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Abdomen
Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to satisfy someone else's desires or to conform to any type of ideal image.
WHAT IS ABDOMINOPLASTY?
Procedure in which excess fat and skin is removed and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles, creating a smoother and more toned abdominal profile. Having a flat, toned abdomen is something that many of us strive to achieve through exercise and weight control. However, sometimes physical exercise and weight control are not enough to achieve our goals. Even people with normal body weight and proportion can develop a protruding, loose and saggy abdomen. The most common causes of these situations include:
- Pregnancy;
- Aging;
- Significant fluctuations in weight;
- Heredity;
- Previous surgery.
IT WILL BE A GOOD OPTION FOR YOU IF...
• You are healthy with no pathology that could impair healing or increase the risk of surgery,
• You do not smoke,
• You have a positive outlook and realistic expectations about the surgery.
Although the results of a tummy tuck procedure are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished due to significant fluctuations in weight. For this reason, people who are planning to lose substantial weight or women considering future pregnancies are advised to delay tummy tuck surgery.
WHAT ABDOMINOPLASTY WILL NOT DO
Abdominoplasty surgery is not a substitute for weight loss or an adequate exercise program. Furthermore, abdominoplasty does not correct stretch marks, although they can be removed or slightly improved if they are located in areas of additional skin that will be removed, generally in the treated areas below the navel.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE CONSULTATION
The success and safety of the surgical procedure depend on your sincerity during the consultation. You will be asked about your health, desires and lifestyle.
BE PREPARED TO DISCUSS
• The reason why you want to undergo surgery, your expectations and the desired result;
• Medical conditions, drug allergies and previous medical treatments;
• Current use of medications, vitamins, natural medicines, tobacco, alcohol and drugs;
• Previous surgeries.
THE SURGEON MAY ALSO
• Assess your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors,
• Take photos for your medical record,
• Discuss your options and recommend treatment,
• Discuss likely results of surgery and any potential risks or complications .
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
Before surgery, it may be necessary to:
• Take laboratory tests or medical evaluation;
• Taking certain medications or adjusting your current medications;
• Stop smoking well before surgery;
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatories and natural medicines, as they can increase bleeding.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
• What to do the night before and the morning of surgery (fasting time, medications, bath);
• The use of anesthesia during the procedure;
• Post-operative care.
RISKS AND SAFETY INFORMATION
The decision to undergo surgery is a personal one and it is up to you to decide whether the benefits will meet your goals and whether the potential risks and complications of surgery are acceptable. The plastic surgeon and/or assistants will explain, in detail, the risks associated with the surgery. You will be asked to sign the consent form to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any potential risks or complications.
POSSIBLE RISKS OF SURGERY
• Unfavorable scars;
• Bleeding (bruise);
• Infection;
• Accumulation of fluid (seroma);
• Anesthetic risks;
• Poor healing;
• Skin necrosis;
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensitivity;
• Skin depigmentation and/or prolonged swelling;
• Asymmetry;
• Dehiscence (reopening of a previously closed wound);
• Adipose tissue necrosis;
• Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles and lungs;
• Pain, which may last;
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications;
• Suture threads may spontaneously emerge from the skin, becoming visible or causing irritation that requires their removal;
• Possibility of a new surgical procedure.
YOU WILL NEED HELP
Be sure to ask someone to accompany you and stay with you for at least the first night after surgery.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING SURGERY?
Surgical procedure
Step 1- Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. Options include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.
Step 2 – Incision
The complete abdominoplasty surgery procedure requires a horizontal incision oriented in the area between the pubic line and navel. The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the degree of correction required. Through this incision, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and sutured, while excess fat, tissue and skin are removed. A second incision, around the belly button, may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.
Step 3 – Closing the Incisions
Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips are used to close the skin incisions.
Step 4 – Results
The abdominoplasty procedure will result in a smoother and more toned abdominal contour, becoming more proportional to your body type and weight.
The final results may initially be obscured by swelling and your inability to remain fully upright until internal healing is complete. Within a week or two, you will be able to stand fully on your feet and will be more confident with your new profile.
POSTOPERATIVE RECOVERY
After surgery, bandages or bandages may be applied over the incisions and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or compression to minimize swelling and support the new contours of your abdomen as they heal. A drain may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood and fluid that may accumulate.
YOU WILL RECEIVE SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS, WHICH MAY INCLUDE
How to care for the surgery site and drains, the medications you need to apply or take orally to help with healing and reduce the risk of infection, and post-operative follow-up with the plastic surgeon.
ASK YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON ABOUT RECOVERY
• Where will I remain in recovery after surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will a dressing be necessary after surgery? When will it be removed?
• Will the stitches be removed? When?
• When will I be able to resume my normal activities and exercise?
• When will the return appointment be?
Previous abdominal surgeries may limit the potential results of a abdominoplasty. In women who have undergone a cesarean section, existing scars can often be incorporated into the new scar.
WHAT IS THE COST OF THE SURGERY?
Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. A surgeon's fees may vary depending on their experience and the type of procedure performed.
COST MAY INCLUDE
• Surgeon's fees;
• Hospital or surgical center expenses;
• Anesthetist's fees;
• Medical exams.
YOUR SATISFACTION IS WORTH MORE THAN THE COSTS OF THE SURGERY
When choosing a plastic surgeon for surgery, remember that the surgeon's experience and your good relationship with him or her are as important as the final cost of the surgery.
GLOSSARY
• Abdominoplasty: Surgical procedure to correct excess sagging skin on the abdomen;
• Diastasis: Condition in which the abdominal muscles have separated;
• General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during surgery to relieve pain and reduce consciousness;
• Hematoma: Accumulation of blood beneath the skin;
• Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax;
• Liposuction: Procedure in which fat is suctioned from beneath the surface of the skin;
• Local anesthesia: Medication injected directly into the incision site during surgery to relieve pain;
• Sutures: Stitches used by surgeons to hold skin and tissue together.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON
Use this list as a guide during your consultation:
• Are you a specialist by the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery?
• Have you been trained specifically in the field of plastic surgery?
• Is the installation of the surgical center in your office authorized by the Health Surveillance?
• How many procedures of this type have you performed?
• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
• What will my abdomen look like after pregnancy?
• What is expected of me so that the best results are obtained?
• Where and how will the procedure be performed?
• What is the recovery time and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
• What are the risks and complications associated with this procedure?
• How are complications treated?
• What are my options if I am unhappy with the outcome of my surgery?
