Objective:
to remove skin excess and abdominal fat, promoting symmetry and body proportion.

Over the years, due to large fluctuations in weight or after pregnancies, the skin of the abdominal region loses its natural elasticity, becoming more and more flabby. Addressing those issues, many people try to practice physical exercises and food reeducation, but, in many cases, those procedures do not eliminate that skin excess and fat from the abdomen. Therefore, Abdominoplasty consists of returning the abdomen to its natural contour and also reestablishing the patient’s self-esteem.

The procedure lasts about 2 to 4 hours and general, epidural, spinal, or local anesthesia with sedation is indicated, but our preference is for general anesthesia. After the general shape of the body has been thoroughly analyzed, the doctor makes a horizontal incision between the line of the pubis and the navel, having an opening to remove the flaccid tissue usually from the navel to the pubis, with the possibility of treating the abdominal muscles. The goal is not to reduce weight, but to shape the abdomen, making it smoother, firmer, and toned. Women who wish to become pregnant should wait to perform the procedure so that the results are not compromised. Liposuction can be associated in some cases.

Preoperative: before the procedure, the patient answers a questionnaire about his lifestyle, his health, and expectations. At the consultation, laboratory tests are requested and based upon the results, recommendations are provided for taking or pausing the use of certain medications as well as for adjusting the doses of the routine medications being taken; also, the patient is advised to stop smoking and the consumption of alcoholic beverages days before surgery – it is also important to avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants and natural remedies. Absolute fasting of 8 hours is required on the day before the surgery (solid and liquid foods).

Postoperative: after the procedure, the doctor prescribes the needed medications to optimize the cicatrization process as well as to prevent infections. Right after the surgery, the use of a modeling brace is essential, as it helps to reshape the body in its new shape, reduces the accumulation of fluids, minimizes swelling, in addition to speeding up recovery. Lymphatic drainage is fundamental for the improvement of edema, improvement of discomfort, and faster recovery. The patient can return to work between two and four weeks and, for more intense activities, in about four to six weeks. For long-lasting results, a healthy lifestyle, including the practice of physical exercises and a good diet are helpful.