The abdomen is a region of aesthetic importance that affects the external appearance of a person. Postpartum cracks in the abdomen, fullness and sagging in the abdominal region may occur as a result of anatomical relaxation of the abdominal muscles. Abdominoplasty is an operation that allows the removal of excess skin and fat tissue in the middle and lower abdomen, and the muscles of the abdominal wall reach their former tension. Depending on the person’s desire, abdominoplasty surgery can be applied together with waist thinning or liposuction surgery.
The most suitable candidates for this surgery are men and women who have a good abdominal shape and complain of excess abdominal fat and skin laxity that cannot be eliminated by diet or exercise. Abdominoplasty is particularly helpful for women whose abdominal skin and muscles have become too deformed to return to normal after several pregnancies. This surgery also gives good results in older patients who suffer from loss of skin elasticity and some lubrication. Patients planning to lose weight significantly should postpone surgery. At the same time, it is recommended that women who are considering getting pregnant in the future should wait until after pregnancy to have the surgery, as the abdominal muscles tightened during the surgery may loosen with pregnancy. Abdominoplasty can be done in two ways. Mini-abdominoplasty is applied only to people with mild cracks and sagging in the lower abdomen. Total abdominoplasty is performed in severely cracked and sagging abdomen.
Total abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia in a full-fledged hospital and is an operation that takes about 3 hours. An incision is made on the lower edge of the abdomen, just above the groin, extending from one hip bone to the hip bone on the other side. A second incision is made around the navel to free the navel from the surrounding tissues. Abdominal skin is completely lifted over the lower abdominal muscles up to the rib margin. The abdominal muscles are brought together and strengthened, thus a tighter abdominal wall and a thinner waistline are obtained. The skin lifted from the abdomen is stretched downwards and the excess skin is cut off. A new hole is made for the navel in the stretched abdominal skin, and the navel, which has been liberated with its handle, is placed here and sutured. After all, the incision lines are sutured; It is covered with dressings and a thin tube, called a drain, may be temporarily placed in the wound area to drain any excess fluid that may collect.
In mini-abdominoplasty, the skin is lifted only in the area between the incision line and the belly button. The skin is pulled down, the excess skin is cut off without displacement in the navel, and the incision line is sutured.
Depending on the patient’s condition, it requires 1-3 days of hospital care. The patient can stand up and start walking with the help of a person 4-5 hours after the operation, and can walk unaided after 2-3 days. In the first week, it is necessary to stay away from movements that will put a load on the abdomen. If the person feels good, they can do their desk work in the office environment after 7-10 days of home rest. Sports and exercises can be started lightly after 1 month. Mini-abdominoplasty is not applied to a large area like total abdominoplasty. Therefore, the operation time and the postoperative recovery time are shorter by half.
With the surgical techniques we apply, in addition to removing the excess tissues in the abdomen, the natural folds of the belly area are created in accordance with the original. The surgical scar on the skin is designed to remain in the bikini or underwear. The surgery is completed with hidden stitches, there are no stitches on the skin surface. Surgical scars are red in color and quite evident in the first months. The color of these scars fades within months and approaches the normal skin color and their clarity decreases. Bad scars that may occur due to undesired tension can be corrected by revision under local anesthesia.
Immediately after abdominoplasty, a striking improvement in the appearance of the abdomen draws attention, and a serious increase in the quality of life is observed. Abdominoplasty not only allows you to get rid of excess and sagging tissues in the abdomen, but also increases your self-confidence.
PRE-SURGERY PREPARATION
Some drugs may interact with anesthesia or their side effects may occur with surgery.
Be sure to inform your doctor about all the medicines you use. In particular, aspirin-derived and cortisone-containing drugs should be discontinued one week before the operation.
Smoking negatively affects wound healing. For this reason, it is recommended to leave it as early as possible before the operation and not to use it after the operation.
Inform your doctor if you have any discomfort before the operation.
Make sure that your surgery does not come to your menstrual period.
Come to the hospital with comfortable clothes on the day of surgery. Do not make up. Leave your jewelry at home.
Take a warm shower the night before surgery.
If the operation is before noon, nothing should be eaten or drunk after 24 hours. If it is in the afternoon, a light breakfast can be eaten considering the 6-hour fasting period.
It is necessary to be admitted to the hospital 2 hours before the surgery, to perform the necessary tests (laboratory and imaging) and to be evaluated by your anesthesiologist.
You will need a companion during your stay in the hospital.
POST-OPERATIVE CARE
Pain after abdominoplasty is a normal complaint. It can be controlled with painkillers. If you have pain, you can take the prescribed pain reliever. If you do not have pain, you do not need to use painkillers.
Pain occurs due to tension in your abdomen. Avoiding positions that cause your stomach to be tight will reduce your pain. In order to reduce the tension in your abdomen after the surgery, it is appropriate to lie on your back with your legs pulled towards your abdomen, and to walk by leaning slightly forward while walking.
Postoperative nutrition should be as described below
Avoid solid and dry foods for 14 days.
Prefer juicy, soft, warm or cold foods.
Avoid movements that increase intra-abdominal pressure (such as pushing, laughing, crying, shouting, sneezing) for the first 14 days.
A warm shower can be taken from the 4th day after the operation. Before taking a shower, consult your doctor for the condition of the bandages on the wound.
Avoid heavy physical activities for 4 weeks.
