Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty is an esthetic (cosmetic) surgery performed to remove excess skin and fat from the lower part of the abdomen and tighten abdominal muscles.

Indications for abdominoplasty

Abdomen skin flabbiness that developed as a result of weight loss, age-related changes, pregnancy; flabbiness and overdistension of abdominal muscles that cause visceroptosis; formation of cicatrical stretches of skin, especially in the area of umbilicus and below; unaesthetic cicatrices on the abdomen after other operative interventions.

What can be expected after the operation?

Best results are achieved with the patients whose weight is close to normal when there is flabbiness of the skin of abdominal wall front surface, reasonably pronounced fat surplus, or abdominal muscles protrusion. The result of this surgery is usually stable although significant weight fluctuation or a subsequent pregnancy can diminish the effect. You can receive answers concerning postoperative prognosis during the consultation.

Is hospitalization necessary?

Several days of staying in the clinic are usually required after abdominoplasty. Sometimes this period can be reduced to one day.

Preparation for the operation

The patient has to be in good health (no chill or other diseases in this period). It is prohibited to take aspirin-containing drugs in the 10 days before the surgery. The patient should stop smoking 10 days before the surgery and abstain from smoking for 3-4 weeks after it. Take a bath the day before the surgery. It is recommended not to eat and only to drink liquids for a day or two before the surgery. The surgery is performed on an empty stomach (use ½ glass of water to brush your tooth and oral cavity).

What complications can occur after abdominoplasty?

Frequency of postoperative complications is directly related to the thickness of fatty tissue and patient’s weight and concomitant diseases. General weakness, edematization of tissues and pain during movements are possible in the first 2-5 weeks. They gradually pass and completely disappear in 2-5 months after the surgery. Change of sensibility is observed in the area of stitches for a prolonged period. Therefore it is impossible to use hot-water bag, hot shower or bath. It is recommended to avoid direct sunrays.

How long is the postoperative period?

Stitches are removed on 7-10 day after the surgery. Discharge from the hospital is on 3-7 day, depending on general condition.