Abdominoplasty: Gaining a New Body Image
Abdominal Plastic Surgery: The Procedure, Technique, Recovery, Abdominoplasty Post-Pregnancy or Weight Loss, Bloodless Abdominoplasty – Lipoabdominoplasty, Cost, Mini Abdominoplasty, Results, and Everything You Need to Know in the Following Text
We all aim for a flat, well-contoured, and attractive abdomen through exercise and weight control, but this goal is not always achieved with diet and exercise alone. Consequently, even individuals with a normal body weight and proper body proportions can, over time, develop a protruding or sagging abdomen.
In these cases, plastic surgery offers an effective solution through the abdominoplasty procedure, which flattens the abdominal area by removing excess skin and fat while simultaneously strengthening the abdominal wall for a well-sculpted abdomen. This procedure is often combined with breast augmentation, breast lift, or gynecomastia surgery, achieving a total body transformation.
Abdominoplasty: From Restoration to Beautification
The abdominoplasty procedure, like other aesthetic plastic surgeries such as rhinoplasty, was born during World War I, aiming to restore injuries. The experience gained during the war and the developed techniques led to the application of abdominoplasty not only in soldiers bearing the marks of wounds but also for the correction of congenital deformities and eventually for beauty.
Today, abdominoplasty is very common after massive weight loss and post-pregnancy, effectively addressing stretch marks in the lower abdomen. Often part of the process known as a mommy makeover, abdominoplasty is increasingly popular among men, contributing to a flatter, more toned stomach and creating a more masculine body profile.
Modern Techniques, Maximum Results
The impressive development of plastic surgery techniques and methods has ensured maximum safety and successful aesthetic outcomes for those undergoing abdominoplasty. The procedure provides significant and impressive changes to the overall body image and multiple benefits in daily life, addressing not only aesthetic but also medical and functional problems.
The most modern abdominoplasty technique is lipoabdominoplasty (a combined liposuction and abdominoplasty technique) by Saldanha, performed when there is a degree of skin laxity, excess fat, and abdominal wall relaxation. This alternative, known as the double success technique, ensures even better aesthetic results in a less invasive manner compared to performing one of the two procedures alone.
The Preoperative Session
The success of your abdominoplasty largely depends on the preoperative session, as it is a highly individualized surgery. During the first visit, the plastic surgeon will evaluate your health status, take a detailed medical history, and assess the extent of the problem. You will discuss your expectations and lifestyle and be informed about the benefits of the surgery, the procedure, and the postoperative course. Together with the plastic surgeon, you will determine the aesthetic goals of the abdominoplasty, choosing the technique that will ensure the best possible results.
The Abdominoplasty Procedure
The main incision of abdominoplasty is above the pubic area (similar to a cesarean) and is designed to be hidden when wearing underwear or a swimsuit, with its length depending on the extent of abdominal laxity. A second incision around the navel is usually necessary to remove excess skin from the upper part of the abdomen.
The duration of abdominoplasty ranges from 2-4 hours, performed under general anesthesia, and hospitalization lasts at most one day. The procedure is almost painless, with quick recovery and a short return to work (up to 10 days) and full activity in 4-5 weeks. Light walking is permitted within the first week, while intense exercise (abdominal exercises) is allowed after the fifth week.
Importantly, drainage is usually not needed, but using an elastic band is necessary in the postoperative period. The final shape of the scars forms in 3-10 months.
Cost of Abdominoplasty
The cost of abdominoplasty depends on the extent of the problem and the technique chosen (e.g., combination with liposuction). However, those undergoing the procedure will receive the value in safety and aesthetic results.
Surgery Results
The results of abdominoplasty are permanent unless there is significant weight gain or a new pregnancy.
Benefits of Abdominoplasty
As highlighted by research and the experiences of those who have undergone abdominoplasty, the benefits are multiple:
- It removes the loose and excess skin resulting from significant weight loss or post-pregnancy and effectively addresses stretch marks in the lower abdomen.
- Helps those who have undergone bariatric surgery and lost significant weight to maintain their body weight at low levels.
- Offers significant medical benefits by improving pre-existing health issues, such as reducing urinary incontinence, correcting hernias like umbilical or midline hernias, relieving back pain by correcting the rectus abdominis, improving abdominal tone, enhancing posture, and addressing metabolic syndrome (diabetes, hypertension).
- Resolves functional problems by improving mobility and flexibility, making daily activities more active and enjoyable (e.g., making movements easier, driving more comfortably, exercising, and having various clothing options).
- Enhances a woman’s sexual life due to improved anatomy of the genital area, thanks to the lifting of the pubic skin, and boosts sexual desire for both genders.
Men’s Abdominoplasty: Increasingly Popular
Abdominoplasty, the body plastic surgery procedure, is increasingly favored by men seeking a better and higher quality life.
Aesthetic problems, such as a protruding abdomen with excessive fat accumulation or a flabby, hanging belly, do not respond to diet and exercise and can cause health issues. Additionally, many men have hernias in the abdominal wall, leading to abdominal wall relaxation and rectus abdominis diastasis. Surgery is the only way to address these conditions, and abdominoplasty is a “must” for those who have experienced massive weight loss through diet or bariatric surgery.
Beyond achieving a flat abdomen and improving the contour of the male body, abdominoplasty reveals a more muscular, athletic appearance by unveiling the rectus abdominis muscles, resulting in defined abs (six-pack). Moreover, the procedure strengthens the abdominal system, preventing future hernia formation.
The positive effects of abdominoplasty extend beyond appearance, becoming evident in all aspects of men’s daily lives. They have more clothing options, can present themselves as they desire, gain greater mobility and flexibility, exercise more easily and with greater enthusiasm, and drive more comfortably. Postoperatively, their sexual relationships also improve, not only due to the confidence gained from abdominoplasty but also due to the elimination of fat deposits over the genital area, which can cause practical issues during sexual intercourse.
Combining abdominoplasty with liposculpture or gynecomastia surgery offers a complete male body transformation.
Everything About the Relationship Between Abdominoplasty and Pregnancy
Pregnancy and aesthetic surgeries are a concern for many women and a focal point of discussions with their plastic surgeons.
Regarding abdominoplasty, pregnancy can affect the aesthetic outcome of the surgery due to the progressive stretching of the skin caused by pregnancy, leading to laxity and stretch marks in the abdomen. Therefore, women interested in abdominoplasty are advised to prioritize motherhood and proceed with the surgery afterward to ensure the permanence of the result.
Many women request abdominoplasty simultaneously with a cesarean section. However, this combination is not recommended for reasons of both quality of the result and the woman’s safety. The body needs to recover post-pregnancy to assess the suitable technique and the amount of skin to be removed, while the stressed body and the stretching of the abdominal wall due to pregnancy increase the risk of complications. Therefore, it is best for the woman to lose the extra pregnancy weight, wait for her body changes to stabilize after childbirth, and then visit the plastic surgeon (definitely after the postpartum period). At that point, it will be decided if classical abdominoplasty, mini-abdominoplasty, or lipoabdominoplasty is needed.
Besides offering a flat abdomen in three dimensions and strengthening the abdominal walls, the procedure also allows for the correction of rectus abdominis diastasis. As for the stretch marks from pregnancy, those located from the navel to the pubic symphysis are removed (since the skin is removed), while those above the navel or on the sides of the abdomen are moved lower and significantly improved in appearance.
Simultaneous abdominoplasty with breast surgery (breast lift, breast augmentation, or a combination) and liposculpture is a common combination of female surgeries included in the mommy makeover. The preoperative assessment by the plastic surgeon during the first visit will determine which combination of surgeries will benefit the new mother the most, with the surgeon’s experience playing a crucial role in the surgeries’ success.
Abdominoplasty: The “After” of the Surgery
Lipoabdominoplasty, the innovative combined technique of liposuction and abdominoplasty, besides offering excellent aesthetic results visible from every angle, minimizes recovery time, allowing for a quick return to social activities. This is because the surgical surface is significantly limited due to liposuction, making the process less traumatic. The surgical manipulations are fewer, tissues are not extensively detached, and blood circulation is maintained (since many blood vessels are not cut and most lymphatic vessels are preserved). Thus, the procedure is performed with minimal pain and usually without drainage (tubes).
Using a special elastic belt for the duration recommended by the plastic surgeon is crucial for smooth and quick recovery and optimal aesthetic results. The belt helps prevent fluid collection or hematomas, reduces swelling, and compresses the spaces created under the skin after fat aspiration.
Contrary to what many believe, associating recovery from abdominoplasty with inactivity and lack of activities, quick mobilization is needed post-surgery. The plastic surgeon will advise moving your legs even while in bed, keeping them elevated when resting, avoiding crossing them, and light walking within the first week, gradually returning to your daily routine.
Returning to work can occur within the first ten days after the surgery, but it is advisable to work for shorter periods and avoid many stressful obligations.
During the early postoperative period, avoid lifting weights, pushing, or pulling. Light physical activity can start three weeks after the surgery. However, for intense exercise (such as abdominal exercises) and returning to the gym, wait until healing is safe, after the fifth week.
As with other aesthetic surgeries, the incision area should not be exposed to sunlight or tanning beds without sunscreen for the next six months, as this could cause discoloration.
Be assured that the multiple benefits of the surgery, in terms of both appearance and health, will fully “compensate” you despite the minor difficulties or limitations of the postoperative period.
High Levels of Postoperative Satisfaction
Abdominoplasty is one of the surgeries with the highest levels of postoperative satisfaction due to the impressive changes it brings to the body’s appearance and its significant impact on the lives of those undergoing it. People who have undergone abdominoplasty or lipoabdominoplasty describe their experience: “The surgery results exceeded my expectations, not only eliminating stubborn fat on the side of my abdomen but also giving me defined abs, a feature I only had in my younger years!”, “Abdominoplasty brought back my old body without significant hassle. It got rid of the excess and loose skin after losing a lot of weight. The most important thing is that it helped me maintain my weight at low levels,” “No tubes were needed, and recovery time was short. A week later, I was back at the office and already enjoying my new look. The scar that ‘reveals’ the surgery is so well hidden that even I have forgotten it!”, “The change in my appearance was spectacular. Beyond that, the surgery helped me enjoy exercising, driving more comfortably, dressing better… a better daily life!”.
Abdominoplasty FAQs
When is the right time to proceed with abdominoplasty? Should I wait to reach my ideal weight, or can I undergo it during weight loss?
Weight loss is useful, and it is even better if your weight has stabilized. Generally, the closer you are to your ideal body weight, the better the aesthetic result will be. Thin individuals with extra fat and loose skin in the lower abdomen are the best candidates for the surgery. If you are obese, the surgery is not suitable for you yet. Also, if you have a significant amount of intra-abdominal fat surrounding your internal organs, you need to lose weight before undergoing abdominoplasty. Often, when someone gets stuck at a level 15-25% above their ideal weight during weight loss, abdominoplasty helps further weight loss.
What will happen if I become pregnant after abdominoplasty?
A previous abdominoplasty does not prevent a future pregnancy, but pregnancy can affect the aesthetic result of the surgery. The lack of tissue elasticity in the area and the progressive stretching caused by pregnancy may create laxity and stretch marks in the abdomen. Therefore, ideally, women are advised to prioritize motherhood before proceeding with abdominoplasty to maintain their sculpted body.
Tell me about mini-abdominoplasty. When can the surgery be performed?
In a full abdominoplasty, an additional incision is made around the navel, usually removing the skin portion of the abdomen from the navel to the pubic area. However, when the body is thin without laxity above the navel, with a high navel position and laxity focused only on the lower anterior abdominal area, mini-abdominoplasty is indicated. In mini-abdominoplasty, the plastic surgeon uses a smaller incision, and there is no navel incision. Usually, mini-abdominoplasty is recommended for those who have always been in fairly good shape but cannot achieve their aesthetic goals through diet and exercise, while full abdominoplasty removes excess skin resulting from pregnancy, laxity, or weight loss after obesity surgery.
I have undergone bariatric surgery. In what extent will abdominoplasty help me?
Although abdominoplasty is part of the overall approach to a body after significant weight loss, its benefits extend beyond the impressive improvement in appearance and body contour. According to recent research, abdominoplasty after massive weight loss achieves much more. Because abdominoplasty makes us look better, it also motivates us to maintain our weight at low levels, losing even more weight, according to researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. The research found that those who underwent abdominoplasty after bariatric surgery regained an average of one kilogram per year compared to four kilograms per year for bariatric patients who did not undergo body contouring surgeries. In a study of 20 individuals, abdominoplasty led to significant and chronic weight loss for many, especially those who were overweight. Weight loss maintenance was also more likely for those who removed a larger amount of excess abdominal tissue, i.e., those who underwent a full, classic abdominoplasty. The new findings, showing increased permanence of weight loss, create a strong argument that abdominoplasty is an essential part of successful weight loss.
Another significant benefit of abdominoplasty, apart from improving daily activities in previously obese individuals, is that it minimizes the risk of infections after bariatric surgery. Many individuals who lose 50 or 100 kilograms face a new problem: excess skin and persistent abdominal fat deposits. Removing excess skin and fat with abdominoplasty can reduce the risk of infections in the folds of hanging skin.
For whom is lipoabdominoplasty suitable, and what advantages does it have over classical abdominoplasty?
Lipoabdominoplasty is applied to all bodies indicated for this technique (anterior abdominal fat, skin laxity, etc.). The benefits it offers are many compared to performing only one of the two procedures (abdominoplasty or liposuction) or performing them at different times.
In lipoabdominoplasty, tissues are not extensively detached, and neither the lymphatic nor the venous network is affected. Due to liposuction, the incisions are minimal, resulting in minor trauma without drainage. Combining the two procedures simultaneously offers greater safety, minimizes postoperative complications, and ensures painless recovery. The result is a quick return to daily activities and, above all, excellent aesthetic results. This is because the improvement is not limited to the anterior abdominal area but also concerns the body contour, visible from every angle (abdomen in three dimensions).
How long should I wait after pregnancy to undergo abdominoplasty?
Scientific opinions on this topic vary. Some suggest you can proceed shortly after childbirth, while others agree that a waiting period is necessary. My recommendation is to wait until your body changes have stabilized post-pregnancy, definitely after the postpartum period. Hormonal, nutritional, and emotional factors after significant weight loss need time to balance out. It is important to give your body time to reach its natural balance before undergoing any surgery.
Μπορεί η κοιλιοπλαστική να βελτιώσει την ερωτική μου ζωή;
Σύμφωνα με τα αποτελέσματα πρόσφατης έρευνας, η κοιλιοπλαστική μπορεί να βελτιώσει τη σεξουαλική ζωή της γυναίκας: και ο λόγος δεν είναι μόνο επειδή θα φαίνεται και θα αισθάνεται πιο ελκυστική με μια πιο επίπεδη, σφριγηλή κοιλιά. Ένα απροσδόκητο όφελος της κοιλιοπλαστικής είναι ότι ανορθώνοντας το δέρμα του εφηβαίου, αλλάζει και η γωνία του αιδοίου. Κατά συνέπεια, η κλειτορίδα –η πρωτεύουσα ερωτογενής ζώνη, που διαδραματίζει το σημαντικότερο ρόλο στο γυναικείο οργασμό- είναι πιο εκτεθειμένη μετά την πραγματοποίηση της κοιλιοπλαστικής, που σημαίνει ότι μπορεί να διεγερθεί πιο εύκολα και γρήγορα, εξασφαλίζοντας μεγαλύτερη σεξουαλική απόλαυση στη γυναίκα.
What problems does abdominoplasty address in men?
Abdominoplasty in men, combined with liposuction, eliminates the unsightly “love handles” on the sides of the abdomen. Besides achieving a flat abdomen (in three dimensions) and improving the contour of the male body, it also provides defined abs. Furthermore, abdominoplasty can improve the unsightly fat deposition over the genital area, which creates specific problems in relationships with the opposite sex.
When will I see the final result of the surgery and the scars? Can I do anything to contribute positively to this?
The final result is achieved after the swelling subsides and the incisions strengthen, usually by the 5th or 6th week. The final shape of the scars is seen from three to ten months and depends on many factors. The surgical technique plays an important role, especially since I have found that suturing the wound in three levels has significantly improved postoperative results by reducing tension on the wound. The quality of the skin, adherence to postoperative instructions (avoiding intense exercise initially, using an elastic belt), and using some auxiliary aids (silicone gels, etc.) also play a role. Although the incisions are in a non-visible area with underwear or swimwear, they cannot be entirely erased.
Can abdominoplasty improve my sexual life?
According to recent research results, abdominoplasty can improve a woman’s sexual life, not only because she will look and feel more attractive with a flatter, firmer abdomen. An unexpected benefit of abdominoplasty is that by lifting the pubic skin, the angle of the vulva changes. Consequently, the clitoris, the primary erogenous zone playing the most crucial role in female orgasm, is more exposed after abdominoplasty, meaning it can be stimulated more easily and quickly, ensuring greater sexual enjoyment for the woman.
I have undergone abdominoplasty and am not satisfied with the appearance of my navel postoperatively. Can it be corrected?
This possibility exists, but it depends on the existing postoperative condition of your navel. For example, if it is in the wrong position –off-center, too high, or too low– moving it to the ideal point involves a local additional scar. Also, if the existing navel size is too large, it needs to be “tightened,” which may temporarily present a small fold, usually stretching after a while.