Lipoabdominoplasty - Dr Filipa Oliveira
What is lipoabdominoplasty?
A lipoabdominoplasty is a combined surgical procedure that combines the liposuction with the abdominoplasty. It removes fat deposits in the abdomen, removes excess skin and repositions the muscles of the abdominal wall in a single procedure.
With pregnancies or sharp weight fluctuations, the straight muscles of the abdominal wall tend to move apart, giving the abdomen a rounder look. In these situations, the skin usually loses elasticity, can become stretch marks, sag and form folds, which abdominoplasty can improve. When there are also deposits of unwanted fat, abdominoplasty is combined with liposuction to achieve a more harmonious body contour.
Who it's for
Lipoabdominoplasty?
Candidates for this surgery 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 to the body, but not perfection. Obviously, a person with greater adiposity or more striated skin cannot expect the same result as a slim person with better tone.
Generally, candidates for lipoabdominoplasty have the following characteristics:
- Stable weight;
- Healthy;
- Fat deposits in specific areas of the body;
- Dissatisfied with the appearance of their abdomen (“apron belly”, sagging, localised fat, bulging abdomen);
- Realistic expectations;
- Don't consider having any more children.
Procedure
Lipoabdominoplasty
Your Lipoabdominoplasty appointment
Medical advice
The first step in your lipodominoplasty 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 completely personalised plan for you.
Simulation with Vectra 3D
In some cases, 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 personalised 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 quote. The cost or price of lipoabdominoplasty depends on the areas to be treated and the amount of fat and skin to be removed.
The scars Lipoabdominoplasty
One of the issues that most concerns patients is the appearance of scars. The scars from liposuction are very small and discreet (around 3mm) and are usually hidden in the natural folds of the body. The scars from abdominoplasty They are 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.
Type of Anaesthesia
This procedure can be carried out under local anaesthesia, local anaesthesia and sedation, general anaesthesia or epidural anaesthesia, depending on the areas to be treated, the combination of procedures, the characteristics of each patient and what the anaesthetist decides is safest for them.
What results can I expect after Lipoabdominoplasty?
Flatter and firmer abdomen
With this combined surgery, you'll achieve a flatter abdomen with a more toned appearance. You can also get rid of some stretch marks in the lower abdomen.
Better body contouring
This surgery improves body contour and proportion. By eliminating localised fat in problem areas, you'll achieve a more attractive and rejuvenated body appearance.
Better self-esteem
Lipoabdominoplasty has a very positive impact on quality of life, self-esteem and the way patients relate to their bodies. Patients who have had this surgery and who now feel satisfied and comfortable with their bodies report a significant improvement in their self-esteem. They also report an increased level of energy and enthusiasm in their daily lives.
Lipoabdominoplasty
step by step
Marking the standing patient
The appointments for the surgery are made with the patient standing, before being anaesthetised, so that the areas of the body to be treated can be correctly visualised.
Sedation
Sedation is injected by the anaesthetist and then, when the patient is asleep, local anaesthesia 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 EXTRACTION
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 which are usually removed after a week; drains are placed whenever necessary to prevent fluid accumulation and minimise the risk of infection.
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 elimination of fat by liposuction begins, followed by repair of the rectus abdominis muscles.
Remove excess skin
Excess skin (below and/or above the abdomen) is removed.
INCISION CLOSURE
The incisions are closed by planes using absorbable thread. The result and symmetry are checked.
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 a Lipoabdominoplasty
Before surgery
- Carry out all the preoperative tests requested 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 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 lipoabdominoplasty? 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 of the 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 abdominal surgery
This is one of the most common surgeries performed worldwide, especially by women who have already become mothers or by patients who have lost a lot of weight. The benefits of this combined surgery go beyond aesthetics, as weakened abdominal muscles are often associated with back pain and posture problems. The results are directly related to well-being and improved self-esteem, as people who have the procedure feel more comfortable wearing more revealing clothes and carrying out activities they didn't feel comfortable with before. For many patients, having this procedure is the first step towards a healthier lifestyle.
Medical Specialists
About
Dr Alice Varanda Pereira / Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 47051, specialist in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Subspecialist in Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine.
Licensed by Lisbon Medical School, It was at this institution that she took her Master's degree in Human Sexuality and is currently working on her PhD.
She has been a member of the faculty's teaching staff since 2008, as Assistant Professor at the Institute of Anatomy. It is in this unit that she produces most of her research projects, essentially in the area of surgical anatomy, and she is also the supervisor of master's theses.
About
Dr Mariana da Rocha Martins/ Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 55124, specialising in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
He graduated from Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Porto and completed his speciality in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at the University Hospital Centre Lisboa Central - St Joseph's Hospital.
During his specific training in Plastic Surgery, he worked at internationally renowned institutions such as the Kaplan Institute (Barcelona), in La Clinic (Montreux) and Great Ormond Street Hospital (London).
About
Dr Marta Gouveia Duarte/ Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 57817, specialising in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Graduated in Medicine from School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, where she completed her Master's thesis in Human Ageing.
He completed his speciality in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at the Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central - Hospital de São José.
He collaborates in various research projects in NOVA Medical School.
About
Dr Sara Carvalho / Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 60781, specialising in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Licensed by Lisbon Medical School. He completed his speciality in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at the Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Central - Hospital de São José.
She has taken various courses in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast and aesthetic surgery of the face.
She is currently a member of the clinical staff of the Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery service at the Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Central, where she excels in the areas of Breast Reconstruction, Body Contouring and Post-Bariatric Surgery, Paediatric Plastic Surgery, Trauma and Burn Surgery. She works as a hospital assistant, is a training supervisor and is responsible for Safe Surgery at the institution.
About
Dr Filipa Oliveira/ Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 59147, specialising in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Graduated in Medicine from Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, where she completed her master's thesis on paediatric scars.
She holds a doctorate in medicine from the University of Münster in Germany.
After completing her speciality, she became a Senior Graduate Assistant (Oberärztin) at the Fachklinik Hornheide and the University of Münster. She is currently collaborating on 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.
Frequently Asked Questions 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 carried out in an accredited clinic and by a plastic surgeon with extensive experience in liposuction and body contouring surgery. It is equally important to have preoperative examinations carried out and to follow all pre- and post-operative care to the letter. All risks and complications will be explained in detail at your medical consultation.
What is the price of a Lipoabdominoplasty in Lisbon (PORTUGAL) in 2023?
The price of a lipoabdominoplasty, whether carried out 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 cost of your lipoabdominoplasty is confirmed after the diagnostic medical consultation. The price of lipoabdominoplasty includes all medical fees, anaesthesia, follow-up appointments, post-operative medication, nursing care and the compression belt.
DOES ABDOMINAL SURGERY 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 LITRES OF FAT CAN BE REMOVED IN ONE PROCEDURE?
The fat limit is around 5 litres. More important than the amount of fat is the number of areas that can be treated safely for the patient.
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. Ideally, this surgery should be carried out when you are not considering having any more children, not because there is any incompatibility with another pregnancy, but so as not to jeopardise the results achieved. If you want to be a mum again, it's advisable to wait.
Are the results of the surgery permanent?
Lipoabdominoplasty does not guarantee lifelong results because the body is not immune to changes resulting from the natural ageing process, weight fluctuations and future pregnancies. To achieve long-lasting results, it is 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 is variable and depends on each person's genetic characteristics and post-operative care. The final result is expected after 12/18 months.
ARE THE RESULTS 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 idea of the result, but the final result is usually visible after 6 to 12 months.
Will I need drains?
The use of drains is extremely important as they help to eliminate the fluids that accumulate after surgery 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 lipoabdominoplasty can take between 2 and 3 weeks. In the first few days, it is 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.
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 their best to achieve a good result and if they consider the risk of complications for your specific case to be high, they will advise other treatment options.
What specific care should be taken after a Lipoabdominoplasty to avoid post-operative complications?
There are some post-operative precautions to take into consideration after a Lipoabdominoplasty. You should strictly follow all the instructions given by the medical team regarding taking medication and/or other precautions such as lymphatic drainage, wearing a compression garment and restricting physical exertion. If you notice any warning signs in the post-lipoabdominoplasty period, contact your surgeon to avoid potential complications.
How long does it take to see the final result of a Lipoabdominoplasty?
Many patients are interested in knowing how long it will take for the final results of this procedure to be visible. Recovery and the evolution of results can vary from patient to patient, but in general, the immediate result can be seen within a few weeks, while the definitive result can take between 6 and 12 months to fully manifest.
Can lipoabdominoplasty affect the sensitivity of the skin in the treated area?
Skin sensitivity is a common concern after surgery. It can affect the sensitivity of the skin in the treated area temporarily, but in most cases it recovers gradually over time.
What are the specific risks of visible scars after Lipoabdominoplasty and how can they be minimised?
Pre- and post-operative care can help minimise the visibility of scars. In addition, choosing a surgeon experienced in performing the procedure and the surgical technique play a key role in reducing visible scars.
Are there any financing options or payment plans available to pay for a lipoabdominoplasty?
Having financing options to help patients manage the cost of surgery is often a crucial factor when choosing a plastic surgeon and the clinic where this surgery is carried out. At LMR, we have payment facilities to make it easier to pay for lipoabdominoplasty surgery. Patients should be aware of the payment policies and requirements associated with these options at their initial consultation so that they can make informed decisions about financing their lipoabdominoplasty. For more information on payment facilities, please contact us using the contact form or by email - geral@lmrcirurgiaplastica.pt.
