Abdominoplasty
Sagging tummy is often observed in overweight elders, individuals with histories of giving birth, and people with histories of major weight loss. In most cases, the tummy skin will sag noticeably, and sometimes comes together with excess tummy fat. It is important to note that the solution to sagging tummy will be different from the solution to correct lipodystrophy.
For sagging tummy, the approach is to remove excess tummy and fat skin, and may consider Liposuction. On the other hand, lipodystrophy only involves excess tummy fat and not sagging tummy skin or muscle, and will only require liposuction.
After the operation, the recovery period will take 3-6 months for the tissue and skin to reposition. Moreover, the patients must control their weights and regularly exercise to prevent from the issues returning.
Recommended for:
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Individuals with sagging tummy skin with/out excess tummy fat.
Operation details:
After applying anesthesia, the surgeon will cut open along the drawn outline, remove excess tummy skin and fat, relocate the umbilicus, fasten the tummy muscle, stop the bleeding, insert drain, and close the wound. The cut will appear as a long cut above the pubis. In some cases, individuals may consider liposuction to address the excess fat around the upper abdomen and waist.
Post-operational treatments:
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Clean the area daily, avoid contact with water until suture removal date.
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Drain to be left in place for 1-2 days after the operation.
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Wear elastic waist band for 2 months after the operation.
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During the 3-day stay at the hospital, the patient must lay down on his/her back with bent hip to relieve the tension around the surgical cut area. After 3 days, the patient can begin to walk in a hunchback position, and can walk normally after 14 days.
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Remove the suture on Day 14, after which the wound can be in contact with water.
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The tummy will gradually take position within 3-6 months.
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The scr may be visible during the first 3 months, and then will become less noticeable within 1 year.
Possible side-effects:
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Lymphatic accumulation under the surgical wound may appear after the operation for a few weeks. For minor cases, the surgeon will treat as deemed appropriate, but for excessive cases, the surgeon may consider draining out.
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The surgical wound is split and/or infected: This may be observed in overweight patients, and may require a re-operation to close the wound.
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Scar and hypertrophic scar: This can be corrected by injecting steroid into the scar area.
How long will the change last?
The change will last about 5-10 years, depending on the individuals’ lifestyles and skin types.