Sagging abdominal wall surgery - abdominoplasty - mini abdominoplasty

Abdominal plastic surgery offers a solution by flattening the slack skin and tightening muscles of the relaxed abdominal wall, which frequently occurs after pregnancy or a distinct weight loss. If needed, excess subcutaneous fatty tissue is removed as well. The appearance and functional results of the surgery are very good although at the cost of scars that are inevitable in order to remove excessive skin. It leaves a permanent scar. However, it will fade with time and its quality differs per individual. Abdominoplasty is not only an aesthetic surgery but it also provides a solution to functional deficiency of the abdominal wall, i. e inferior rectos muscles diastases. The surgery not only brings about a better appearance and function but it also stops the slackening process of the abdominal wall.

Miniabdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty

The initial and a very important step to be taken before any decision on the surgery is made is a personal consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon. A good state of health is a prerequisite, which determines the upper age limit for this procedure. This surgery is not recommended when pregnancy is planned. This procedure can be performed on men to a degree if the skin slack is more marked.

The operation is performed under general anaesthesia. The incision and the resulting scar runs closely above the pubic hair within the entire width between the hip bones. Consequently, the scar is situated in a way to be covered with underwear along the entire length. This approach will bring about the best general effects. In addition to removing any excess slack skin, the surgery also includes the navel transfer to a new position, reinforcement of the abdominal wall by suture of diastases of the inferior rectus muscles and subcutaneous fatty tissue removal if required.

The stay at hospital is typically 2 nights. During the initial days after the operation, it is necessary to keep a rest regime without any physical load. On the 4th day after the operation take a shower. The patient must rest at home for about a week. Elastic compression garment and an elastic waistband should be worn for 6-8 weeks. Rest is recommended for 10 to 14 days after the surgery, and the patient may get back to a full workload after about 3 to 4 weeks of gradual recovery. Full sports activity is possible after 6 to 8 weeks.

Stitches are dissolvable, only stitches around navel have to be removed 1 to 2 weeks after the surgery. Scars should be covered with special stripes for 3 to 4 weeks, change them every week, the scars will be thin. You don't have to take off the strips to shower. For the first time, the stripes will be replaced during the first examination. Once the scars have healed perfectly, which is about a month after the surgery, you should massage the scars. Perform so-called pressure massages, that is, place your finger on the scar, push for five to ten seconds and repeat, massaging the entire scar. The scars will gradually soften and become light. Massages significantly speed up the healing process.

In case of any subjective complaints (conspicuous pain, pressure) or any complications (persistent temperature above 38°, bleeding with the blood oozing in the bandage) it is required that the patient reports to this department for check-up or contacts our doctor on the phone. Tugging and impaired tenderness in the affected areas are common side effects and they will be adjusted in a couple of weeks.

The data presented is based on a common post-operation course. However, a recovery is an individual process depending not only on healing abilities of every individual body, but also on every patient´s conscientiousness. The patient is expected to set such conditions for a period of several days after her operation to be able, in case of any subjective problems or complication, to come as soon as possible for examination to our department. A positive operation result and mutual satisfaction is in your interest as well as in ours. Mutual trust and co-operation of the patient with surgeon is the vital precondition.