Abdominoplasty: What is this stomach tightening procedure?

• The steps to be taken before abdominoplasty.

  Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that requires several preoperative steps. First and foremost, a consultation with the plastic surgeon performing the operation is mandatory. This professional will explain in detail the procedure, potential risks, possible complications, and postoperative recommendations. During this discussion, the patient must also provide all relevant medical information, such as medical history, current medications, any allergies, etc. Subsequently, several tests will be prescribed, such as a blood analysis, an X-ray, or other specific investigations depending on the case. Once the operation is approved by the surgeon, the patient must prepare for the procedure by quitting smoking and alcohol and adopting a balanced diet.

• The process of an abdominoplasty.

  Anesthesia is administered. It can be local or general, depending on the techniques used by the surgeon. A horizontal incision is made at the bikini line. Its length can vary, depending on the amount of tissue to be removed. In some cases, a second incision at the navel is necessary. The skin is detached from the abdominal wall, providing access to the underlying tissues. The excess skin and fat are removed. Liposuction may be required if there is a significant amount of fat. The muscles are reshaped and tightened through strategically placed sutures. The scar is stitched, dressed, and a compress is applied to prevent potential swelling.

• The postoperative outcomes of abdominoplasty.

  Postoperative monitoring is essential. The surgeon will provide instructions on actions to take, such as changing dressings and caring for the scar. Several consultations are also expected to allow the surgeon to track the progress of the healing.

The abdominoplasty aims to improve the appearance of the abdomen. After the procedure, it should appear less saggy and droopy. An enhancement in body contour should be observed. These changes will boost the patient's self-confidence and make them comfortable with their body. A study conducted between 2009 and 2013 evaluated the effectiveness of abdominal lift on a sample of nine patients aged 30 to 70 years. The results revealed a significant reduction in excess abdominal skin tissue in all participants. Only one patient experienced a postoperative complication, namely an infection related to the graft.

Potential complications of abdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty is an invasive surgical procedure that, in some cases, may be accompanied by bruising, irritation, persistent pain, unusually slow healing, a poorly reshaped abdomen with a disconcerting shape, or an infection. However, it's important to note that these complications are relatively rare. That's why it's crucial to consult with a qualified surgeon and have this procedure performed under optimal conditions, with strict adherence to hygiene rules.

A review compiling various studies on potential complications in patients who have undergone abdominoplasty reveals that, out of a total of 511 patients, 317 underwent multiple procedures, while 194 had only one operation. The results indicate that the group that underwent multiple procedures reported more complications, with a rate of 52%, compared to 25% for patients who had a single procedure. These data suggest that the number of surgical procedures is a significant factor influencing the risk of complications after abdominoplasty. However, rigorous management, thorough preoperative evaluation, and limiting successive procedures, when possible, can help reduce these risks and optimize patient outcomes.