DEFINITION AND FOREWARD
The disgraces that affect the abdominal wall are particularly badly felt and badly lived.
Abdominoplasty or dermo abdominal lipectomy
Whenever there are significant lesions of the skin, with marked distension, numerous stretch marks, even scars, the isolated liposuction will be insufficient and it will be necessary to resort to an abdominal plasty.
AIMS AND PRINCIPLES :
The aim of this procedure is to remove the impaired abdominal skin (stretched skin, scars, stretch-marks) and tighten the remaining surrounding skin.
Localised fat excess can be removed during the same procedure by liposuction and impared abdominal wall muscles may be treated too (widening, herniae).
Extended abdominal plasty
The standard abdominoplasty removes a large amount of redundant tissue between the belly button (umbilicus) and the pubic region
Extended abdominal plasty
The standard abdominoplasty removes a large amount of redundant tissue between the belly button (umbilicus) and the pubic region
The healthy skin from the upper middle part of the abdomen is then redraped downwards in order to replace the removed impaired skin.
The belly button is preserved and put in its normal position through a hole cut and countoured in the newly draped skin.
This procedure leaves a scar. It’s length and position may vary with the amount and location of skin to be removed.
Localized abdominal plasties
In the presence of a smaller lesion, a localized abdominal plasty may be proposed, the scar will then be reduced.
BEFORE THE SURGERY :
A preoperative check-up is made according to your surgeon’s recommendations.
The anaesthesiologist will be seen in consultation prior to surgery.
Smoking cessation is strongly recommended because it may delay healing.
No medication containing aspirin will be taken for 10 days before surgery.
TYPE OF ANESTHESIA AND HOSPITAL STAY DURATION
Type of anesthesia : Abdominoplasty is usually performed under general anaesthesia. The patient is asleep through the entire operation.
Hospital stay : The duration of hospital stay is usually 2 to 5 days.
THE PROCEDURE :
In practice, the more fat is aspirated , the longer the scar is.
The excessive fat is aspirated with liposuction and the stretched abdominal wall muscles are tightened.
A molding dressing is made at the end of the procedure.
AFTER THE OPERATION : FOLLOW UP
It is recommended to wear a pressure garment for 2 to 4 weeks, day and night.
You shall not go to work for 2 to 4 weeks.
Sporting activities can be progressively started after 6 weeks.
THE RESULT
It can be best appreciated one year after the procedure.
However, abdominoplasty offers an often noticeable aesthetic improvement. It enhances the patient’s comfort, quality of life and self confidence, thus helping him or her to reach for a better weight-control.