Abdominoplasty: What is this tummy tuck?

• The steps to undertake before abdominoplasty.

  Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that requires several preoperative steps. First and foremost, a consultation with the plastic surgeon in charge of the operation is mandatory. This professional will explain in detail the procedure, potential risks, possible complications, and the recommendations to follow during the postoperative period. During this discussion, the patient will also need to provide all relevant medical information, such as their medical history, current medication treatments, any allergies, etc. Subsequently, several tests will be prescribed, such as a blood test, an X-ray, or other specific investigations depending on the case. Once the operation is approved by the surgeon, the patient will need to prepare for the procedure by quitting smoking and alcohol and adopting a balanced diet.

• The process of an abdominoplasty.

  Anaesthesia is administered. It can be local or general, depending on the techniques used by the surgeon. A horizontal incision is made at the bikini line. It can be more or less extensive, depending on the amount of tissue to be excised. In some cases, a second incision at the navel is necessary. The skin is detached from the abdominal wall, providing access to the underlying tissues. The excess skin and fat are removed. Liposuction may be required if there is a significant amount of fat. The muscles are reshaped and tightened through strategically placed sutures. The scar is stitched, dressed and a compress is applied to prevent any potential swelling.

• The postoperative outcomes of abdominoplasty.

  Postoperative monitoring is essential. The surgeon will provide instructions on actions to be taken, such as changing dressings and caring for the scar. Several consultations are also to be anticipated with the aim of allowing the surgeon to track the progress of the healing.

The abdominoplasty aims to enhance the appearance of the abdomen. Post-surgery, it should appear less saggy and droopy. An improvement in body contour should be noticeable. These changes will boost the patient's self-confidence and make them comfortable with their body. A study conducted between 2009 and 2013 assessed the effectiveness of abdominal lift on a sample of nine patients aged between 30 and 70 years. The results revealed a significant reduction in excess abdominal skin tissue in all participants. Only one patient experienced a postoperative complication, namely an infection related to the graft.

Potential complications of abdominoplasty.

The abdominoplasty is an invasive surgical procedure that, in some cases, can be accompanied by discomforts such as bruising, irritations, persistent pain, abnormally slow healing, a poorly reshaped abdomen with a disconcerting shape, or an infection. However, it should be noted that these complications are rather rare. Therefore, it is essential to consult a qualified surgeon and to carry out this procedure under optimal conditions, with strict adherence to hygiene rules.

A review compiling various studies on potential complications in patients who have undergone abdominoplasty reveals that, out of a total of 511 patients, 317 underwent multiple procedures, while 194 had only one operation. The results indicate that the group who underwent multiple procedures reported more complications, with a rate of 52%, compared to 25% for patients who had a single procedure. These data suggest that the number of surgical procedures is a significant factor influencing the risk of complications after abdominoplasty. However, rigorous management, thorough preoperative assessment, and limiting successive procedures, where possible, can help reduce these risks and optimise outcomes for patients.