The reasons why our abdomen can see its shape or size altered. The most common cause is weight changes and, in women, pregnancy too. Be that as it may, the truth is that, as time goes by, it is normal for the belly muscles to loosen. Something that is corrected by abdominoplasty, removing both the excess skin and fat tissue of the belly, abdomen, navel and the area surrounding the pubis, and can also get the navel repositionned in a new location during the operation.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE OPERATION:
- The duration of this surgery is around 3 hours
- General anesthesia is usually applied
- Requires staying a day at the hospital
- Patient will have small silicone tubes that help him withdraw the usual blood from the postoperative period for 2 or 4 days
- Stitches removal is not required
- Patient stays in Turkey between 5 and 6 days in total
- A special corset must be worn during the first 3 weeks after the intervention
- Results will become visible in 6 weeks
WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO UNDERGO AN ABDOMINOPLASTY?
The perfect candidates to undergo this surgery are all those people who, despite having tried to all kinds of diets and physical exercise are unable to get rid of a flaccid abdominal skin and who want to shape their abdomen. Abdominoplasty is a surgical technique that is usually developed in women who have just given birth and see how their abdomen is full of stretch marks or their abdominal muscles look noticeably weakened. Abdominoplasty surgery helps improve both appearance and self-confidence. It won’t help you achieve an ideal look or eliminate other problems that need other types of treatment. It is important to discuss your expectations with your surgeon before you make the decision to undergo this procedure.
HOW IS THE PRE-SURGERY OF AN ABDOMINOPLASTY?
The medical team that will intervene the patient will carefully inform you of everything you need to do and know before you walk through the door of the operating room. Among other things, he/she will be told to quit smoking 4 days before and remain nicotine abstinence for two weeks after surgery. During this time, excessive sun exposure should be avoided.
ABDOMEN REDUCTION SURGERY (ABDOMINOPLASTY), WHAT IS IT?
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure in which excess fat is removed from the lower abdomen and the abdominal muscles are stretched. It is important to underline that it is not a treatment against obesity. Also that people suffering obesity should lose weight as much as indicated by the surgeon before undergoing an abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty noticeably improves the look of those who go through it.
¿ WHERE IS THE SURGERY CARRIED OUT? IS THE PARTIAL OR TOTAL ABDOMINOPLASTY CARRIED OUT IN THE HOSPITAL? HOW DO I GET READY FOR SURGERY?
The first thing your surgeon will do is examine your overall health, the amount of fat accumulated in the abdominal region, the distribution of excess skin, as well as the quality of flabby skin. During this first phase you should mention your past and current medical history, as well as your habits (if you smoke, drink, etc.) and if you take medications (aspirin, tranquilizers, etc.). This information is of vital importance to the doctor. Another issue that you should also point out is why you need this surgery and what your expectations are. Based on your expectations and the results of the pre-surgery tests, the surgeon will decide if you are a candidate for a partial or total abdominoplasty.
HOW IS THE OPERATION PROCESS?
The complete abdominoplasty can last from 2 to 5 hours depending on the complexity of the operation. Partial abdominoplasty may take 1 to 2 hours. It is usually done through an incision from hip to hip in an area where the mark can be hidden under the swimsuit. Afterwards, the excess abdominal skin is cut, releasing muscles from the ribs to the groin. In the event of weakness of the abdominal muscles or a hernia, these will be reinforced through the removal of excess skin. The opening will be closed with hidden metal staples (intradermal), these being closed with sutures and covered with bandages. In addition, one or two drainage tubes will be placed to absorb any fluid that may accumulate in the subcutaneous region.
POSTOPERATIVE
It is common for the first two days to experience some abdominal pain and some slight swelling. Often, as a consequence of the presence of a drainage that should remain in our body between 1 and 3 days. The same period that you must stay in the hospital. It will be only after 1 to 3 weeks that stitches will be removed. In less than a month you will be able to get back to work and scars will disappear between 9 months and 1 year after the operation. If they do not disappear completely, they will be hidden under the swimsuit line. Complete or partial abdominoplasty surgery may be definitive for patients with abdominal flaccidity and weakness of their abdominal muscles. For most patients, regular exercise and a healthy diet are the ideal complement to maintaining the perfect abdomen for the rest of their lives.