abdomen
abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty is a commonly performed surgical procedure to get rid of excess skin and fat and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall.
In people who have had one or more pregnancies, or who have lost large amounts of weight, the skin and fat in the abdomen can become loose and flaccid. No amount of exercise will get rid of this hanging, loose skin. At the same time, because the muscles of the abdomen have been stretched, the intestines can push forward from the inside, creating an unsightly bulge of the abdomen.
Abdominoplasty can tighten these muscles to help create a flat, firm abdominal wall. At the same time, any excess loose, hanging skin and fat is removed. Frequently, liposuction will be combined with abdominoplasty to remove unwanted fat from the hips and other areas. It is a popular operation in both women and men.
indications
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.
Patients who intend to loose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. If scarring from previous abdominal surgery is present, abdominoplasty may be contra- indicated. Smoking should be stopped several weeks before surgery, otherwise serious complications in wound healing can occur.
the surgery
The operation takes
approximately three to four hours and is performed under general
anesthesia.
An incision is made in the lower part of the abdomen. The redundant skin and fat is removed and the weakness of the underlying muscles is repaired with strong sutures. At the end of the operation the navel is relocated at a new position. The abdominal incision is immediately closed with sutures that are removed in 10 to 14 days. A firm elastic girdle is applied to the entire abdomen and should be worn for several months.
recovery
For the first few
days, the abdomen will be swollen, painful and firm. Pain and discomfort
can easily be controlled by medication. Following surgery, the new
abdomen will feel tight, and most patients will walk slightly hunched
over for 2-3 weeks. There will be some swelling around the re-contoured
abdominal wall for several weeks that will subside with time. Patients
will need to remain in a sitting position in the first two to four
days with knees bent at all times.
Some people return to work
after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and
recuperate. It usually takes at least eight full weeks to recover
completely.
The use of an elastic girdle is very important
to prevent complications such as fluid collections and disrupture
of the internal sutures.
Exercise will help healing. Even people
who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program
to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles.
Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided in the early stages
of healing.