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About the procedure Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty - 1

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Disclaimer:

The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors, including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise. Some images may have the patient’s tattoos, jewellery or other identifiable items blurred to protect patient identities.

What is an Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal area while also tightening the underlying muscles. This procedure may be suitable for patients who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or changes in skin elasticity over time, which can lead to excess tissue in the abdominal region. Abdominoplasty is performed to address these concerns by repositioning the remaining tissue and adjusting the abdominal muscles.

The procedure typically involves a horizontal incision made just above the pubic area, allowing for the removal of excess skin and tightening of the muscles. In some cases, liposuction may be performed alongside abdominoplasty to address additional fat deposits. It is important to note that this procedure is not intended for weight loss but may be considered by patients who have reached a stable weight and want to address changes in the abdominal area that have not responded to lifestyle measures. A consultation is necessary to assess suitability and determine the most appropriate surgical approach.

Our Philosophy on Abdominoplasty

At Dr Eddie Cheng’s clinic, abdominoplasty is approached with a focus on patient safety and individualised surgical planning. Each patient has unique concerns, and the decision to undergo this procedure is a personal one. The approach involves making adjustments to the abdominal area based on the patient’s anatomy, which may include removing excess skin, tightening muscles, or addressing localised fat deposits. The procedure is performed to reshape the abdominal area while maintaining proportion with the rest of the body.

Clear communication and a comprehensive preoperative assessment are essential to ensuring patients are well-informed about the procedure, recovery process, and potential risks. During the consultation, medical history, surgical options, and expected changes are discussed in detail to determine the most suitable approach for each patient. Providing transparent information and a structured surgical plan allows patients to make informed decisions while setting realistic expectations about the potential changes that can be achieved.

Different Methods of Performing Abdominoplasty

Full Abdominoplasty

A full abdominoplasty may be suitable for patients with excess skin and fat in both the upper and lower abdominal areas. This method involves making a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen, typically from hip to hip, allowing for the removal of excess skin, tightening of the abdominal muscles, and repositioning of the remaining tissue. In some cases, the procedure may also involve adjusting the position of the belly button to align with the reshaped abdomen.

This approach may be suitable for patients who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or changes in skin elasticity over time. A full abdominoplasty may also be combined with liposuction in certain areas to address localised fat deposits. This method provides a comprehensive approach to reshaping the abdomen and can be suitable for patients with more extensive concerns in both the upper and lower abdominal regions.

Mini Abdominoplasty

A mini abdominoplasty is a surgical option for patients with mild to moderate excess skin and muscle laxity in the lower abdominal area. This procedure involves a shorter incision, typically located just above the pubic area, and focuses on removing excess skin and tightening the lower abdominal muscles. Unlike a full abdominoplasty, this method does not involve repositioning the belly button or addressing concerns in the upper abdomen.

This approach may be considered by patients with localised skin laxity or minor muscle separation, often following small to moderate weight changes or pregnancy. While a mini abdominoplasty addresses specific concerns in the lower abdomen, it is not suitable for individuals with more extensive skin laxity or muscle separation affecting the entire abdominal area.

Reasons Patients Choose to Have an Abdominoplasty Procedure

Patients may consider abdominoplasty for various reasons, often related to changes in the abdominal area following pregnancy, significant weight loss, or ageing. One common reason is the presence of excess skin and stretched abdominal muscles after pregnancy, particularly in cases where the abdominal muscles and skin do not return to their previous state. This can result in excess skin and changes to the shape of the abdomen. Abdominoplasty involves tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin to reshape the area.

Significant weight loss is another reason some patients consider this procedure. After losing a large amount of weight, excess skin may remain, which cannot be addressed through lifestyle measures alone. Abdominoplasty is performed to remove this excess skin and adjust the abdominal contours. In some cases, the procedure may also be used to address weakened abdominal muscles that have changed due to pregnancy or fluctuations in weight. A consultation is necessary to assess whether this procedure is suitable based on the patient’s anatomy and individual circumstances.

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Disclaimer: The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors, including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise. Some images may have the patient’s tattoos, jewellery or other identifiable items blurred to protect patient identities.

Aftercare and Recovery

Following an abdominoplasty, patients can expect swelling, bruising, and some discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. A compression garment or abdominal binder is usually recommended for several weeks to support the healing tissues and help reduce swelling. The recovery timeline varies based on factors such as the extent of the procedure, the patient’s overall health, and individual healing response. While many patients can resume light activities within two weeks, more strenuous activities, including exercise and heavy lifting, are generally restricted for at least four to six weeks.

Regular follow-up appointments are important for monitoring healing progress, addressing any concerns, and ensuring that incision sites are healing as expected. Factors such as skin elasticity, pre-existing medical conditions, and adherence to post-operative care instructions can influence the recovery process. While initial healing occurs within the first few weeks, full recovery can take several months as swelling continues to subside and the abdominal area adjusts. Patients are encouraged to follow all aftercare guidelines carefully to support healing and minimise the risk of complications.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, abdominoplasty carries potential risks and complications. These can include:

  • Infection at the incision site
  • Bleeding or haematoma (blood collection under the skin)
  • Scarring, which varies based on the incision technique used
  • Changes in skin sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)
  • Numbness or discomfort in the abdominal area
  • Poor wound healing or delayed recovery
  • Asymmetry or unevenness in the final result
  • Risk of complications related to anaesthesia
  • Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Need for revision surgery

 
Understanding these risks is an important part of the decision-making process. A thorough consultation with Dr Eddie Cheng provides an opportunity to discuss these potential risks in detail and assess individual factors that may influence recovery. Careful surgical planning, adherence to post-operative instructions, and regular follow-up appointments can help manage these risks and support the healing process.

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