Abdominoplasty

As it is a surgery that removes a certain amount of skin and fat, there will obviously be a reduction in body weight, which varies according to the volume of each patient’s abdomen. However, it is not the “kilos” removed that will define the aesthetic result, but rather the proportions that the abdomen maintains with the rest of the torso and limbs.

Most women experience some “sagging” of the abdomen after one or more childbirths, with a predominance of skin over the amount of localized fat in the area. These cases give us better results. If the patient is overweight, the result will also be compensatory and proportional to the rest of the body; however, it is worth remembering that “excess fat” in other regions neighboring the abdomen will still exist, which leads us to advise those who present themselves in this way to proceed with complementary treatment, either by liposuction or even clinical/physiotherapy, to balance the various parts between them.

Abdominal muscle diastasis (that bulge in the middle of the abdomen) is treated simultaneously with abdominal dermolipectomy (tummy tuck) surgery.

The scar resulting from a dermolipectomy is located horizontally just above the pubic hair, extending laterally to a greater or lesser extent, depending on the volume of the abdomen to be corrected. This scar is designed to be disguised under underwear, and will go through several periods of evolution, as follows:

a – IMMEDIATE PERIOD: Lasts until the 30th day and has a barely visible appearance. Some cases show a slight reaction to the stitches or dressing.

b – MEDIATE PERIOD: From the 30th day to the 12th month. During this period there will be a natural thickening of the scar, as well as a change in its color. This period is the least favorable in the healing process; as we cannot hasten the natural healing process, we recommend that patients wait, as the later period will be responsible for reducing the scarring.

c – LATE PERIOD: From the 12th to the 18th month. During this period, the scar starts to become lighter and less consistent, thus reaching its final appearance. Any assessment of the definitive result of abdominal surgery should be made after this period. Rare cases go beyond this period to achieve definitive scar maturation.

Certain patients may be prone to unsightly scarring (hypertrophic or keloid scars). This tendency should be assessed during the initial consultation, as well as your family characteristics. Fair-skinned people tend to develop this type of scar less often.

Various clinical and surgical resources allow us to improve these unsightly scars at the right time. However, this should not be confused with the natural evolution of the mediate healing period. Any doubts about your scar’s progress should be clarified during your post-operative visits, when we will have the opportunity to assess the scar’s condition. Occasionally, fluids may accumulate in the operated area, which may require puncture or even drainage, due to liquefaction of the fat or serous-bloody collections.

Various clinical and surgical resources allow us to improve these unsightly scars at the right time. However, the “mediate period” of normal healing (from the 30th day to the 12th month) should not be confused with a healing complication. Any doubts about your progress should be clarified with your doctor.

In the previous answer, some comments were made about the evolution of the scar. However, there are still a few observations to be made about the new abdomen, in terms of its consistency, sensitivity, volume, etc.

• In the first few months, the abdomen is relatively numb, as well as being subject to periods of “bloating”, which should subside spontaneously. At this stage, the abdomen may look “stretched” or “flat”.
• Over the months, once you’ve started exercising, you’ll gradually achieve the definitive result. Any result before 12 to 18 months after surgery should not be considered definitive.

Your own navel will be transplanted and, if necessary, remodeled. It should be borne in mind that around the navel there will be a scar that will undergo the same evolution as the lower scar. There are various techniques for reattaching the navel. All of them are subject to future surgical revisions, should the need arise.

Not always. This depends on your torso type (chest + abdomen). If it is of the short type, it will be partially corrected. If it’s a long one, the result will be more favorable. Also of great importance in this respect is the thickness of the panniculus adiposus (fat thickness) that lines this area of the body.

Your gynecologist will be able to advise you on the advisability of a new pregnancy. As for the outcome, you can’t predict it, it’s advisable to have the offspring already defined before the tummy tuck.

Dermolipectomies generally don’t cause severe pain and if they do occur, it can be controlled with common painkillers.

Every medical act includes a variable risk and plastic surgery as part of medicine is no exception. You can minimize the risk by preparing each patient properly, but you can’t eliminate it completely. The surgical risk is not very different from other plastic surgeries, when there are no aggravating factors and the usual surgical medical care is in place.

General or peri-dural anesthesia; even local anesthesia under sedation can be used in special cases.

As much as the case demands. However, surgical time should not be confused with the length of time the patient stays in the operating room, as this also includes the period of anesthetic preparation and post-operative recovery.

One to three days.

Yes. Special dressings, changed periodically by the medical team.

The stitches can be removed around the 7th day. day, and can be done selectively in the days that follow. Total withdrawal rarely lasts more than two weeks.

Normally, a full bath can be taken from the 7th day onwards, as long as it is assisted by another trained person. day, or after the dressings have been removed. Wait for individualized advice for your case.

It should not be forgotten that, until the desired result is achieved, several phases are characteristic of this type of surgery. So the final result depends not only on the scar’s evolution, but also on the shape of the abdomen, as well as its sensitivity, consistency, etc. Time and your body will take care of any minor inconveniences. Any concerns you may have should be passed on to your surgeon, who will provide you with the necessary additional information. A short period of emotional depression may occur in the first few weeks, due to the transitory aspect, and usually stems from the anxiety of achieving the final result as soon as possible. Remember that no abdominal surgery result can be considered definitive until at least 12 months have passed.