PROCEDURE DURATION: From two to three hours
TYPE OF ANESTHESIA: general anaesthesia
WHAT IS AN ABDOMINOPLASTY?
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to pull the muscles of the abdominal wall.
The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen, but implies the presence of a scar which extends along the lower edge of the abdomen, when suprapubic, which however can be easily hidden by clothing intimate.
Weight losses also no significant may contribute to determining a relaxation of the skin mantle with the formation of so-called “apron”.
WHO IS SUITABLE TO ABDOMINOPLASTY?
The procedure is particularly suitable for those women who after pregnancy have undergone a significant relaxation of the muscular wall associated with excess skin.
Stretch marks, if present in the lower quadrants of the abdomen, are removed with the excess skin which is removed; those located in the upper quadrants will only be improved but not eliminated.
The abdominal surgery is also particularly suitable for those who despite having a discrete physical shape have a significant accumulation of fat (belly) or excessive laxity of the abdominal wall that is not possible to improve nor with the diet nor with the physical exercise.
In the course of abdominoplasty procedure, it arises particular attention to the relaxation of the muscles of the abdominal wall and therefore strengthens the band that wraps around the muscles thus restoring the appearance of a more toned abdomen.
Abdominoplasty is so much in demand by men and even women who have had one or more pregnancies or patients because of advanced age, a drastic slimming or previous surgeries have an abdominal muscle relaxation and a loss of skin elasticity that is no longer possible to recover.
Abdominoplasty should not be considered as a treatment for obesity.
ARE THERE AGE LIMITS TO UNDERGO ABDOMINOPLASTY?
There are no age limits to undergo this surgical procedure, but it is preferable to postpone surgery in women who are planning future pregnancies, since the increase in intra-abdominal pressure may again separate the muscles that have been repaired during abdominoplasty. Overweight patients should undergo before a diet and only later to abdominoplasty to avoid having to resort again to the plastic surgeon to remove excess skin resulting from weight loss future.
PRE-OPERATIVE: HOW TO PREPARE TO PROCEDURE?
You should not take aspirin or medicines that contain it for two weeks before and two weeks after. Aspirin can cause bleeding and thus increase the risk of complications. It is also suggested to stop smoking for at least two weeks before surgery: the incidence of complications is 10 times higher in smokers; smoking cessation brings the risk of complications to the level of nonsmokers.
Women taking birth control estrogen-progestogen therapy should suspend the previous month procedure. In this regard it should be noted that it is appropriate to postpone the operation if you want to plan a pregnancy, to avoid compromising the results.
HOW IS THE SURGERY?
They do skin incision just above the pubic area extended laterally up to the hips; cutaneous and subcutaneous mantle is separated from the abdominal wall until the costal arch. The rectus muscles of the abdomen are pushed together by placing reinforcing points on the abdominal fascia to make the most tonic abdomen profile.
The abdominal skin mantle is then lying at the bottom and the excess skin is removed.
Through a small incision, navel is repositioned that is always remained fixed to the abdominal bend.
In the presence of fatty deposits on the hips, you can combine liposuction to get a better body contour.
In case of excess skin below the navel, it is shown a surgical procedure called mini-abdominoplasty, a rapid technique that can sometimes be performed under local anaesthesia.
POST SURGERY: WHAT TO DO AFTER BEING OPERATED?
The abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia and in clinical inpatient for two nights. In some cases (small abdominoplasty, mini-abdominoplasty or small liposuction) surgery can be performed under local anaesthesia or regional anaesthesia and in outpatient care.
POST OPERATORIO: COSA FARE DOPO ESSERSI OPERATI?
The patient must remain in bed with legs flexed and semi-sitting position for a few days, depending on the degree of skin flap tension.
When the patient can get up, it is necessary to maintain a posture (position) with the trunk flexed forward for a few days, to avoid excessive strains on the suture.
In the first week, it is recommended almost absolute rest: light domestic works are only permitted; the return to everyday work also takes place after 2-4 weeks. Sports activities can be resumed after 3-4 weeks concerning swimming, yoga and light sports, while for the most intense discipline is better to wait at least 6-8 weeks.