This is a surgical procedure in which excess skin and fat in the abdominal area is removed and the abdominal muscles are tightened resulting in a flatter abdomen. It is not an alternative to weight loss.
Women who have had multiple pregnancies or persons who were once obese and have now lost lot of weight, may have loose sagging abdominal skin, and may be benefited from it.
PROCEDURE
Under general anaesthesia, an incision is made across the lower abdomen extending from hipbone to hipbone. The skin is then lifted off the abdominal muscles from the incision up to the ribs. A separate incision is given to free the umbilicus. The vertical abdominal muscles are tightened by stitching them closer together. The skin is then stretched back over the abdomen and excess skin and fat are cut away.
A partial or mini abdominoplasty may be done in individuals who have excess skin and fat limited to the lower abdomen (i.e., below the navel). Here the muscle wall is not tightened and the umbilicus is not repositioned. But, the skin is stretched over a smaller incision made just above the pubic hairline and excess skin is cut away. The incision is then closed with stitches. This type of surgery may be performed with an endoscope.
DURATION
Surgery may take 2-4 hours. A hospital stay of 3-4 days is commonly needed, or till the drains are removed.
RECOVERY
An elastic bandage or compression garment would have to be used post surgery. Any strenuous activity is to be avoided for 4-6 weeks. Routine work may be resumed in 2-4 weeks. If you smoke, it has to be stopped completely, as it may delay healing and increase the risk of complications.
RISKS
Risks associated with the procedure include bleeding, wound infection, pulmonary embolism, numbness in the area, asymmetry, etc. But it is minimized if the procedure is carried out by qualified and experienced Cosmetic surgeon.
Liposuction is an alternative for patients with localized deposits of fat with no excess skin, while abdominoplasty is a better choice for patients with excess abdominal skin and fat.
It is to be avoided if you are a female planning a pregnancy at a later date, or a person planning to lose lot of weight. Patients who have undergone previous abdominal surgery or are heavy smokers, should reconsider their decision. There would be post surgical scars, if cannot deal with it, then avoid the surgery.