Is it true that you can’t go for tummy tuck with any weight? What is important to do if you decide to have surgery? How to communicate with a surgeon so as not to make a mistake? An expert answers these and other questions.
- Who most often needs surgery
- How is the preparation done
- Different methods and techniques for different cases
- How much does it cost
- Possible complications
- How long does rehabilitation take
- How long do the results last
- How to care for your skin afterwards
- Useful tips for communicating with a plastic surgeon
Abdominoplasty is a general name for several surgical interventions, the purpose of which is to improve the appearance of the abdominal area.
1 Who most often surgery is needed
Ideal candidates for this operation are several categories of people:
- Young mothers — the most common group. After pregnancy, many girls are left with excess skin, “stretch marks” are added, and diastasis recti often forms (bulging above and below the navel)
- People who have lost a lot of weight, often after bariatric surgery (reduction stomach).
- People of average build with excess skin and fat in the abdominal area. Currently, to achieve maximum aesthetic effect in most cases it is necessary to perform abdominoplasty with liposuction.
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2 How is preparation for surgery carried out and what tests need to be taken
There is a standard set of tests and studies that patients are required to perform before surgery. In addition, it is necessary to perform an ultrasound of the soft tissues of the anterior abdominal wall. It helps determine the exact size of muscle diastasis. You can also determine the presence and size of hernias (umbilical or white line).
There are some preparation features:
- If there is significant diastasis of the abdominal muscles (from 6 cm), you must wear a compression bandage for at least a month before surgery. It will help the internal organs adapt to the increase in intra-abdominal pressure that will occur after the intervention.
- Since surgeons are currently trying to make the incision as low as possible (in the pubic area) so that the scar is completely hidden by underwear, in this regard, in order to minimize hair growth through the scar, it is recommended to undergo a course of laser hair removal.
- Sometimes before surgery need to lose weight. This is true for patients with a body mass index above 30. The risks of complications at this weight increase significantly. First of all, due to the fact that excess fat under the skin complicates the operation. In addition, significant weight loss after it will lead to the formation of folds and the need for repeated intervention.
3Different methods and techniques for different cases
There is a classic abdominoplasty and there is a mini-option.
With the latter, the scar is shorter , the appearance of the navel remains unchanged. Among the disadvantages: excess skin above the navel does not go away, and muscle diastasis is not always possible to completely close.
There is also an intermediate option, when there seems to be not much excess skin, but there is also above the navel. In this case, a vertical component with an average length of about 2-3 cm is added.
4 How much does abdominoplasty cost
The cost of this operation is very variable. If the surgeon knows modern techniques (reducing the likelihood of complications), on average, the price of abdominoplasty is around 300 thousand rubles. In most cases, liposuction is used in addition, along with which the average price is 400-500 thousand rubles.
Factors influencing price changes are the ruble exchange rate and sanctions (and related disruptions to supply chains). Plastic surgeons use the best equipment and supplies, and unfortunately, the only domestic ones we have are gauze pads.
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5 Possible complications after abdominoplasty
There is a saying in the medical community: complications do not occur for those doctors who do not operate. It is much more important that in most cases the negative impact of complications can be neutralized, and they will not affect the result, if you remain calm and strictly follow the surgeon’s orders.
In the early postoperative period, the following occur:
- < li>Hematomas. In most cases, they are treated conservatively.
- Necrosis of the edges of the skin or navel. People who actively smoke (due to impaired microcirculation) and people who are very overweight are more susceptible.
- Seroma (accumulation of tissue fluid) – normally occurs in most patients in the early period. It is highly advisable to puncture under ultrasound so that the seroma does not enter the chronic stage.
- Inflammatory processes. There are practically no connections with the use of antibacterial drugs in the postoperative period.
- In the later stages, it is necessary to monitor the formation of the scar, because this process can be corrected.
6 How long does rehabilitation take
In the first month after surgery you need to:
- Wear compression garments.
- Limit physical activity. But light walks, on the contrary, are welcome.
- Take medications.
- Sleep on your back.
A month after the operation, most restrictions are removed, but it is important to understand that the end of rehabilitation – the absence of swelling, the final formation of a scar, the return of sensitivity – can happen in 6-12 months.
7 How long are results saved
A possible result is an improvement in appearance. How bright it is depends on many factors: the patient’s initial data, bad habits, heredity, as well as the tactics and skills of the doctor.
The results of plastic surgery last for many years, but it is important to understand that pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and hormonal imbalances can partially reduce the effect of the operation.
8 How to care for the skin after abdominoplasty
It is important to understand that after the operation the skin will be swollen for several months. The following will help speed up the recovery process: microcurrents, lymphatic drainage or lpg massages. Also, wearing compression garments may cause the skin to peel, in which case you can apply moisturizers.
In the first month, you need to limit physical activity. Next, you can smoothly and gradually return to normal life
9 Useful tips for communicating with a plastic surgeon
- Don't be shy to ask questions. This results in better awareness and understanding of what awaits the patient.
- Always come for a face-to-face consultation: they will answer all your questions in more detail and suggest the best technique.
- It is important to realize what exactly you need an operation is needed, and not because a husband, brother, etc. said so.
- If in some place the price is significantly lower than the market price, think about how the clinic can save money.
- Look for a doctor with whom you feel comfortable and whom you trust. After the operation, you will need to have many more contacts, do not turn this into torture.
- Tell the doctor the truth, especially about the state of your health.
- Be patient: rehabilitation — slow process.