Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty - What is it

Being in the centre of our body, the abdomen is often in the centre of the interest, unfortunately most often for its imperfections. In most cases things can get better with diet and exercise, but there are cases where an operation (AKA 'tummy-tuck') is inevitable.

Indications

There is not one specific patient profile, but many versatile. On one hand, we have women at their 30s-40s which, after one or multiple pregnancies, ended up with a ‘hanging’ belly resisting to exercise and diet. On the other hand, there are people who after strenuous diet lost many kilos but their previously stretched skin is unable to return to its original dimensions. Finally, the abdominal muscle distension, found on similar cases, is effectively treated only with an abdominoplasty.

Technique

Abdominoplasty is a relatively common and technically simple operation which consists of excision of the excess skin and underlying fat and suturing of the remaining parts in layers.

The incision is designed low enough in order to be covered by underwear or swimwear. If abdominal muscle distension coexists, they are re-approximated by stitches.

Finally, abdominoplasty may be combined with other procedures such as hernia correction and liposuction.

Recovery is usually relatively short and smooth. Drainage tubes are removed after 2-3 days and patients return to their normal activity after 7-10 days.