The procedure of abdominoplasty serves to address laxity of the abdominal muscles and the accumulation of excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen. The commonest reason patients present for this operation is following pregnancy, which can stretch all the components of the abdomen considerably. We are also seeing an increasing number of patients who have undergone successful bariatric (weight loss) surgery who seek this operation (See section on post bariatric surgery).
Professor Deva utilises a low abdominal incision to repair the abdominal muscles and to remove excess skin and fat. Extensive liposuction is used as an adjunct to recontour the abdomen and hips. In some women, with little skin/fat excess, a smaller incision is used to access and tighten the stretched abdominal muscles. This is termed a “mini” abdominoplasty.
Many patients who have undergone this procedure comment that the recovery time is similar to when they had a Caesarian Section (excepting that there is no infant to care for!)
You will be in hospital for around 1-2 days and may well have drainage tubes left in place for a week after surgery. You will also need to wear compression garments for a period of 6 weeks but will be able to return to light activity at the 2-3 weeks following the procedure.