Abdominoplasty is used to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen. It also involves suturing the rectus abdominis muscles to bring them back to their normal position, addressing post-pregnancy or age-related muscle protrusion that is difficult to restore. This procedure achieves a visibly significant 'slimmer waist' effect.
The following groups may consider undergoing abdominoplasty:
Individuals with Excess Skin after Significant Weight Loss:
When people lose weight rapidly, the skin may not have enough time to contract and adapt to the changes in body shape, leading to loose skin.
Women After Pregnancy:
During pregnancy, rapid stretching of abdominal tissues can result in loose skin and the protrusion of the rectus abdominis muscles. Post-pregnancy, abdominal tissues may not fully contract, returning to their pre-pregnancy appearance.
Age-Related Abdominal Skin Laxity:
With age, the skin gradually loses its elasticity. Even without significant changes in body size, abdominal skin can become lax.
Regardless of the cause of abdominal skin laxity, a professional evaluation by a qualified physician is necessary to determine the appropriate type of abdominoplasty to address the loose, sagging abdominal skin and help restore a more youthful appearance.
The principle of abdominoplasty
Generally, abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, involves the removal of loose skin and excess subcutaneous fat, as well as the tightening of the relaxed and protruding abdominal fascia to restore elasticity and firmness. It also includes the repositioning of the navel. Abdominoplasty procedures often combine liposuction and super plasma technology to enhance curves and improve the appearance of skin surface features such as stretch marks and cellulite.
Many people worry about the size of the incision created by abdominoplasty. In fact, advances in the procedure have led to smaller incisions, typically ranging from 15-20 centimeters. Surgeons also aim to place incisions strategically, often below the waistline, so they are not easily visible.
Precautions and care after abdominoplasty:
1. Follow your doctor's instructions for taking oral medications and attending follow-up appointments.
2. Wear compression garments immediately after surgery and continue for at least three months to aid wound healing.
3. Use ice packs for the first three days (15 minutes at a time, at least 4-6 times a day). From the fourth day onward, switch to warm compresses (ensuring the temperature is not too hot) for 30 minutes at a time, 2-4 times a day to reduce swelling and promote metabolism.
4. Avoid smoking, alcohol, spicy foods, and foods that promote blood circulation and replenishment for the first week post-surgery. Also, try to avoid seafood within two weeks to prevent skin irritation.
5. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise.
6. Sleep in a V-shaped position: Elevate the head of your bed by 30-40 degrees and the foot of the bed by 20-30 degrees to keep your body slightly bent and prevent strain on the incision.
7. Avoid water contact before the stitches are removed (you can sponge-bathe to avoid the incision area). Stitches are typically removed around 7-10 days, and you may experience itching before complete healing, so refrain from scratching or rubbing.
8. Follow your doctor's instructions for applying scar gel or silicone patches to improve wound healing around two weeks after the surgery.
Witness
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Q:Can abdominoplasty and liposuction be done simultaneously?
A:Yes, they can. Both procedures can be performed to address excess abdominal skin and excessive fat, resulting in a flat tummy and improved physique. However, it's important to ensure that you don't plan on becoming pregnant again because pregnancy could lead to abdominal expansion, negating the effects of the surgery.
Q:Is abdominoplasty a one-time procedure, or can it be repeated?
A:Abdominoplasty is not a permanent procedure because the body continues to age. Typically, results can last 10-15 years, after which a physician can assess whether a repeat surgery is advisable. However, the results may not be as dramatic as the first procedure.
Q:Where is the incision for abdominoplasty, and is it large?
A:Unlike traditional abdominoplasty with conspicuous 50 cm incisions, modern abdominoplasty incisions are much smaller. They are usually designed below the waistline, making them easy to hide within underwear. Even when the abdomen is exposed, the incision is not easily noticeable. Proper wound care can help the incision scars fade over time. The size of the incision typically ranges from 10-25 cm, depending on the complexity of the surgery and the degree of skin laxity.
Q:What is the recovery period for abdominoplasty?
A:The recovery period for abdominoplasty is generally 2-3 months, but it varies based on an individual's healing process. Some people recover more quickly, while others may need more time. If you're inquiring about taking time off work, it's typically recommended to rest at home for the first 3 days, and stitches can be removed after 10-14 days.
Q:How long is the surgery?
A:The duration of the surgery depends on the complexity. In general, an endoscopic brow lift takes about 2 hours, while an endoscopic brow or mid-face lift takes approximately 3-4 hours. Traditional deep fascia lifts combined with neck lifts require longer hours, typically around 4-7 hours, depending on the surgical difficulty. For a standard abdominoplasty, the surgery usually takes about 2-3 hours, and if liposuction is combined, the surgery time increases by approximately 1 hour.
Q:Is hospitalization required after abdominoplasty?
A:Hospitalization is often advised due to the longer surgery time and the use of general anesthesia. The length of hospital stay depends on an individual's recovery. Swelling is typically more significant on the first day. For individuals with a sensitive or weak constitution, it's recommended to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days.
Q:How long does it take to recover from abdominoplasty, and how much time off should I take from work?
A:The recovery period varies from person to person, but on average, you can expect to recover within one to two months. If you're concerned about swelling and discomfort affecting your work, taking 1-2 days off work is reasonable. After returning to the workplace, especially during the first 1-2 weeks, it's advisable to avoid vigorous exercise and heavy lifting. Abdominoplasty patients, in particular, should be cautious and should wait at least 6-8 weeks before engaging in intense physical activity and sexual intercourse.