Abdominoplasty

What is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure to tighten the abdominal wall. This is carried out to remove excess skin from the abdominal area and is not intended to reduce weight.

Often, the flaccid skin in the area of the abdomen is a result of severe weight loss. Usually, it cannot be removed through sport. Abdominoplasty adjusts the look of the abdomen to the reduced weight. The excess skin and adipose tissue are removed, and the abdominal muscles are strengthened. Abdominoplasty is often carried out in combination with liposuction. The result is a slimmer waist and a firmer stomach. Abdominoplasty is suitable for women and men.

For Whom is Abdominoplasty Advisable?

Abdominoplasty is carried out when the skin in the abdominal area becomes flaccid. Such skin alterations can be caused by the following factors:

• Severe weight loss
• Pregnancy
• Flaccidness in the abdominal musculature

Extremely overweight people who have lost a lot of weight, e.g., through obesity surgery, are often confronted with excess skin, which can cause a high amount of emotional stress. The desired weight is finally reached, but the dream body is covered by too much skin. In addition, the skin folds under the so-called abdominal apron can become inflamed, so that in addition to the emotional stress, itching and pain occur. In this case, abdominoplasty is an advisable surgery.

But, also less dramatic physical changes due to pregnancy or less severe weight loss can also cause the desire for a flat stomach. After the patient is well informed and would like to undergo surgery, this is a sufficient reason to consult a specialist for abdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty After Weight Loss or Pregnancy: When is the Right Time to Have the Surgery Carried Out?

If you are thinking about an abdominoplasty, you should get informed well about the surgery beforehand. Family planning should be completed in women, as renewed extensive stretching of the skin and muscles in a pregnancy destroys the result of the carried out abdominal reduction. Pregnancy after abdominoplasty is possible, but will possibly make a second surgery necessary. In the case of an abdominoplasty after significant weight loss, the target weight should have been reached and maintained for at least six months.

Are There Alternatives to Abdominoplasty?

Alternatives to abdominoplasty can be panniculectomy or liposuction. If the skin of the abdomen is still elastic enough, liposuction can be sufficient to achieve a flat stomach. The specialized physician for plastic and esthetic surgery will individually determine in a counseling interview which procedure is best suitable.

When Do Health Insurance Companies Cover the Expenses for Abdominoplasty?

If the abdominoplasty is carried out for esthetic matters, the health insurance companies do not cover the costs for the intervention. Only if medical reasons, such as recurring inflammations in the abdominal folds, are diagnosed, an application for cost absorption by the health insurance can be successful.

Which Examination Have to Be Carried Out Before Abdominoplasty?

In preparation for the abdominoplasty, the patient's general health should be examined. The doctor will also evaluate the fat deposits and skin tension in the abdominal area. Images of the abdomen are taken from the front and from the side to create a surgery schedule. The patient will be informed about the surgical methods and risks in the clinic.

The Process of Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty is carried out in general anesthesia and can last several hours. The doctor measures and marks the excessive skin and the fat tissue in preparation for the intervention. Diverse surgery methods can be used according to the extent of skin alteration. An incision is used in every technique.

Two incisions are made. The wavy cut starts above the pubic hairline and runs along with the pelvic bones to its end. The circular cut runs around the navel. The navel is separated from the skin tissue. The skin tissue between the abdominal incision and the ribs is detached from the abdominal wall, exposing the abdominal muscles. The abdominal muscles are reconnected and fixated.

The detached skin is pulled downwards by the specialist for abdominoplasty. The excess skin is removed. The skin is reattached, and the navel is repositioned. At the end of the surgery, drainage is placed to allow the blood and wound secretions to drain. The abdomen is bandaged, which prevents the occurred cavities from filling with fluid. The stitches are removed after eight to ten days. The dressing is not removed until after one month.

Healing Process After Abdominoplasty

Immediately after the procedure, slight pain and hematomas have to be expected, but these will heal within a few weeks. The swelling, on the other hand, can last up to three months., Patients are advised to abstain from sports in the first few months after the abdominoplasty in order to minimize the risk of thrombosis.

As with any major surgical procedure, complications in the form of infections, and impaired wound healing, as well as scarring, are possible.

Abdominoplasty provides permanent results, which can be additionally supported by sports and healthy nutrition. A repetition of the procedure is principally possible, but the entire healing should be completed after the first abdominoplasty.

Which Doctors and Clinics Are Specialists for Abdominoplasty in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria?

If somebody is thinking about having abdominoplasty carried out wants to be certain that a satisfying result will be achieved by the surgery. Consequently, the patient is wondering where to find the best clinic or doctor for abdominoplasty in Germany, Switzerland, or Austria.

Both specialists for plastic surgery and esthetic surgery and specialized physicians for obesity surgery have the necessary qualifications for carrying out abdominoplasty. If the doctor is a specialist for abdominoplasty depends on his surgical experience in this field. The more abdominoplasties a doctor carried out, the more experienced he gets in his area of expertise. Therefore, it is essential to receive a personal impression from several specialists.

We will help you to find a specialist for abdominoplasty. On PRIMO MEDICO’s website, you will find only experienced specialized and head physicians in the area of expertise. Currently, you will find specialists for abdominoplasty in Berlin, Munich, Düsseldorf, Eschweiler, Recklinghausen, Frankfurt, Vienna, Bern, and Lucerne.

Sources:

• Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ästhetisch-Plastische Chirurgie www.dgaepc.de
• Prof. Dr. Peter M. Vogt; Klinik für Plastische Chi Medizinische Hochschule Hannover: Praxis der Plastischen Chirurgie : Plastisch-rekonstruktive Operationen - Plastisch-ästhetische Operationen - Handchirurgie - Verbrennungschirurgie. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer, 2011.