ABDOMINOPLASTY

Abdominoplasty is not a medical decision, but a personal option. The way people see themselves will define them as persons, helping them obtain social recognition and approval. Every woman wants to have a flat, slender and smooth abdomen, but few are that lucky. Pregnancy, loss of weight or gain in weight cause modifications especially in the abdominal area.

Your friends and the members of your family may tell you their opinion regarding this procedure, the plastic surgeon may offer you medical advice, but only you shall decide what is best for you.

This type of surgery has been practiced since the 60s and a large number of women have reaped benefits from the procedure.

Abdominoplasty is usually performed on women and men with an aesthetic and harmonious build but have fat deposits at abdominal level that cause a sort of "apron" to be formed, which does not respond to any diet. The operation is helpful in the case of women who develop a diastasis of the abdominal muscles after several pregnancies. This operation is also recommended to obese elderly persons, with lower skin elasticity.

SURGICAL INTERVENTION

The surgical intervention consists in the transverse incision at the level of supra-pubian area, but below the "bikini line". An incision is also made round the umbilicus to elevate it. The skin and subcutaneous tissue will be elevated from the abdomen as far as the costal border. The two abdominal muscles are sutured along the median line. This provides the strengthening of the abdominal wall. Excess skin and subcutaneous tissue are removed. The umbilicum is repositioned and it will have an elevated position.

The transverse incision will leave a large scar that in some cases has to be revisited.

The operation is performed under general anesthesia, because it is safer and provides the necessary comfort to the surgical team. The risks of general anesthesia are low but they cannot be completely eliminated. Please provide the anesthetist with your case history in order to establish the course and conduct of the surgery.

The time required for the operation of abdominoplasty depends on several factors, including the surgical approach, patient anatomy, type of anesthesia and amount of excised material.

Generally, the procedure lasts for 2 to 5 hours.

Most operations require 2-3 days of postoperative hospitalization. In this way the patient is being monitored by the medical and surgical staff.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Some of the complications that may occur are: infection, hematoma (blood clot that requires elimination), dehiscence of sutures, necrosis of soft parts. Follow the plastic surgeon's counsel to avoid the appearance of such complications.

POST SURGICAL EFFECTS

After the operation you must wear a special garment or a stretch girdle. For a few days after the surgical intervention the abdomen will be swollen and painful. Resumption of normal walking abilities will be possible soon.

The initial discomfort shall be kept under control using analgesics.

Removal of suture material shall be performed 7-14 days after the operation.

The elastic garment shall be worn 4-6 weeks after the operation.

The scars take approximately one year to be completely healed and exposure to sunlight should be avoided because of the adverse responses that may occur.

Usually, current activities may be resumed 2-3 days after the operation. Pain may persist for a period and if that is the case, avoidance of strenuous and intense activities is recommended.

Complete and normal activity may be resumed 4-6 weeks after the surgery, but this period may vary in length, depending on the technique employed, length of incision, quantity of material removed and level of exertion during current activities. The plastic surgeon will recommend the optimum time at which normal life may be resumed.

Abdominoplasty is performed to eliminate the band of fat. This will lead to increased confidence, as the new look will be pleasing to the eye.

The emotional and psychic benefits of the procedure are an increased self-assurance, a better self-image and a great personal satisfaction.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

· Wash thoroughly before the procedure;
· Exclude aspirin and aspirin-related medication two weeks before the operation;
· Try to schedule the operation outside your menstrual period;
· Do not eat or drink anything, not even water after midnight before the procedure is performed;
· Do not expose yourself to sunlight for two weeks before the operation;
· Wear only glasses, do not use contact lenses;
· Do not use make-up or nail varnish; remove any varnish off your nails before the operation;
· On the day of the operation leave your jewelry at home;
· Please let the anesthetist know if you wear dentures.

This presentation is only made for information purposes.
For customized data and for further details please contact us at:

Radu Voicu, MD
Specialist in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Teaching Hospital CF2, 63 Marasti Blvd, Sector 1, Bucharest
Tel: 021-224 50 02
Mobile: 0722 684 735
Fax : 021-413 06 69
e-mail: office@drvoicu.ro
Internet: www.drvoicu.ro