What is lipoabdominoplasty? First and foremost, it is one of the most requested plastic surgeries by women who want to have a firm tummy, free of unwanted fat and with defined contours.
As well as the aesthetic benefits - of which there are many - this is a surgical procedure that boosts self-esteem and emotional well-being.
If you've ever thought of having plastic surgery to improve your image, let's answer all your questions! Learn more what this technique consists of, who it's for and what are its benefits.
Lipoabdominoplasty: what is it?
As its name suggests, lipoabdominoplasty is a body remodelling surgery that combines two established surgical techniques: liposuction and abdominoplasty.
This will remove excess fat from the abdomen and mould its contours by removing excess skin and repositioning the muscles of the abdominal wall. This considerably improves the appearance of your belly and gives you a slimmer, more shapely silhouette.
Who is it suitable for?
Patients with a layer of fat localised in the abdomen, i.e. considerable abdominal volume, and a certain degree of muscle and skin laxity in this region, are ideal candidates for lipodominoplasty.
Usually, these are women whose degree of flabbiness and localised belly fat is unlikely to be eliminated by physical exercise.
Many women experience abdominal flab after suddenly gaining or losing a lot of weight, or even due to the various weight fluctuations in their bodies over the years.
Sagging in the abdominal area can also appear after one or more pregnancies, with skin predominating over the amount of localised fat in the area.
Lipoabdominoplasty is also indicated for those with abdominal diastasis, a condition that consists of the separation of the abdominal muscles and causes a lot of sagging.
Obviously, this aesthetic correction can also be done on men.
Realistic expectations
Don't expect miracles. Having realistic expectations is one of the most important conditions for those undergoing plastic surgery.
So bear in mind that lipoabdominoplasty brings very visible improvements to the body, but not perfection. The result always depends on the individual.
Lipoabdominoplasty does not treat obesity
Lipoabdominoplasty is not indicated for the treatment of obesity.
If you're thinking of losing a lot of weight, it's best to do so before resorting to this surgery, as you could regain abdominal flab.
It should also be emphasised that there is a limit to the amount of fat that can be removed in liposuction.
Pregnancy after lipoabdominoplasty
A woman who undergoes lipoabdominoplasty can, of course, become pregnant again. However, the procedure should be carried out after pregnancies or after the decision has been made not to have (any more) children, as a pregnancy can alter the result obtained from the surgery.
Procedure
A lipoabdominoplasty takes between 3 and 5 hours.
Initially, the excess fat in the abdomen is removed (liposuction), which will leave the skin even looser. Then the excess skin is removed (abdominoplasty).
Depending on the post-operative evolution, hospitalisation lasts between 24 and 48 hours.
Results
Once again, the results of a lipoabdominoplasty combine the expected results of liposuction and an abdominoplasty.
As well as tightening the skin on the belly, it reduces abdominal fat by reducing the adipose layer and makes body contours more harmonious by reducing measurements and shaping the abdomen.
But there are other advantages associated with this technique, such as improved body posture and the possibility of removing stretch marks along with excess skin from the area.
As already mentioned, the main aim of lipoabdominoplasty is to improve body proportions and contours, not to lose weight.
The reduction in body weight will only be a secondary consequence of the removal of skin and fat, but it is not the most important thing, nor will it define the aesthetic result.
As this procedure only focuses on the abdomen, if a woman has other areas of her body with excess fat, these will remain.
Final results
The definitive result of lipoabdominoplasty becomes visible six months after surgery, as this is the period needed for the tissues and scar to stabilise.
Through liposuction, a technique that is part of lipoabdominoplasty, fat cells are permanently removed from the abdominal area, and the result is easily maintained when the patient adopts a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet and physical exercise.
If the patient puts on weight, she is expected to keep a more shapely and proportionally harmonious belly.
Scars
The scars resulting from liposuction are very small and discreet, measuring around 3mm. They are usually hidden in the natural folds of the body, making them practically unnoticeable.
Abdominoplasty scars vary according to the amount of skin removed. Generally, abdominoplasty scars are around the navel and on the lower belly, below the underwear line, and are discreet.
Powders-operative
The post-operative period of a lipoabdominoplasty is not usually painful. The pain experienced in this phase is most intense in the first two to three days after surgery.
However, if the patient takes the medication and painkillers at the indicated times and follows the instructions to rest and limit movement, she shouldn't feel any pain, just discomfort.
The recovery time depends on the patient, but also on factors such as the extent of the area being treated and the amount of fat removed. The first three days are the most critical period and when more rest is recommended.
Most patients who have undergone lipoabdominoplasty are able to return to work 15 days after the procedure, as long as their job doesn't involve intense physical effort.
Physical exercise and heavy exertion should be avoided for at least a month and a half.
Risks
All surgeries involve risks and plastic surgery is no exception. However, these risks are reduced if the entire procedure is carried out in a carefully considered manner and following all the necessary steps.
The candidate for a lipoabdominoplasty must therefore undergo a number of prior medical examinations, which certify that she fulfils all the health conditions required for the procedure.
Choose carefully the clinic where you want to have your lipoabdominoplasty. Find out more and see real testimonials.
Don't forget that it must be carried out by a qualified plastic surgeon.
