Abdominoplasty – Tummy tuck surgery for eliminating the marks resulting from weight loss
Abdominoplasty is the correction of the after-effects of the weight-loss process. Fat deposits in the abdomen stretch the skin, and after the excess weight is eliminated, the layer of skin remains in excess. Abdominoplasty corrects these unpleasant skin changes, the purpose of the intervention being to obtain a pleasant aesthetic appearance by eliminating the “abdominal apron”.
Abdominoplasty at a glance
- Type of procedure: aesthetic correction after weight loss — a retouching procedure, not one for eliminating excess weight
- Variants: full abdominoplasty (2 to 5–6 hours) or mini-abdominoplasty (1–2 hours)
- Anaesthesia: local or general
- Hospitalisation: about 2–3 days; dressings for approximately 1 month
- Rest: 2 weeks off work; intense physical effort after a minimum of 6 weeks
Who is abdominoplasty recommended for?
The intervention is recommended for patients who have undergone a bariatric surgical procedure and who have finally reached a stable weight. The procedure is also indicated for people who have followed a weight-loss diet and want to improve the appearance of their abdomen.
Besides being unsightly, the loose skin on the abdomen can also cause other problems — in particular fungal infections in the skin fold hanging over the abdomen.
When is it not indicated?
- women who want future pregnancies — pregnancy will change the abdominal wall again
- patients who want major weight loss after this intervention or through it — abdominoplasty is a retouching procedure, not one for eliminating excess weight
How do you prepare for the intervention?
A few weeks before the intervention and for several weeks after the operation, alcoholic drinks and tobacco are given up — these slow down the healing process by interfering with blood circulation. Anticoagulant medication is also stopped, as instructed by the doctor, and for at least 12 hours before the procedure, no food should be eaten.
What does the intervention involve?
The anaesthesia used is local or general, and the abdominoplasty intervention includes:
- the technique of restoring the muscular tension of the trunk
- restoring the muscle tone of the abdominal wall
- remodelling and suturing the abdominal fascia, to strengthen the abdominal wall
- the most aesthetic centring of the navel
- precise recontouring through liposuction, to blend the fat transition area, then eliminating the localised flanks
Full abdominoplasty
Lasts between 2 and 5–6 hours and involves a horizontal incision and an incision around the navel, whose position will be moved. This intervention can be combined with liposuction.
Mini-abdominoplasty
Lasts between 1 and 2 hours, involves a shorter incision than traditional abdominoplasty, does not move the navel’s position and allows the removal of the excess skin and fat located only below the navel.
What are the advantages of abdominoplasty?
- Aesthetic advantages: after the intervention you obtain a flat, supple abdomen, a better-defined profile and a much narrower waist, and the stretch marks around the navel can be reduced or even removed.
- Medical advantages: removing the “abdominal apron” eliminates the risk of developing fungal infections, which exists because of the skin fold hanging over the abdomen.
What is the recovery like?
After the intervention, the operated area is dressed, and the dressings must be worn for about 1 month. As the intervention is quite laborious, so is the period the body needs to recover and adapt to the changes:
- hospital stay usually lasts about 2–3 days
- time off work — 2 weeks
- more intense physical activities can be resumed after a minimum of 6 weeks from the intervention
The results of an abdominoplasty last, in theory, for many years. With advancing age, the skin and muscles will loosen again; slowing this process and maintaining optimal results can be achieved through a healthy lifestyle and regular physical exercise.
Frequently asked questions
Will abdominoplasty help me lose weight?
No — abdominoplasty corrects the excess skin left after weight loss. For losing weight there are the bariatric procedures, and abdominoplasty is done after reaching a stable weight.
What is the difference between abdominoplasty and mini-abdominoplasty?
Full abdominoplasty (2–6 hours) uses a horizontal incision plus one around the navel, which is repositioned, and treats the whole abdomen. Mini-abdominoplasty (1–2 hours) has a shorter incision, does not move the navel and addresses only the area below it.
Will there be scars?
Yes, the horizontal incision leaves a scar, usually placed low, below the underwear line; with mini-abdominoplasty the scar is shorter. Its appearance fades over time.
How long does the result last?
The results last, in theory, for many years. Maintaining a stable weight, a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise slow the natural loosening of the skin and muscles that comes with age.