedure performed and the anesthesia, the patient will be informed in detail by the operator about the procedure in the postoperative period. During the 4-6 weeks, physical activity should be limited, and sunbathing should be avoided for six months after the procedure. The patient usually returns to his/her daily duties after about three weeks of the surgery.