Abdominoplasty — features of the procedure, its types, indications and contraindications

Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the appearance of the abdomen. https://cosmetology-unit.ru/services/plasticheskaya-khirurgiya/abdominoplastika/. During abdominoplasty, excess skin and fat are removed and the abdominal muscles are tightened to create a flatter, firmer contour. Here are the main aspects of this procedure:

Indications for abdominoplasty:

• Excess skin and fat in the abdominal area: often occurs after significant weight loss or pregnancy.
• Stretched or weakened abdominal muscles: it can also be the result of pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations.
• scars or stretch marks: Abdominoplasty may help reduce the appearance of some scars or stretch marks.

Procedure process:

• consultation: The physician will discuss the patient’s goals and expectations, perform a physical examination, and determine the patient’s suitability for the procedure.
• anesthesia: the procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
• cuts: the incision is usually made horizontally, from one hip to the other, in the lower abdomen. In some cases, an additional incision around the belly button may be required.
• removal of fat and skin: Excess skin and fat are removed and the abdominal wall muscles are tightened.
• Closing the incisions: the incisions are closed with sutures, which can be either internal or external.

Recovery:

• recovery time: full recovery may take several weeks. The first days or weeks may require special compression clothing and limited physical activity.
• painful sensations: patients may experience pain and discomfort, which is controlled with pain medications.
• scarring: Scars after surgery will become less noticeable over time, but will not disappear completely.

Risks and complications:

Like any surgical procedure, abdominoplasty comes with risks, such as infection, bleeding, wound healing problems, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. It is important to discuss all possible risks with your doctor before surgery.

Contraindications:

• Women planning a pregnancy are advised to postpone abdominoplasty as pregnancy may negate the results of the surgery.
• People with certain medical conditions may be denied this procedure.

Important: Abdominoplasty can significantly improve the appearance of your abdomen, but it is a major surgical procedure that requires careful consideration and preparation.

Abdominoplasty has several types, which differ in the volume of intervention and technique. The choice of a specific type depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and the goals of the operation. Here are the main types of abdominoplasty:

Full Abdominoplasty

Description: This is the most common form of abdominoplasty and involves removing excess skin and fat and tightening the abdominal muscles.

Procedure:

• incisions are made from hip to hip and around the navel.
• Excess skin and fat are removed.
• the abdominal wall muscles are tightened and strengthened.
• the navel moves to a new position.

Indications: a significant amount of excess skin and fat, weak or pulled abdominal muscles.

Mini abdominoplasty

Description: A less invasive procedure than a full abdominoplasty, suitable for patients with moderate problems in the lower abdomen.

Procedure:

• the incision is made only in the lower abdomen, usually shorter than in a full abdominoplasty.
• A limited amount of skin and fat is removed.
• the muscles of the lower abdomen are tightened.
• the navel usually does not move.

Indications: moderate amount of excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen, minor muscle strain.

Endoscopic abdominoplasty

Description: a minimally invasive procedure that uses an endoscope to tighten the abdominal muscles.

Procedure:

• several small cuts.
• insertion of an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera) to monitor the operation.
• tightening and strengthening of the abdominal muscles with minimal incisions.

Indications: a small amount of excess skin, the main focus is on strengthening the muscles.

Extended Abdominoplasty

Description: a more extensive form of abdominoplasty that involves tightening the sides and back of the body.

Procedure:

• Incisions are made not only in the front of the abdomen, but also continue to the sides and back.
• A significant amount of skin and fat is removed.
• muscles are tightened along the entire circumference of the body.

Indications: a significant amount of excess skin and fat around the entire circumference of the torso, often after significant weight loss.

Abdominoplasty with liposuction (Lipoabdominoplasty)

Description: a combination procedure that combines traditional abdominoplasty with liposuction to remove excess fat.

Procedure:

• Liposuction is used to remove fat from specific areas.
• removal of excess skin and tightening of abdominal muscles.

Indications: excess fat combined with excess skin and weak abdominal muscles.

Reverse Abdominoplasty

Description: a procedure to remove excess skin from the upper abdomen.

Procedure:

• incisions are made under the rib cage.
• removal of excess skin from the upper abdomen.

Indications: excess skin in the upper abdomen, often in patients who have undergone significant weight loss.

The choice of a specific type of abdominoplasty depends on the patient’s anatomy, the amount of excess skin and fat, and the goals of the operation. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon will help determine the most appropriate type of procedure.

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a complex surgical procedure that requires high qualifications and experience from a plastic surgeon. The level of complexity and the chances of a successful outcome depend on many factors, such as the extent of the intervention, the initial condition of the patient, and compliance with recommendations in the postoperative period.

Complexity of the procedure

• full abdominoplasty is the most complex form of this operation. It involves large incisions, removal of significant amounts of skin and fat, and tightening of the abdominal muscles. Requires long surgery and recovery time.
• mini abdominoplasty less invasive than full and usually less complex, but still requires experience and care.
• endoscopic abdominoplasty And abdominoplasty with liposuction can be considered technically complex due to the use of special equipment and the combination of various techniques.
• extended abdominoplasty And reverse abdominoplasty are also complex due to their volume and specific anatomical regions.

Chances of excellent results

• surgeon qualification: The results of the operation directly depend on the experience and skills of the surgeon. Choosing a qualified and certified specialist significantly increases the chances of a successful result.
• patient’s health condition: Satisfactory general health of the patient promotes successful healing and reduces the risk of complications.
• compliance of expectations with reality: Having realistic expectations and understanding possible outcomes helps patients be satisfied with the results.
• compliance with recommendations: Proper preparation for surgery and compliance with all postoperative recommendations are important, including restrictions on physical activity and following instructions for caring for sutures.
• no bad habits: Smoking and alcohol abuse can negatively affect the healing process and the final result.
• individual characteristics: Anatomical features, skin elasticity, genetics and overall muscle tone can influence the outcome of the operation.

Risks and possible complications

Despite the high chances of a successful result, abdominoplasty, like any surgical operation, is associated with risks:

• infections.
• blood clots (thrombi).
• seromas (fluid accumulations).
• poor wound healing.
• scar formation.
• asymmetry.
• problems with skin sensitivity.

Increasing the chances of a successful outcome

• careful selection of surgeon: checking qualifications, experience and reviews of the surgeon.
• preoperative consultations: Discussion of all aspects of the operation, including risks and expected results.
• compliance with preoperative instructions: stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following all the surgeon’s recommendations.
• post-operative care: strict adherence to instructions for caring for sutures, wearing compression garments, limiting physical activity.

In other words, experts say, abdominoplasty can give excellent results with the right approach and following all recommendations. It helps patients achieve significant improvements in abdominal appearance and self-esteem.

Abdominoplasty is indicated in cases where the patient is faced with problems that cannot be solved with diet and exercise. Here are the main indications for abdominoplasty:

• the presence of a significant amount of excess skin and fat deposits in the abdominal area that cannot be eliminated by diet and exercise.
• divergence (diastasis) of the rectus abdominis muscles, often occurring after pregnancy, which leads to weakness of the muscle frame and bulging of the abdomen.
• the presence of significant stretch marks on the abdomen, which are accompanied by excess skin.
• the presence of hernias that can be corrected during abdominoplasty.
• loss of elasticity of the skin and abdominal muscles, often associated with sudden weight loss or age-related changes.
• uneven or unattractive abdominal contour caused by previous surgery or injury.

Additional indications

• after significant weight loss, especially after bariatric surgery, when a large amount of excess skin remains.
• desire to improve the appearance of the abdomen to increase self-esteem and self-confidence.

Contraindications

However, there are contraindications to abdominoplasty, including:

• the presence of serious chronic diseases that may increase the risk of complications.
• poor general health.
• plans for pregnancy in the near future, as this may lead to repeated stretching of the skin and muscles.
• obesity, in which weight loss is recommended first.
• smoking, unless the patient is ready to quit before and after surgery, as this may affect healing.

Consultation with a surgeon

Before undergoing abdominoplasty, it is important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who will assess the patient’s condition, determine indications and contraindications, and also talk about the risks and expected results of the operation.