What is abdominoplasty?
A abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and to reposition the muscles of the abdominal wall. With pregnancies or sharp weight fluctuations, the straight muscles of the abdominal wall tend to move apart and therefore give the abdomen a rounder look. In these situations, the skin also loses elasticity, sometimes gets stretch marks, becomes more flabby and forms folds that abdominoplasty can improve. When abdominoplasty is combined with liposuction, it is known as a Lipoabdominoplasty.
Who it's for
Abdominoplasty?
Candidates for abdominoplasty should be emotionally mature patients and should understand their own motivations for having the surgery. Realistic expectations are important and it should be realised that the procedure brings improvements, but not perfection. Obviously, a person with greater adiposity, more striated skin, etc., cannot expect the same result as a slim person with better tone. Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck usually have the following characteristics:
- Stable weight;
- Healthy;
- Dissatisfied with the appearance of their abdomen (“apron belly”, sagging, localised fat, bulging abdomen);
- Realistic expectations;
- Don't consider having any more children.
ABDOMINOPLASTY AND MINI ABDOMINOPLASTY
- THE DIFFERENCES
Both abdominoplasty and mini abdominoplasty aim to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen to achieve a firmer, more toned appearance. The main differences between the two procedures are:
Mini Abdominoplasty
It is indicated for patients with moderate flaccidity; it repositions the rectus abdominis and removes excess skin in the lower abdomen (below the navel).
Abdominoplasty
It is indicated for patients with more pronounced sagging; it repositions the rectus abdominis and removes excess skin, both in the upper and lower abdomen (above and below the navel).
Surgery Procedure
Abdominoplasty
Your Abdominoplasty consultation
Counselling
The first step of your tummy tuck consultation, é a careful assessment of your abdomen, state of health and lifestyle. This will allow us to design a completely personalised plan for you.
Simulation with Vectra 3D
Vectra 3D XT allows you to create a simulation of the results of surgeries such as liposuction, abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, mastopexy, breast reduction, etc.
Detailed explanation
During the abdominoplasty consultation, a personalised treatment plan will be presented and the risks, pre- and post-operative care and the results you can expect will also be explained.
Budget
After the medical consultation, you will be given an exact quote for the tummy tuck. The cost of abdominoplasty depends on whether it is combined with liposuction and/or other procedures.
The scars Abdominoplasty
One of the issues that most concerns patients is the appearance of the scar. Abdominoplasty scars are located around the navel and on the lower belly (below the underwear line). The size of the scar varies according to the amount of skin to be removed. It is similar to a caesarean section, but larger.
Type of Anaesthesia
Abdominoplasty is usually performed with an epidural and sedation. However, the type of anaesthesia is defined by the anaesthetist according to the combination of procedures to be performed and your medical history. Sedation is administered intravenously so that the patient falls asleep and doesn't notice anything during the entire operation. Then, when the patient is asleep, local anaesthetics are administered so that they don't feel any pain during the surgery. The anaesthetist will be present throughout the surgery for the patient's comfort and safety.
What results can I expect after an abdominoplasty?
Flatter and firmer abdomen
With an abdominoplasty, you'll get a flatter abdomen with a more toned appearance. You can also get rid of some stretch marks in the lower abdomen.
Better body contouring
Abdominoplasty is often combined with other procedures such as liposuction, buttock augmentation and breast surgery, which will provide a better body contour.
Better self-esteem
Abdominoplasty has a very positive impact on your quality of life, self-esteem and the way you relate to your body.
Abdominoplasty
step-by-step
Marking the standing patient
The markings on the abdomen are made with the patient standing so that the areas to be treated can be correctly visualised.
Sedation
The sedative is administered intravenously by the anaesthetist who will be present throughout the surgery.
Local anaesthesia
The local or epidural anaesthetic is injected while the patient is asleep.
Disinfection and placement of surgical drapes
The area to be operated on is cleaned and disinfected to reduce the risk of infection. Operating drapes are placed to isolate the area from the external environment.
Incision
The incisions are made around the navel and in the lower abdomen, in a similar way to a caesarean section, although with a larger scar. Once the skin has been lifted, the fat is removed by liposuction and then the rectus abdominis muscles are repaired.
Remove excess skin
Excess skin (below and/or above the abdomen) is removed.
Closing the incisions
The glue is applied to the scars so that they are isolated from the outside environment. The glue does not require dressings and gradually falls off after 15 days.
Surgical glue
The glue is applied to the scars so that they are isolated from the outside environment. The glue does not require dressings and gradually falls off after 15 days.
Recovery
Before being transported to the recovery room, a girdle is put on, which must be worn for 30 to 45 days. The patient is woken up by the anaesthetist and then transported to the recovery room where they remain for 24 to 48 hours under medical observation until they are discharged.
Preparation for an abdominoplasty
Before surgery
- Carry out all the preoperative tests requested and send them in as early as possible.
- Do not take anti-inflammatories or aspirin in the 10 days before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. You should inform the medical team of any medication you take or medical condition you suffer from.
- Do not smoke in the month before surgery or after surgery. Smokers have a higher risk of complications, particularly difficulties with healing and tissue vascularisation.
- Carefully read the documentation you were given before the surgery, as there may be some doubts.
- If you become ill or unwell in the days leading up to the surgery, you should inform the medical team immediately.
- If you have young children, organise your routines in advance and you'll need help at home, especially during the first two weeks.
- Do you have any questions about the surgery, pre- or post-operative Abdominoplasty? Don't wait until the last day and ask all your questions in advance.
On the day of surgery
- The day before, you should eat light meals that don't cause indigestion. From midnight on the day before the operation, you should be absolutely fasting (no water).
- Bathe with the disinfectant gel the day before and the day of surgery.
- Do not wear accessories or make-up, varnish or gel nails, as they may interfere with the vital signs measurements.
- Bring comfortable/large clothes to wear when you are discharged.
- You will not be able to go home alone or drive. If you don't have someone to pick you up from the clinic or help you at home during the first few days, you must inform us before the day of the operation. You should always be accompanied for the first 48 hours.
- All social and professional activities should be scheduled to ensure complete rest in the days following surgery.
Recovery and post-operative care
- The recovery period depends on the complexity/combination of procedures, but also varies from person to person. In general, it varies between 2 and 3 weeks.
- You may experience a feeling of tightness in the abdomen, discomfort and moderate pain that is relieved with the prescribed medication.
- Rest mainly during the first week and gradually return to your routine. You shouldn't always lie down or be in the same position and you should take short walks to promote circulation and prevent clots from forming.
- For 4 to 6 weeks you shouldn't make any physical effort, so family help at home is extremely important.
- Eat a balanced, healthy diet and keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Strictly follow all the instructions given by the medical team regarding taking medication and/or other precautions such as lymphatic drainage and wearing a compression garment.
Benefits Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide, mainly for women who have already become mothers or for patients who have lost a lot of weight. The benefits of abdominoplasty go beyond aesthetics, as weakened abdominal muscles are often associated with back pain and posture problems. The results of abdominoplasty are directly related to well-being and improved self-esteem, as people who undergo the procedure feel more comfortable wearing more revealing clothes and carrying out activities they didn't feel comfortable with before. For many patients, abdominoplasty is the first step towards a healthier lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Abdominoplasty
Is abdominoplasty a safe surgery?
Yes, abdominoplasty is safe as long as it is performed in an accredited clinic and by a plastic surgeon with experience in this type of procedure. It is also important to carry out preoperative examinations and to strictly follow pre- and post-operative care.
What is the price of an abdominoplasty at your clinic (Lisbon and Porto)?
Regardless of whether it is carried out in Lisbon or Porto, the price of abdominoplasty varies from patient to patient as it depends on the initial state of the body and whether or not it requires liposuction, which can be small, medium or large (depending on the amount of fat to be removed). The exact cost of abdominoplasty/lipoabdominoplasty is confirmed after the medical diagnosis consultation. The price of abdominoplasty includes all medical fees, anaesthesia, follow-up appointments, post-operative medication, nursing care and the compression belt.
Which procedure is best for me: Liposuction or Abdominoplasty?
Liposuction only removes localised fat and is indicated for patients with elastic skin and the ability to retract. If you have sagging skin, excess skin and separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, liposuction will not be enough to achieve a flat, firm abdomen. In this case, an abdominoplasty will be necessary.
Does abdominoplasty eliminate stretch marks?
There are no specific surgical procedures to eliminate stretch marks, however, depending on the location of the stretch marks and the amount of skin to be removed, abdominoplasty can eliminate part or even all of the stretch marks in the lower abdomen and the area just above the navel.
How long should I wait after becoming a mum to have the surgery?
In the case of women who have been mothers, they must wait the necessary time for their bodies to recover. This varies from woman to woman, but is on average between 6 and 12 months. It is also important that you are no longer breastfeeding and that your weight is stable.
Can I be a mum again?
Ideally, abdominoplasty should be carried out when you are not planning to have any more children, not because there is any incompatibility with another pregnancy, but so as not to jeopardise the results of the surgery. If you want to be a mum again, it's advisable to wait.
Are the results of abdominoplasty permanent?
Abdominoplasty does not guarantee results for life, as the body is not immune to changes resulting from the natural ageing process, weight fluctuations and future pregnancies. For long-lasting results, it's important to follow a healthy lifestyle - eating a balanced diet and taking regular exercise.
Will the scars disappear?
Scars are permanent regardless of the surgery performed, but over time they become thinner and lighter in colour. The final appearance of the scars varies and depends on each person's genetic characteristics and post-operative care. The final result is expected after 12/18.
Will I need drains?
The use of drains is extremely important as they help to eliminate the fluids that accumulate after abdominoplasty and minimise the risk of complications. They are placed whenever necessary and are usually removed after 48 hours.
How painful is the recovery?
Recovery from an abdominoplasty can take between 2 and 3 weeks. In the first few days, it's normal to feel tired, uncomfortable and moderately sore. It's important to follow all the doctor's recommendations to the letter, respect the rest period and take the prescribed medication to relieve the pain and have a more peaceful recovery.
When can I resume physical activity?
You shouldn't carry out any physical activity or exertion for 30 to 45 days, but you can resume activities gradually. All the precautions taken during the recovery period must be adhered to because, as well as contributing to a speedy recovery, they also help to achieve better results.
Are the results visible immediately after surgery?
The result of a tummy tuck is visible immediately after surgery. However, swelling will distort the result for some time. After three months you can get a very real idea of the result, but the final result is usually visible after 6 to 12 months.
What are the risks and complications of abdominoplasty?
Like any other surgery, abdominoplasty is not without its risks and complications (e.g. reaction to anaesthesia, haematoma, changes in skin sensitivity, etc). The possible risks and complications of abdominoplasty will be explained in detail during your medical consultation.
