Abdominoplasty “tummy tuck”

Abdominoplasty treatments are aimed at both men and women who have lost their original elasticity due to weight loss or pregnancy, leaving the so-called apron – skin fold below the navel. Recently, abdominoplasty surgery is the second most commonly performed procedure after liposuction in women who have finished procreation and want to regain their pre-pregnancy figure. It is also the most invasive treatment among plastic surgery. Some of the ladies are combining liposuction and abdominoplasty and lipotransfer, transplantation of the obtained fat cells to the bust. The physician operating in consultation with an anaesthesiologist decides about the possibility of such combination of treatments.

Abdominoplasty surgery is often performed in women after cesarean section, in which only scarring is insufficient . In this case, the cut is made in the place of the previous scar by cutting it. Frequently, liposuction of the pubic mound and abdominal.

• Cardiological problems
• Unregulated pressure
• Diabetes
• Coagulation disorders
• Pregnancy and lactation
• Purulent skin infections
• Non-stabilized chronic diseases
• Autoimmune diseases
• Excessive obesity

The operation is preceded by a consultation visit.
Before the procedure, the following tests should be performed: (it is also possible in our Clinic)

• blood group
• morphology
• urinalysis
• coagulogram – APTT, INR, PT
• ECG after the age of 40
• HBS antigen
• electrolytes
• sugar level

Two weeks before the planned treatment, you must not take the following medicines: aspirin or its derivatives (eg Acard), Vit.E and antitussive and anti-influenza drugs. These measures adversely affect the prolongation of bleeding during surgery.

You should limit smoking to 3-4 cigarettes a day for 3 days before surgery.

Inform the operator about the infection, if any, within 2 weeks before the planned surgery.

6 hours should be left on an empty stomach (without food or drink) before surgery.

In the case of abdominoplasty combined with liposuction, the procedure starts with the implementation of liposuction , subcutaneous application of a preparation that reduces bleeding and breaks down fat tissue. After suction of the fat cells, an incision is made between the spines in the U-shape. In the case of mini-abdominoplasty, the incision may be smaller, and the area of ​​the treatment concerns only the part below the navel. The width of the cut skin piece depends on individual needs, as a result, the skin must be slightly taut between the navel and the cut line. With full abdominoplasty, in the first stage after the liposuction, the navel is cut out, which after separation and proper stretching of the skin, is placed in its original position. In some cases, in the case of hernias and excessive loosening of the rectus abdominal muscle, the fascia of the straight muscles is additionally strengthened, thanks to which the waist and the frontal wall of the abdomen are restored. The key element in the plastic arts is proper assessment of skin firmness and adjustment of its appropriate tension and cutting line. The scar will be smooth and free of the defect of the dog’s ears, and therefore the raised ends, from the cutting line itself and the method of stitching.

There are two options for anesthesia: local or wired. In the case of ductal anesthesia, the patient is aware, unless he decides otherwise. The anaesthesiologist decides about the choice of the method of anesthesia in consultation with the patient based on the results of the research and the interview.

Immediately after the operation, the patient is dressed in a special compression corset, reducing bruising and swelling and regulating the proper degree of skin shrinkage. Corset should be worn for a minimum of 6-8 weeks. After abdominoplasty, especially the widened belly or pubic liposuction, large bruising may occur in color, yellow or almost black, this is a normal symptom. Bruising should disappear within 10 days. We recommend including in the rehabilitation process a series of massages, lymphatic drainage, which will significantly accelerate the healing process and guarantee the proper modeling of the figure. During the drainage session, the lymphatic system is cleared, responsible for cleansing the body of toxins and excess water collected in the subcutaneous tissue. In addition, the fat globules smashed during the massage change their consistency, thanks to which they are first burned by our body. In the first stage of convalescence, the abdomen is swollen and swollen above the cutting line. Slim patients who only had mini-abdominoplasty may think that the change is not enough. However, you need to wait six weeks for the first reliable results. The full effect is achieved after 3 months.

For the first 3 weeks you should lead an economical sanatorium lifestyle and eliminate or limit smoking to a maximum of 4 cigarettes per day. Nicotine adversely affects the healing process, scars may begin to suppurate or heal irregularly. During the first two months, lift, sports and physical activity should be avoided, especially if the scope of the procedure has been extended by tightening the fascia of the straight abdominal muscles.

After removing the sutures in the 7th day, we recommend that the scar be lubricated with preparations that accelerate healing and moisturize the abdomen with an olive or balsam. In the summer, up to six months after the treatment, the scar should be protected from the sun’s rays or lubricated with a cream with a high filter.

Can I use the sauna after the procedure?

The sauna is not recommended for the first half of the year.

Is intimate removal required for surgery?

Abdominoplasty requires intimate depilation around the cutting line.

Is it not too soon to stay in a 24h clinic?

Most patients after abdominoplasty leave the clinic the next day in the morning hours, if there are complications in the form of severe bleeding or a patient’s poor mood, we suggest staying in the clinic the next day.

Can I get my car back after my abdominoplasty?

We do not recommend driving a car after abdominoplasty due to traffic situations, the consequences of which may be severe or even dangerous. In addition, the form of anesthesia used during the procedure, the patient’s pain threshold and general well-being are important.

What are the pain sensations after the surgery?

Pain sensations are an individual matter, depending on the patient’s pain threshold, age and attitude. In the first day during the stay in the clinic analgesics are given. Then analgesics are prescribed for the next 5 days, however, most patients do not use them. The abdomen can be pulled until the stitches are removed, which forces patients to have a slightly stooped position. If possible, however, it should be straightened out so that the rehabilitation proceeds correctly. The pain as assessed by the patients is definitely smaller than in the Caesarean section.

Are stretch marks disappearing during abdominoplasty?

These stretch marks, which are located in the lower abdomen, covered by the excision, will of course disappear, while those that are higher in the left area will be tense and consequently less visible. For stretch marks we recommend the use of carboxyntherapy, also available in our clinic. It is a CO2 therapy, which administered subcutaneously affects the skin regeneration processes and outlines stretch marks.