Abdominal Surgery (Abdominoplasty)

Description: This surgery removes excess skin and fat that accumulate in the abdomen due to pregnancy, obesity, and aging. The goals of abdominoplasty are to flatten and tighten the abdomen, giving it an athletic appearance, remove excess skin, reduce or eliminate stretch marks with scars hidden within the bikini line, improve waist definition, reduce subcutaneous fat thickness, and correct abdominal wall relaxation.

Indications: Candidates for abdominoplasty should be as close to their ideal weight as possible before undergoing the surgery. Obese patients are generally poor candidates due to a higher risk of complications during the healing process. A well-balanced diet and maintaining health by losing weight before the surgery is recommended. Abdominal surgery is best suited for healthy men and women in good or relatively good physical condition who cannot achieve the desired abdominal appearance through diet and exercise due to skin laxity. Proper preparation for abdominoplasty ensures optimal results with fewer complications and a faster recovery. Consult Dr. Franklin Peña, an experienced abdominoplasty specialist, to discuss the preparation plan in detail.

Advantages: The advantages of abdominoplasty include the elimination of excess skin and the repair of abdominal muscles (post-pregnancy), resulting in a firm appearance. It also reduces stretch marks below the navel and can boost self-confidence.

Expected Results: You will notice a significant change immediately after surgery. Swelling will occur, usually peaking around the fifth day. Most swelling subsides after one month, but residual swelling can persist, with the final body contour result typically visible around three months. Scars take 6 to 12 months to lighten.

Procedure: Abdominoplasty is generally performed under regional anesthesia. The surgery is tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of each patient, often starting with abdominal liposuction to reduce subcutaneous fat. A transverse incision is made in the lower abdomen, ensuring the scar is within the bikini line. Tissue is dissected above the muscles to the upper abdomen, muscles are tightened, excess skin is removed, and the navel is repositioned. Drains are placed above the pubis, and the incisions are closed.

Abdominoplasty is safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon in a healthy patient. However, risks include abnormal scarring, which can vary based on individual healing factors and may require correction.

Post-Operative Care: Walking is recommended the day after surgery, starting with 3-4 walks per day for 1-2 minutes each. You may need to walk with a slightly bent posture for the first few days. After the fourth day, attempt to walk upright, and by the sixth or seventh day, you should walk fully upright. Drains are typically removed 5-7 days post-surgery, and a post-operative girdle is recommended for 4-6 weeks. Scars are hidden within the bikini line, but their extent varies. Office work can usually be resumed in 5-7 days, with more physically demanding jobs requiring 10-14 days of recovery. When combined with other procedures, a recovery period of at least 10-14 days is necessary.