Abdominoplasty

Reading this information about the abdominoplasty can certainly help you make up your mind for there are many incorrect reports and false information going around about this type of surgery. This information, in many case, is given by patients who underwent surgeries executed by doctors who were not licensed to perform such surgery. Talk to a licensed doctor about the possibility of having this type of surgery as well as of the convenience of associating it with another type of plastic surgery and read the following information carefully.
These are the most frequently asked questions about this type of surgery:

1) How many kilos will I lose with this surgery?

Since fat and skin is removed in this surgery, there will be some weight loss which varies depending on the patient and the stomach volume. However, the kilos are not the focus of this surgery but the aesthetic result which should guarantee a balance between the proportions of the body and torso. Paradoxically, the tummies that present the best result are those which are a little flabby, after 1 or more pregnancies because of the excess of skin and localized fat in that area. It’s important to remember the rest of the localized fat in the body will still be there after surgery.

2) Is the scar very evident?

The scar is horizontal and above the pubic hair, this scar is planned to be hidden under the underwear line, similar to a cesarian and will go through different periods of evolution:

a. Immediate period – until the 30th day and is little visible but in some cases there can be reaction to stitches and bandages.

b. Mediate period – from the 30 day to the 12th month. In this period the scar will thicken and change color going form red to brown and gradually becoming lighter. The next period will remove any scar vestiges.

c. Late period – from the 12th to the 18th month. In this period the scar becomes lighter and less visible, reaching its final state. The assessment of result should be made in this period.

3) When will I get the final result?

During the first months the tummy will show a relative insensitivity and can be swollen with an aspect of tight or plain. As months go by and the patient starts the modeling exercises the definite result will finally be seen. No result is definite before the 12 or 18th month of post-surgery.

4) Will I have a new navel?

No, your own navel will be transplanted and if necessary, remodeled. Around the navel there will be a scar which will go through the same evolution phases as the other scars. Should the scar look a little artificial it can be reshaped by a retouch.

5) Does this type of surgery correct excess of fat in the area around the stomach?

Not always, that depends on your torso (thorax and tummy). If you’re the short type, it will be more difficult. The thickness of the fat is also important.

6) What kind of swimming costume can I wear after the surgery?

That depends on you, the tummy job will not change your whole body, it will simply improve your tummy.

7) Can I get pregnant normally again? Will the results of surgery remain?

Your gynecologist can tell you that. The result of plastic surgery can be maintained if you don’t gain too much weight, however, we suggest you have the children before the abdominalplasty.

8) Is the post-surgery phase very painful?

No. Should you have more than one surgery at a time can produce more pain, though.

9) How risky is this surgery?

When this surgery is done by a certified professional, it should not present more risks than traveling by plane, driving or crossing a busy street.

10) What kind of anesthetic is used?

Usually general and sometimes local with sedation in special cases.

11) How long is the surgery?

Around 90 to 120 minutes.

12) How long do I have to stay in hospital?

From 2 to 3 days.

13) Will I use bandages?

Yes, elastic bandages which are changed each 3 days in the first two days and then periodic bandages.

14) When are the stitches removed?

From the 8th to the 12th day. .

15) When can I have a complete bath?

Usually after the 3rd day.

16) What’s the post-surgery evolution like?

Remember that until you get the final result, you’ll go through different phases of recovery. In item 2 we talked about scars and in item 3 about the shape of the abdomen. The definite result can only be judged after the 12th or 18th month. In case of obese patients, after the 8th day there might be a discharge of yellow liquid through one or more stitches. This is normal and can be overcome by bandages should it prove convenient.

Recommendations for abdominalplasty

Pre-surgery

1. Inform us of any change of health such as cold or menstrual period two days before your surgery
2. follow hospital instructions for check in
3. avoid achool and heavy meals one day before surgery
4. avoid any type of medicine to lose weight for up to 10 days before surgery, that includes diuretics too
5. program your activities so as no to be indispensable for a period of 2 weeks

Post-surgery

1. avoid physical effort for 14 days
2. stand up as many times as instructed in hospital as well as remain sited when instructed and avoid long stairs.
3. don’t wet the bandages in the first phase (10 days)
4. don’t be exposed to sun or cold for at least 2 weeks
5. bend a little to walk for a period of 14 to 20 days
6. follow doctor’s prescriptions
7. return to clinic at appointed time to change bandages
8. read this information as many times as needed
9. you may feel so great that you may forget you were operated on. Be careful!! This euphoria can cause you problems if you forget the instructions.
10. Don’t worry about intermediary shapes, clarify with us any doubts or concerns you may have about your recovery.
11. In case of obese patients you may have a discharge of yellow liquid through the stitches, don’t worry, this is normal and doesn’t entail any complications with the surgery.
12. normal diet.
13. don’t go on a diet until the doctor tells you to.