Abdominoplasty is a procedure to remove excess fat and skin from the lower abdomen. If there is loosening of the midline sheath between the muscles which causes a bulge in the midline this is tightened at the same time.
Options
Miniabdominoplasty – this is suitable for patients who have a small lower abdomen hang. The umbilicus does not need to be repositioned, only the lower abdominal excess of skin and fat is removed.
Full Abdominoplasty – This is suitable for patients who have excessive fat and skin in the upper and lower abdominal area. The abdominal flap is raised and excess skin and fat removed, the umbilicus is then repositioned through this flap.
Lipoabdominoplasty – here liposuction of the abdominal flaps is done before the excess is removed and umbilicus re-sited. Contouring of flanks can be done at the same time for a better aesthetic result.
Procedure
The procedure which is suitable for you will be decided on consultation but all abdominoplasty procedures are performed under General Anaesthetic and time varies from 2-4 hours depending upon the procedure.The incision is made within the bikini line and the skin flap is raised.With the Miniabdominoplasty only the lower excess fold is removed and the skin resutured. With the full abdominoplasty the umbilicus is first separated from the skin flap and once the excess skin has been removed, brought out through the tightened abdominal flap.
Patients usually stay in hospital for 1-2 days. A urinary catheter is placed for comfort and also to monitor the patient and removed once the patient can mobilize. The dressings are removed after 1-2 days and patients are advised to wear a compression garment for 6-8 weeks. Drains when present are usually removed in 1-2 days.
Aftercare
Patients usually go home after 1-2 days once they are able to mobilize comfortably and drains have been removed. Absorbable sutures are used for wound closure and do not need to be taken out. The compression garment must be worn for 6-8 weeks. Initially the abdomen may feel tight for 4-5 days but this eases. They can go back to work in 2-3 weeks and full activity in 6-8 weeks.
Potential Risks
As with any operation there is a small risk of bleeding or infection. Risk of fluid collection called a seroma can occur which may require aspiration. Asymmetry, contour irregularies, hypertrophic scarring can occur skin and umbilical necrosis is rare and associated with smoking.
Dr Vimla Rajan, Dr Ruchika Rajan
L-21 Green Park [Main] ,New Delhi 110016, INDIA.
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