The best candidates for a tummy tuck are those who have a relatively normal figure, but are concerned about deposits of fat or sagging skin of the abdomen that do not disappear with diets or exercise. This intervention particularly helps women who, after several pregnancies, have lost the firmness of their abdominal muscles. They can also improve the loss of skin elasticity in older patients. The abdominoplasty enhances your appearance, improves your body contour and your confidence.
Lipectomy or abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat in the middle and lower abdomen, as well as reaffirm the muscles of the abdominal wall. This procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a prominent abdomen, but do not forget that it produces a permanent scar, which depending on the extension of the original problem, can extend from hip to hip, which can be improved with the recommendations of your surgeon.
At your first visit, your health will be evaluated, the amount of fat deposited in the abdominal region will be determined and the quality of the skin will be assessed. Discuss your expectations with your surgeon and he will explain the different techniques, risks and limitations of each. If, for example, your fat deposits are limited to the area below the belly button, you may require a less complex procedure called partial lipectomy or mini-lipectomy. In most cases, better results are obtained if a liposuction is performed at the same time. In any case, your surgeon should recommend the procedure that best suits your body and what you want to get. During your visit, the surgeon will explain the type of anesthesia you will use, where the intervention is performed, and the costs involved.
The most common in this case is the use of general anesthesia, or an epidural block or raquea, so that you will sleep throughout the intervention. A complete lipectomy or abdominoplasty, usually lasts between 1 and 3 hours, partial lipectomy usually lasts for 1 to 2 hours.
During the first few days your abdomen will swell and you will feel some pain and discomfort that can be controlled with prescription medications. Depending on the importance of the intervention, you may be discharged within a few hours, or you may be admitted for 2 or 3 days. The superficial stitches will be removed in 5 or 7 days, the belly button stitches around in 2 weeks, the bandages can be replaced by a special garment. Some people return to work approximately after 2 weeks, exercise will help you to recover better. It is advisable to do a soft gymnastics program. However, violent exercise should be avoided for around 2 months.
Total or partial abdominoplasty gives excellent results in patients with weak abdominal muscles and with excess skin, the results will have longer duration if you do exercise and a balanced diet.
Plastic surgeon, aesthetic and reconstructive
Professional license: 4078621
Certificate of specialty: 8536540
