An attractive abdomen has contours formed by the muscles and fat. A bad diet, in quality and quantity, pregnancies, lack of physical activity and genetics are all factors that affect ones physical appearance and therefore self-esteem.
ABDOMINOPLASTY IS THE RESHAPE OF THE ABDOMEN IN ITS 3 DIFFERENT ASPECTS.
- · SKIN
- · FAT
- · MUSCLE
INDICATIONS:
This surgery will benefit those with the following conditions:
- Men or women who have excess fat that does not disappear with dieting or vigorous exercise.
- Maldistribution of fat with excess skin. Generally found in women between 30 and 45 years old, who have not given birth to a child or have had one child only.
- Musculofascial laxity of the lower abdomen with maldistribution of fat and excess skin.
- People with excess skin, excess fat and musculofascial laxity in both the upper and lower abdomen. Often found in women who have had multiple pregnancies.
- Thin people with excess skin.
- Skin with striae, strech marks.
- Not aesthetic scars.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
We will not operate if we believe that your objective is not realistic. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO OPERATE ON PEOPLE WITH EXAGERATED OR FANTASY EXPECTATIONS. I recommend you read the chapter “Psychological Aspects of Plastic Surgery” of this website.
- If you have poor health, above all cardiovascular and mental disorders we cannot operate.
- Those patients who smoke should stop completely at least one month before the operation because this operation may produce the loss of tissues.
- Patients who are addicted to drugs or alcohol.
- Patients who worry too much about small defects that in reality are very minute.
- Patients who will not accept the final scaring. ALL OF THESE OPERATIONS LEAVE SOME SCARING AND THE QUALITY OF THESE SCARS DEPENDS ON MANY UNKNOWN FACTORS.
SURGICAL OBJECTIVES:
According to each individual case:
- Correction of the musculofascial laxity.
- Liposuction or Lipectomy of excess fat.
- Removal of excess skin with short scars being hidden below the bikini line.
PLANNING:
Before the operation and after the first consultation, we will be able to propose in writing the possible modifications to your abdomen.
We need to know the following in order to plan the surgery:
- Excess of skin.
- Excess and maldistribution of fat.
- Musculofascial laxity.
- Scars and Striae (stretch marks).
- Hernias. We always request ultrasound scan, echography, to discard the same ones.
We always do a photo session as a fundamental part of evaluating your case.
WITHOUT PHOTOS WE DO NOT OPERATE. IT IS ALSO VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU REMEMBER THAT ALL THE INFORMATION YOU RECEIVE IN WRITING, SHOW AN ESTIMATION OF THE FINAL RESULT.
Between you, the patient and me the Plastic Surgeon, we should agree on the results that we are able to achieve.
- We ask for blood tests regularly.
- If you have the flu or are menstruating, please communicate 3 days beforehand.
- Do not drink alcohol at least 24 hours before operating.
- Do not take ASPIRIN 15 days before operating.
- Organize your activities so that you are able to rest after the operation.
- Do not drive your car for at least 30 days after the operation.
- Only begin physical exercise gradually 2 months after the operation.
ANESTHESIA:
General Anesthesia or Epidural Anesthesia is used.
PROCEDURES:
According to the patients needs, the according technique will be used.
- If you only have excess and maldistribution of fat, we only use liposuction.
- If you have excess and maldistribution of fat and excess skin, we will use miniabdominoplasty. Firstly using Liposuction and then the removal of the excess skin, leaving a minimum horizontal scar below the bikini line.
- If you have excess and maldistribution of fat, excess skin and musculofascial laxity below the umbilicus, with a normal upper abdomen we use Liposuction with Miniabdominoplasty combined with Muscular Plicature (a series of horizontal mattress sutures joining the muscles).
- If you have excess and maldistribution of fat throughout the whole abdomen, excess skin and musculofascial laxity throughout the whole abdomen, we use Liposuction with Abdominoplasty combined with Muscular Plicature (a series of horizontal mattress sutures joining the muscles). Lipoabdominoplasty technique from Dr. Juárez Avelar- Osvaldo Saldanha.
- If you have a Hernia, it should be operated on by a general surgeon, this can be done at the same time.
- Striaes (stretch marks) and other scars below the umbilicus can only disappear if there is an excess of skin.
ASSOCIATED PROCEDURES:
Only Liposuction and Abdominoplasty.
We never perform gynaecological operations.
RECOVERY:
- If the patient only has Liposuction, the operation is outpatient. But if you have Abdominoplasty, it is inpatient, depending on the individual case.
- The first 24 hours must be spent resting in bed in a semi-lying position and then the next 20 nights sleep should also be in a semi-lying position. But it is important to move your legs regularly to prevent Thrombophlebitis.
- The same day as the surgery or better still 24 hours after, one can begin to walk carefully with small steps.
- Eat well with alimentation full of protein and lots of vitamin C. But do not eat excessively.
- The first bandages can be removed after the first 24 hours.
DO NOT WORRY IF IN THE FIRST DAYS YO EXPERIENCE:
- Swelling and bruising, which may be more noticeable on the second day.
- Some discomfort.
- If you are more than 40 years old and have a history of Thrombophlebitis, Obesity, problems with your veins or use the contraceptive pill you will receive (Heparin).
- Generally the drainage tubes will be removed between 3 and 7 days after the operation.
- If you have some pain, you can take analgesics, BUT NEVER TAKE ASPIRIN, IT CAUSES BLEEDING.
- Showering and bathing are allowed after 2 days.
- We give antibiotics for the first five days to prevent infection.
- All sutures/stitches are removed 2 weeks after the operation.
- After 2 weeks we start Lynphatic drainage.
- During the first 45 days and elastic compression garment must be worn.
- You will be able to drive a car after the first month.
- Physical activity can be begun 2 to 3 months after the operation.
- You must keep out of the sun for the first 3 months.
- Loss of sensitivity can take around 6 to 8 to fully recover.
- Scarring takes around 1 to 2 years to reach the final result.
- If you have any doubts or worries do not hesitate in consulting your surgeon or doctor.
FINAL RESULTS:
Generally the planned results are obtained. But this is not an operation to lose weight, it is to obtain a well proportioned figure.
THE FINAL RESULTS WILL NOT BE SEEN UNTIL 12 TO 18 MONTHS AFTER THE OPERATION.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS:
They are uncommon. But remember that surgery without risks does not exist.
- Hematoma and Seroma.
- Minor skin Slough.
- Infection (1%).
- Thrombophlebitis and Pulmonary Embolism (1%).
UNSEEN COMPLICATIONS: Will be corrected later, also seeking the planned final result.
