ABDOMINOPLASTY

Who is it for?

Abdominoplasty surgery may be suitable for individuals who have excess skin and weakened abdominal muscles following pregnancy or significant weight loss.

For Post-Pregnancy Women:
Pregnancy can lead to stretched abdominal muscles and excess skin in the abdominal area. This procedure aims to repair the muscle separation and remove excess skin. Liposuction may be offered alongside the surgery to address excess fat.

For Individuals After Weight Loss:
Significant weight loss can result in loose or excess skin around the abdomen that is not improved by diet or exercise. Abdominoplasty can remove this excess skin to help restore the abdominal area.

Abdominoplasty Procedures Offered

At our clinic, we provide various types of abdominoplasty to address different patient needs. During your consultation, Dr Reema Hadi will assess your individual circumstances and discuss which procedure may be most appropriate. Below are the types of abdominoplasty offered:

Traditional Abdominoplasty
This procedure involves a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen, above the pubic area. Excess skin and fat are removed, abdominal muscles may be tightened, and the belly button repositioned. It is generally suitable for patients with more significant skin laxity and muscle separation.

Mini Abdominoplasty
A less extensive surgery with a smaller incision typically limited to the area between the pubic bone and belly button. This option is for those with mild to moderate excess skin or muscle laxity below the belly button.

Extended Abdominoplasty
Targets the abdomen, flanks, and lower back with an incision extending beyond the hips. This approach addresses excess skin and tissue in a wider area.

High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty (HLTA)
An advanced technique focusing on tightening abdominal muscles and lifting outer thighs. The incision resembles traditional abdominoplasty but with modified tension to adjust body contours.

Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty
Used primarily for patients with significant horizontal and vertical excess skin, often after major weight loss. The incision forms a "T" shape to allow removal of skin both horizontally and vertically.

Circumferential Abdominoplasty (Belt Lipectomy)
Also called a lower body lift, this procedure addresses the abdomen, lower back, flanks, and buttocks through an incision around the waist. It is commonly considered after massive weight loss or significant skin sagging.

Reverse Abdominoplasty
Targets excess skin in the upper abdomen with an incision placed under the breast crease.

Combined Liposuction and Abdominoplasty Procedure

This procedure involves liposuction of the upper and lower back and flanks, performed in conjunction with abdominoplasty.

The combined approach may be used to address excess fatty tissue and redundant skin, particularly following significant weight changes or pregnancy. It is not a weight loss procedure and is generally considered in individuals who are at or near a stable weight.

Muscle Repair in Abdominoplasty

Muscle repair, often called diastasis recti repair, may be included during abdominoplasty. Diastasis recti is the separation of the abdominal muscles, causing a midline gap or bulge.

This condition can result from pregnancy, weight changes, aging, or muscle strain. Muscle repair involves suturing the separated muscles to restore abdominal wall support.

Muscle repair can improve core strength and posture, potentially reducing associated back pain. It is typically performed alongside skin and fat removal during abdominoplasty, depending on individual needs.

Diagnosis of Muscle Separation

An ultrasound scan is required to assess muscle separation. Medicare may cover some cost of the treatment if the gap exceeds 3 cm.

What to expect Post op?

• First Few Days: Expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Pain relief medication will be prescribed.
• Weeks 1-2: Rest is important, with gentle walking encouraged. Avoid strenuous activities.
• Weeks 3-4: Light activities may resume, and a return to non-physical work may be possible.
• Weeks 5-6: Gradual increase in activity is permitted with your surgeon’s approval.
• Months 2-3: Most swelling should subside; more regular exercise can be resumed.
• Months 4+: Continued improvement and return to normal activities.

Tips for Recovery

• Follow your surgeon’s instructions closely.
• Use prescribed pain medication as needed.
• Apply ice packs to reduce swelling if advised.
• Maintain a nutritious diet and stay hydrated.
• Wear compression garments as directed.
• Use leg stockings for two weeks to reduce the risk of blood clots.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol as they may affect healing.
• Follow scar care instructions provided by your surgeon.

Emotional and Follow-up Care

Recovery involves physical and emotional adjustment. Support from family, friends, and your healthcare team can be beneficial. Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor healing and address any concerns.

Important Considerations

Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss or a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise post-surgery is important to support your results.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss abdominoplasty options, please contact our clinic to schedule a consultation with Dr Reema Hadi.

FAQs