There are a number of abdominoplasty procedures available, and operations can be tailored to suit a patient’s wishes. The ideal patient is someone whose weight is normal (BMI less than 28), particularly those who have been overweight and have lost the excess weight. Abdominoplasty is not an operation for people who are overweight, or as an attempt at losing weight. In appropriate patients abdominoplasty can be associated with high patient satisfaction. 

What is an Abdominoplasty?

This is a procedure where excess skin and fat is removed. The shape and contour of the abdomen is improved and the rectus muscles are tightened.

What are the different types of Abdominoplasty ?

Full Abdominoplasty - The patient is left with a long, usually curved scar across the lower part of the abdominal wall at the level of the pubic hair that can extend from hip to hip. There is also a circular scar around the umbilicus. Any looseness of the muscles of the abdominal wall or hernia is repaired at the same time. Patients who are thinking about becoming pregnant should not undergo this procedure, and should wait until they are sure they are not having any more children

Mini-abdominoplasty - excess skin below the umbilicus is removed leaving a low abdominal scar at the level of the pubic hair.

Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty - This involves an inverted T shaped incision, excess skin is removed vertically to address the horizontal excess of abdominal tissue.

Liposuction - Liposuction can sometimes be done at the same time as the abdominoplasty. However, liposuction can be recommended instead of an abdominoplasty for younger patients who have good quality, elastic skin and whose main problem is a localised excess of fat.

Panniculectomy - This is a functional operation where excess tissue removed for a functional rather than aesthetic benefit. In some cases it is not possible to reconstruct the umbilicus. This procedure can be funded on the NHS if funding is approved.

Do I need a muscle repair?

After pregnancy the muscles of the abdomen(rectus muscles) can become weaker and separate. This is called a rectus divarification and can be repaired at the time of an abdominoplasty.

What is the postoperative course?

Patients tend to go home on day 1 and are encouraged to mobilise early to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis. Abdominal Drains are removed when they start draining less than 30ml of serous fluid. In some patients Drains are not used and this can reduce discomfort. Wound check is performed 5-7 days after the procedure in the Plastic Surgery dressing clinic. Tight fitting pants or a corset is useful in the postoperative course to reduce swelling. One would expect the wounds to be healed by 2-3 weeks and it is important to perform scar massage at this point.

What are the risks?

Infection

Wound breakdown (Higher risk if BMI>28 and smokers)

Scar

Poor Scarring (Keloid, Hypertrophic scarring)

Displacement of Umbilicus

Skin necrosis

Numbness over lower part of abdomen (can be permanent

DVT and pulmonary embolism (rare complications)

Procedure Summary

Abdominoplasty

Anaesthetic : General Anaesthetic

Operative time : 3 hours

Hospital Stay : 1-3 days

Time off work : 2-3 weeks

Recovery Time : 4-6 weeks