Ana Lúcia's transformation on Dois às 10 (TVI) - Lipoabdominoplasty, Mastopexy with implants, Brachioplasty
WHAT IS LIPOABDOMINOPLASTY?
Lipoabdominoplasty is a combined surgical procedure that combines liposuction with abdominoplasty. It allows you to remove fat deposits in the abdomen, remove excess skin and reposition the muscles of the abdominal wall in one procedure.
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 usually loses elasticity, can become stretch marks, becomes more flabby and forms folds that abdominoplasty can improve. When there are also deposits of unwanted fat, abdominoplasty is combined with liposuction to achieve a more harmonious body contour.
FOR WHOM IS
LIPOABDOMINOPLASTY INDICATED?
Candidates for this surgery should be emotionally mature patients and should understand their own motivations for having the surgery. Realistic expectations are important and one should realise that the procedure brings about improvements in the body, but not perfection. Obviously, a person with more adiposity or more striated skin cannot expect the same result as a slim person with a better tone.
Generally, candidates for a lipoabdominoplasty have the following characteristics:
- Stable weight;
- Healthy;
- Fat deposits in specific areas of the body;
- Dissatisfied with the appearance of the abdomen (“apron belly”, sagging, localised fat, bulging abdomen);
- Realistic expectations;
- Not considering having more children.
LIPOABDOMINOPLASTY
PROCEDURE
Your Lipoabdominoplasty appointment
Medical advice
The first step of your lipoabdominoplasty consultation is a detailed assessment of the area you wish to treat, your state of health, and your lifestyle. This will allow us to design a fully personalized plan for your case
Simulation with the Vectra 3D
In some cases, the Vectra 3D XT allows you to create a simulation of the result that can be achieved with this procedure.
Detailed explanation
During the consultation, a personalized treatment plan will be presented and the risks, care before and after surgery and the results you can expect will be explained.
Budget
After the medical consultation, you will be given an exact budget. The cost or price of lipoabdominoplasty depends on the areas to be treated and the amount of fat and skin to be removed.
LIPOABDOMINOPLASTY SCARS
One of the issues that most concerns patients is the appearance of scars. Liposuction scars are very small and discreet (about 3mm) and are usually hidden in the natural folds of the body. Abdominoplasty scars, on the other hand, are around the belly button and on the lower belly (below the underwear line). The size of the scar varies according to the amount of skin to be removed.
TYPE OF ANESTHESIA
This procedure can be performed with local anesthesia, local anesthesia and sedation, general anesthesia or epidural, depending on the areas to be treated, the combination of procedures, the characteristics of each patient and what the anesthesiologist decides is safest for the patient.
WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT AFTER A LIPOABDOMINOPLASTY?
Flatter and firmer abdomen
With this combined surgery, you will achieve a flatter abdomen with a more toned appearance. You may also get rid of some stretch marks in the lower abdomen.
Better body contouring
This surgery improves body contour and proportion. By eliminating localized fat in problem areas, you will achieve a more attractive and rejuvenated body appearance.
Improved self-esteem
Lipoabdominoplasty has a very positive impact on quality of life, self-esteem and the way the patient relates to her body. Patients who have undergone this surgery and who currently feel satisfied and comfortable with their body, report a significant improvement in their self-esteem. They also report an increase in energy and enthusiasm in their daily lives.
LIPOABDOMINOPLASTY
STEP BY STEP
MARKING THE PATIENT STANDING
The surgery appointments are made with the patient standing, before being anesthetized, so that the areas of the body to be treated can be correctly visualized.
SEDATION
Sedation is injected by the anaesthetist and then, when the patient is asleep, the local anaesthetic is administered.
DISINFECTION AND PLACEMENT OF SURGICAL DRAPES
The area to be treated is disinfected to reduce the risk of infection. Operating drapes are then placed to isolate the area from the external environment.
INCISION
Small incisions are made through which the cannulas will be inserted.
FAT ASPIRATION
The cannula is inserted into the area to be treated. This cannula is connected to a vacuum suction pump that sucks out the fatty tissue.
CLOSING THE INCISIONS
Small stitches are made and removed usually after one week; Drains are placed whenever necessary to prevent fluid accumulation and minimize the risk of infection.
INCISION
Incisions are made around the navel and in the lower abdomen, similar to a C-section, although it is a larger scar. Once the skin has been lifted, the removal of fat by liposuction begins, followed by the repair of the abdominal muscles.
REMOVING EXCESS SKIN
Excess skin (below and/or above the abdomen) is removed.
CLOSURE OF INCISIONS
The incisions are closed in planes using absorbable thread. The result and symmetry are checked.
SURGICAL GLUE
Glue is applied to the scars so that they are isolated from the external environment. The glue does not require dressings and gradually falls off after 15 days.
RECOVERY
Before being transported to recovery, a girdle is put on which must be worn for 30 to 45 days. The patient is woken up by the anesthesiologist and then transported to the recovery room where they remain for 24 to 48 hours under medical observation until they are discharged.
PREPARATION FOR A LIPOABDOMINOPLASTY
Before surgery
- Perform all requested preoperative examinations and send them as early as possible;
- Do not take anti-inflammatory drugs 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 any medical condition you suffer from;
- Do not smoke in the month before surgery or after surgery. Smokers have a higher risk of complications, including difficulties with healing and tissue vascularization;
- Read carefully the documentation given to you before surgery as there may be some questions;
- If you become ill or unwell in the days before surgery, you should inform the medical team immediately;
- If you have small children, organize your routines in advance, you should have help at home, especially during the first two weeks;
- Do you have any questions about the surgery, pre or postoperative lipoabdominoplasty? Do not wait for the last day and ask all your questions in advance.
On the day of surgery
- The day before, you should eat light meals that do not cause indigestion. From midnight on the day before surgery, you should be fasting completely (no water);
- Shower with disinfectant gel the day before and the day of surgery;
- Do not bring accessories and do not wear make-up or nail polish or gel nails, as they may interfere with 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 do not have someone to pick you up from the clinic or help you at home during the first few days, you should inform us before the day of surgery. 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 of the procedure but also varies from person to person. In general, it varies between 2 and 3 weeks;
- You may experience a feeling of tightness of the abdomen, discomfort, and mild pain that is relieved with prescribed medication;
- Keep resting mainly during the first week and return to your routine gradually. You should not lie down all the time or in the same position and should take short walks to promote circulation and prevent clots from forming;
- For 4 to 6 weeks you should not make any physical effort, so family help at home is extremely important;
- Eat a balanced and healthy diet and maintain good hydration by drinking fluids;
- Strictly follow all the instructions given by the medical team regarding the taking of medication and/or other care such as lymphatic drainage and the use of a compression belt.
BENEFITS OF ABDOMINAL SURGERY
This is among the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide, mainly by women who have already been mothers or by patients who have lost a lot of weight. The benefits of this combined surgery go beyond the aesthetic issue as weakened abdominal muscles are often associated with back pain and posture problems. The results have a direct relationship with well-being and improved self-esteem, as people who have the procedure feel more comfortable wearing more uncovered clothes and performing activities they were not comfortable with before. For many patients, having this procedure is the first step towards a healthier lifestyle.
Specialist Doctors
About
Dr. Alice Varanda Pereira / Plastic Surgery
Member of The Portuguese Medical Association, Nr. 47051
Graduated by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, she completed her master’s degree in human sexuality and is currently developing her PhD at this same institution.
She joined the University faculty academic staff in 2008 as a lecturer of the Institute of Anatomy. It is in this unit that she produces most of her research projects, mainly in the area of surgical anatomy, whilst also supervising master’s thesis for undergraduate students.
About
Dr. Mariana da Rocha Martins / Plastic Surgery
Member of The Portuguese Medical Association – Nr. 55124
Graduated by the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Porto and specialized in reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery at Hospital de São José, in Lisbon.
Throughout her specific training in plastic surgery, she worked in internationally renowned institutions such as Institut Kaplan (Barcelona), La Clinic (Montreux) and Great Ormond Street Hospital (London).
About
Dr. Marta Gouveia Duarte / Plastic Surgery
Member of The Portuguese Medical Association, Nº 57817
Graduated in Medicine from the School of Health Sciences of the University of Minho, where she completed her Master’s thesis in Human Aging.
She concluded her specialty in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery at the Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central – Hospital de São José.
Collaborates in several research projects at NOVA Medical School.
About
Dr. Filipa Oliveira/ Plastic Surgery
PORTUGUESE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: registration Nº. 59147, specialist in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Graduated in Medicine from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, where she completed her Master’s thesis on pediatric scars.
PhD in Medicine from the University of Münster in Germany.
After completing her specialty, she became a Senior Graduate Assistant (Oberärztin) at the Fachklinik Hornheide and the University of Münster. She is currently involved in various research projects at the University of Münster, where she is supervising doctoral students. She is also a regular correspondent for scientific and leisure magazines in Germany.
FAQ about
Lipoabdominoplasty
IS LIPOABDOMINOPLASTY A SAFE SURGERY?
Any surgery has potential risks and complications. However, this is a safe surgery as long as it is performed in an accredited clinic and by a plastic surgeon with extensive experience in liposuction and body contouring surgeries. It is equally important to carry out preoperative examinations as well as to strictly follow all pre and post-operative care. At your medical consultation, all risks and complications will be explained in detail.
WHAT IS THE PRICE OF A LIPOABDOMINOPLASTY IN LISBON (PORTUGAL) IN 2023?
O preço de uma lipoabdominoplastia, seja ela realizada em Lisboa, no Porto ou noutra área geográfica, varia de paciente para paciente e depende de vários fatores: Complexidade da cirurgia; Número de zonas a tratar; Quantidade de gordura a retirar. O valor exato da sua lipoabdominoplastia é confirmado após a consulta médica de diagnóstico. No preço da lipoabdominoplastia estão incluídos todos os honorários médicos, anestesia, consultas de seguimento, medicação pós-operatória, cuidados de enfermagem e, ainda, a cinta de compressão.
A CIRURGIA AO ABDÓMEN ELIMINA AS ESTRIAS?
The price of a lipoabdominoplasty, whether performed in Lisbon, Porto, or another geographical area, varies from patient to patient and depends on several factors: Complexity of the surgery; Number of areas to be treated; Amount of fat to be removed. The exact value of your lipoabdominoplasty is confirmed after the diagnostic medical consultation. The price of lipoabdominoplasty includes all medical fees, anesthesia, follow-up appointments, post-operative medication, nursing care, and the compression belt.
DOES LIPOABDOMINOPLASTY 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 MANY LITERS OF FAT CAN BE REMOVED IN ONE PROCEDURE?
The fat limit is about 5 liters. More important than the amount of fat is the number of areas that can be treated in a way that is safe for the patient.
HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT AFTER BECOMING A MOTHER TO HAVE THE SURGERY?
In the case of women who have been mothers, they should wait the necessary time for the body 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 you have a stable weight. Ideally, this surgery should be performed when you are not considering having more children, not because there is any incompatibility with another pregnancy, but so as not to compromise the results achieved. If you wish to become a mother again, it is advisable to wait.
ARE THE RESULTS OF THE SURGERY DEFINITIVE?
Lipoabdominoplasty does not guarantee lifelong results as the body is not immune to changes resulting from the natural aging process, weight fluctuations, and future pregnancies. To have long-lasting results, it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle – a balanced diet, and regular exercise.
DO SCARS FADE?
Scars are permanent regardless of the surgery performed, but over time they become thinner and lighter. The final appearance of the scars is variable and depends on each person’s genetic characteristics and post-operative care. The final result is expected after 12/18 months.
IS THE RESULT VISIBLE IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY?
Immediately after surgery, you may notice differences. However, postoperative edema distorts the result. After one month you can already see significant changes, but the final result is expected six to twelve months after surgery.
WILL I NEED DRAINS?
The use of drains is extremely important as they help to eliminate the fluids that accumulate after surgery and minimize the risk of complications. They are placed whenever necessary and are usually removed after 48 hours.
HOW PAINFUL IS RECOVERY?
Recovery from a lipoabdominoplasty can take between 2 and 3 weeks. In the first few days, it is normal to feel tiredness, discomfort, and moderate pain. It is important to strictly follow all medical recommendations, respect the rest time and take the prescribed medication to relieve pain and have a more peaceful recovery.
IS THE RESULT VISIBLE IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY?
The result of a lipoabdominoplasty is visible immediately after surgery. However, swelling will distort the result for some time. After three months you can get a very real sense of the result, but the final result is usually visible after 6 to 12 months.
WHEN CAN I RESUME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY?
You should not perform physical activity or any effort for 30 to 45 days, and you can resume activities gradually. All precautions during the recovery period must be followed because, in addition to contributing to a quick recovery, they contribute to obtaining better results.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF LIPOABDOMINOPLASTY?
This is a safe surgery, but, like any surgical procedure, it is not without risks and complications. The most common complications are infection, delayed or unsightly healing, changes in skin sensitivity, contour irregularities, asymmetry, etc. Our medical team will do its best to achieve a good result and if it considers that the risk of complications for your specific case is high, it will advise other treatment options.
