Real Abdominoplasty as part of Plastic Surgery.

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck" or "tummy tuck removing" is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. Abdominoplasty can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.

If you're considering abdominoplasty, this page will give you a basic understanding of the procedure: when abdominoplasty can help you, how abdominoplasty is performed, and what results you can expect from abdominoplasty surgery. This information page can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient and the surgeon. Please ask us about anything you don't understand by filling out the form on our Contact page or use our e-mail address.

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. The abdominoplasty surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved by abdominoplasty.

Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the abdominoplasty surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during abdominoplasty can separate again during pregnancy. If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery, your doctor may recommend against abdominoplasty or may caution you that scars could be unusually prominent.

Abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health, determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region, and carefully assess your skin tone. Be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke, and if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs. Please be frank in discussing your expectations with your surgeon.

If, for example, your fat deposits are limited to the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty, also know as a mini- tummy tuck, which can often be performed on an outpatient basis. You may, on the other hand, benefit more from partial or complete abdominoplasty done in conjunction with liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips, for a better body contour. Or maybe liposuction alone would create the best result.

In any case, your surgeon should work with you to recommend the procedure that is right for you and will come closest to producing the desired body contour.

During the consultation, your surgeon should also explain the anesthesia that will be use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved. In most cases, health insurance policies do not cover the cost of abdominoplasty, but you should check your policy to be sure.

Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required.

Most commonly, the surgeon will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved, although it may be pulled into an unnatural shape as the skin is tightened and stitched.

Next, the surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and lifts a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.

The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.

In partial abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place.

For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days.

Exercise will help you heal better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.

Abdominoplasty produces excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. And in most cases, the results of abdominoplasty are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

Abdominoplasty price displayed are an approximate guide only. Please remember that each person is different and therefore each treatment slightly differs.

Abdominoplasty price in Plastiv Surgery Clinic:

Consultation	50 EUR
Diagnostic before operation	200 EUR
Full body anaesthesia / 2 hours	2x 240 EUR
Abdominoplasty - surgery	1600 .. 1920 EUR
Elastic body-cloth	2 x 50 EUR

After surgery patient stay 3 days in clinic:

Stay in clinic	3 x 70 EUR
Physiotherapy	40 EUR
Medicine	70 EUR

Please ask us about anything you don't understand by filling out the form on our Contact page or use our e-mail address for questions about abdominoplasty.