The procedure can dramatically change the appearance of the "flabby belly" and create a more aesthetic silhouette in the waist area. The result is long-term if you exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet. Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia.
If the fat distribution is limited to the area around the navel, a less demanding procedure called partial abdominoplasty is sufficient. In some cases, a combination of partial/full abdominoplasty and liposuction may be more beneficial, which can remove fat from the hips, improving body contours. Sometimes liposuction alone can achieve the best results.
Our plastic surgeon will always recommend a procedure that is best for you and whose result is as close as possible to the desired body shape.
Who is suitable for an abdominoplasty?
The best candidates for an abdominoplasty are women or men who are in relatively good shape, but are plagued by large fat deposits or sagging abdominal skin that does not respond to diet or exercise. The surgery can also partially fix the stretched muscles and skin of women who have had a pregnancy.
Who is not suitable?
- If you intend to lose a lot of weight, you should postpone the operation.
- Women who are planning pregnancy should postpone the surgery. During the operation, the vertical muscles are tightened and may loosen again during pregnancy.
- If you have scars from previous abdominal surgery, your scars after the tummy tuck may be unusually noticeable.
Preoperative preparation
During your initial consultation, the plastic surgeon will assess your health, determine the extent of fat accumulation in your abdominal region, and carefully evaluate your skin tone. You will also speak openly with the surgeon about your expectations.
If you smoke, you should stop at least one to two weeks before the procedure and not start again until at least two weeks after the procedure. Avoid excessive sun exposure and do not follow a strict diet, as both can interfere with healing. If you develop herpes disease or an infection of any kind, your procedure will likely be postponed. A complete pre-op exam is required before surgery, which you can have with our anesthesiologist.
During the operation
A complete tummy tuck usually takes two to four hours, depending on the amount of work required. A partial tummy tuck may take one to two hours.
Most often, the surgeon makes a long incision from hip bone to hip bone, just above the pubic area - above the pubic hair. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With a partial tummy tuck, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be displaced. Next, the surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall to the ribs and lifts a large flap of skin to expose the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them tightly together and stitching them in their new position. This provides a tighter abdominal wall and a narrower waist. The skin flap is then stretched downward and the excess skin is removed. A new hole will be cut for your navel, which will then be sutured. Finally, the incisions are sutured and sterile dressings are applied. After surgery, a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.
In a partial tummy tuck, the skin is separated only between the incision line and the belly button. This skin flap is stretched downward, the excess skin is removed, and the flap is reattached.
Postoperative care
After the surgery is completed and the patient wakes up from general anaesthesia, heor she remains in the hospital's inpatient unit for observation for the next 24 to 48 hours. A nurse is always there for the patient. The administration of infusions and analgesics is stopped and all physiological functions are monitored. On the second day after surgery, dressings are changed and temporary tubes, if used, are removed. The patient is discharged home accompanied by another person according to the physician's instructions. Follow-up examinations after surgery are performed after consultation with the surgeon. In urgent cases, the follow-up examination can be performed immediately. Stitches are removed 14 days after the surgery. During these 14 days we recommend the client not to go to work. In the first few days after surgery, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you will probably have pain that can be controlled with medication. Although you may not be able to stand up straight for a few days after surgery, you should begin walking as soon as possible. The surgery will leave a permanent scar that may extend from hip to hip, depending on the extent of the original problem and the extent of the surgery.
Convalescence
Convalescence may take weeks or months. If you start in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery will be much faster. Some patients return to work after only two weeks, while others take 3 or 4 weeks to recover.
Light abdominal exercises after 2-4 weeks will help you heal better (lifting legs, figure eights with legs raised). However, you should avoid vigorous exercises until you feel comfortable.
Your scars will be visible for some time after surgery. For the first three to six months, they may even appear to get worse as they heal. It takes nine months to a year for the scars to flatten and take on a lighter colour.
Possible complications
Like any other surgery, abdominoplasty involves some risk. Postoperative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can still occur. Poor healing that results in noticeable scars may require a second surgery. Smokers should stop smoking, as smoking can increase the risk of complications and delay healing.
ENVY x PRIVEÉ Praha
