Belly Abdominoplasty

What is Abdominoplasty? 

Abdominoplasty is the removal of excess fat and skin in the abdomen; It is a surgical procedure in which the weakened abdominal muscles over time are repaired and reinforced in the midline, so that the patient has a smoother and more even abdominal area. Abdominoplasty and other abdominoplasty and waist shaping procedures are very popular among women, especially after pregnancy. Today, the number of men applying for abdominoplasty surgeries is increasing.

In abdominoplasty aesthetics, long-term permanent results are obtained after the procedure is completed. Although the result of the surgery lasts for many years, rapid weight gain and loss and not doing enough sports can adversely affect the abdominal region. Being pregnant can affect the results of a abdominoplasty. So, if you are considering having children soon, it would be a better idea to postpone the surgery. According to studies, there are patients who became pregnant after 6 months of abdominoplasty surgery and gave birth successfully.

Abdominoplasty is usually combined with liposuction to treat excess fat that does not go away with diet and exercise.

When is Abdominoplasty Needed?

Many people: she spends a lot of time in gyms to achieve her goal of a flatter stomach. However, even with the most intense diet, exercise, and sports, you may not be able to achieve the goal of a "flatter stomach". Even the most active people with a normal body weight can develop a sagging, belly, and protruding abdomen. Among the most common reasons for this are:

• Advancing age,
• Frequent weight gain and loss,
• Genetics,
• Previous surgeries,
• Pregnancy,
• People who experience loss of elasticity in the skin resort to aesthetic abdominoplasty surgeries.

Are There Types of Abdominoplasties?

Abdominoplasty surgeries are of 2 types: Full abdominoplasty and mini abdominoplasty stretch

Full Abdominoplasty:

Full abdominoplasty surgeries: It is the most common procedure for patients with severe skin laxity, excess fat and abdominal muscle separation. These surgeries are performed under general anesthesia and require patients to stay in the hospital for an average of 2-3 days. The navel is protected by making an incision around the navel; A long and horizontal incision is made at the bottom and excess skin and fat are removed. If there is no hernia in the abdominal wall, it has nothing to do with the internal organs. The abdominal muscles above and below the navel are tightened like a corset. Although these operations leave a long horizontal incision scar, the greatest improvement in the shape of the abdomen is achieved with this operation.

Mini Abdominal Stretch:

Mini abdominoplasty is more suitable for patients who only have a small amount of skin sagging under the navel. General anesthesia is required in this operation. During the operation, a horizontal seam is left by removing skin and fat from the lower abdomen. Mini abdominoplasty gives a smaller effect than full abdominoplasty operations. Hospital stay and anesthesia are shorter.

Can Abdominoplasty and Liposuction Be Done Together?

Sometimes, liposuction can be done together with abdominoplasty surgery. With this; liposuction is recommended instead of abdominoplasty for young patients who have elastic skin and whose main problem is excess regional fat. During the procedure, small incisions of a few mm length are made, excess fat is removed, and the incisions are closed. Some degree of skin tightening can be seen with liposuction; however, the results are not always predictable. Liposuction alone will have less effect than a abdominoplasty. It is a procedure aimed at subcutaneous adipose tissue rather than the skin.

Who Can Have Abdominoplasty Aesthetics?

The most suitable candidates for abdominoplasty surgery are men and women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by loose abdominal skin that does not respond to diet or exercise. Operation: It is beneficial for women who have lost and lost a lot of weight, who have been overweight, whose abdominal muscles have weakened due to twins and multiple pregnancies, and whose skin is far from the point where it can return to normal.

This surgery can also improve the loss of elasticity that occurs with obesity. If you plan to lose excess weight, you should postpone the surgery. When you reach your ideal weight, your surgery becomes easier. Also, women who plan to become pregnant in the near future should wait for this surgery; because the vertical muscles tightened during the surgery can be separated again during pregnancy.

What Should Be Considered Before Abdominoplasty Surgery?

Your doctor: will advise you on how to prepare for surgery, including eating and drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.

If you smoke; you should quit at least 1-2 weeks before the surgery and you should not drink until at least two weeks after the surgery.

Surgery is riskier in patients who are very overweight. Body mass index is important in decision making. Uncontrolled sugar and weight are risky for those with diabetes.

Before the operation, you should avoid a strict diet, especially in the abdominal area, as it prevents excessive sun exposure and can hinder its ability to heal.

If you have a cold or have an infection, your surgery will likely be delayed. After the operation, you should arrange for someone to drive you home and ask them to help you, if necessary, 1-2 days after you leave the hospital.

After Abdominoplasty Surgery

During the first few days after surgery, the abdomen will likely be swollen. During this time, you may experience pain and discomfort that can possibly be controlled with medication. Depending on the degree of surgery; You may leave the hospital in a few hours, or you may need to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days. Generally, special rubber or silicone pipes, which are emptied into the outer chamber called a drain, are placed inside to prevent blood or serum fluid from accumulating inside during the surgery. The drains are removed 3-7 days after the surgery.

Your doctor will give you the necessary information about showering and changing dressings. Even if you can't stand upright in order not to stretch your stomach at first, you should start walking as soon as possible. There may be few external sutures in the long suture line on the lower abdomen; all other stitches are closed stitches. Non-dissolving external sutures will be removed within an average of 1 week.