The aim of abdominoplasty is to correct abdominal abnormalities. They can be caused by sudden weight gain or loss, pregnancy, heat, hormonal changes or ageing. In addition to aesthetic complaints, it can also cause dysfunction and psychological problems for the patient.
Such problems may include:
– sagging skin (so-called “apron belly”)
– skin conditions (eczema, inflammation, fungal infections)
– wrinkled, stretchy skin
– excess fat
– loose abdominal muscles
– negative self-image, lack of self-confidence
The operation is performed under surgical conditions under general anaesthesia. In addition to anaesthesia, epidural anaesthesia can be used to create anaesthesia in the lower body.
This anaesthesia can also be used while the patient is awake. The type of anaesthesia is discussed between the plastic surgeon, the anaesthetist and the patient.
During surgery, the plastic surgeon can perform the desired procedure using several techniques. The nature of the procedure depends on the amount of skin and fatty tissue, the tightness of the abdominal muscles and the general condition of the patient. The position and size of the incision is determined by the amount of skin to be removed. Excess fat is removed by liposuction, the muscles of the loose abdominal wall are tightened and the remaining skin is then secured to the abdominal muscles with internal hidden stitches, thus improving skin tightness.
Depending on individual needs and complexity, the surgery can take from 90 minutes to 4 hours.
Depending on the individual, the hospital stay after surgery can last from 1 to 5 days. After the operation, a bandage is applied to the operated area, which remains in place for 3 weeks, and after its removal, a special compression abdominal bandage is applied to the abdomen, which must be worn for a period of time determined by the plastic surgeon (usually 6 weeks).
Physical sparing is important for a few weeks, followed by gradual exercise and a balanced lifestyle to ensure a speedy recovery, which will allow you to return to your normal lifestyle after 6 weeks. From the 6th week after surgery, gentle, gradual exercise is possible. The final shape will be fully visible 1 year after the operation.
Full recovery varies from person to person, as it is largely determined by the speed of rehabilitation and the general condition and activity prior to surgery.
– better well-being, more self-confidence
– a visibly firmer, more aesthetically pleasing stomach
– scars remain visible but tend to fade over time (within 1-3 years)
Although complications are rare, it is worth being aware of the following potential complications:
– blood clots (haematomas): quite rare, but can occur. These can be evacuated to prevent damage to the final aesthetic result.
– infection: although not common, it requires treatment with drainage and antibiotics and may affect the quality of the result. It is not uncommon to see subcutaneous accumulation of lymph fluid and oily fluid leakage 8 days after surgery. The best way to prevent this complication is compression and rest.
– Scar healing disorder
– skin necrosis (necrosis): this is usually limited to a small area, extensive necrosis is rare. It is mostly limited to a small area, but extensive necrosis is common. It is more likely to occur if the patient smokes, especially if they have not stopped smoking before the operation.
– Sensitivity disorders
– changes in the sensation of the abdominal skin, often in the lower abdominal wall. These are usually temporary conditions and most patients recover normal sensation within 3-12 months.
– thromboembolic accidents (blood clots in the veins of the leg, pulmonary embolism): relatively rare but extremely serious. Preventive measures, such as getting the patient up and walking as soon as possible after surgery, wearing compression stockings, anticoagulant treatments (thromboprophylaxis injections under the skin), minimise these risks.
