ABDOMINOPLASTY

Indicated for patients with excess abdominal skin or laxity, often accompanied by muscular weakness — a consequence of pregnancies and weight gain or loss.

This procedure consists of removing excess abdominal skin and performing a plication, repair, or reconstruction of the weakened abdominal muscles through a lower abdominal incision, achieving firmness and improved contour.

It can be combined with liposculpture on the flanks and posterior waist to obtain a more harmonious torso.

Although technically described, I do not recommend liposculpture or liposuction on the abdominal flap due to the increased risk of local and systemic complications.

Surgery time: 2 to 3 hours.

Consultation Process

During your consultation I will evaluate the degree of skin excess, muscle laxity, and any associated fat deposits. We will discuss whether a full abdominoplasty, mini-abdominoplasty, or a combination with liposculpture on the flanks is most appropriate for your anatomy. I will explain what surgery can and cannot achieve — abdominoplasty reshapes the abdominal wall but is not a substitute for weight management. For patients who have lost significant weight, I will also evaluate whether you have reached a stable target weight before proceeding.

Surgical Technique

The amount of excess skin, abdominal laxity, and the distribution of stretch marks are fundamental to deciding which technique is most appropriate: full abdominoplasty, mini-abdominoplasty, or lateral tension abdominoplasty. Each has its own indications and technical variations, but all aim to remove the maximum amount of skin while reconstructing the abdominal musculature.

A common question is whether future pregnancies are possible after abdominoplasty. Because the plication of the abdominal muscles could be affected by a growing uterus, I recommend this surgery only for patients who have completed their family planning.

For a comprehensive result, liposculpture on the flanks and posterior waist is frequently combined with abdominoplasty. If the amount of excess fat is considerable, I may recommend staging the procedures to stay within safe surgical time limits.

1 day of hospitalization is generally required.

Step-by-Step Procedure Description

Under general anesthesia, I make a low, horizontal incision between the hip bones — positioned so it will be concealed below underwear or a swimsuit. I lift the abdominal skin and fat to expose the underlying muscle layer. Where the muscles have separated or weakened (diastasis recti), I repair and tighten them with permanent sutures.

Excess skin is then removed and the navel is repositioned through a new opening to maintain a natural appearance. The incision is closed in multiple layers with sutures that minimize tension on the skin. A compression garment is applied immediately.

Pre-Surgical Examinations

A complete blood count, coagulation tests, and creatinine are necessary to evaluate the basic systems.

A cardiopulmonary examination and other specific tests are required in special cases.

Recovery Timeline

Days 1–3: You will be walking slightly bent forward to reduce tension on the incision — this is normal and expected. Hospitalization for 24 hours is standard. Pain is managed with prescribed medications. Compression garment is worn around the clock.

Week 1: Most patients are mobile and comfortable enough for light indoor activities. Avoid any lifting, straining, or bending that engages the abdominal muscles. Swelling and bruising are present.

Weeks 2–3: Swelling is decreasing. Most patients return to desk-based work at this point. The posture normalizes as internal sutures settle. Lymphatic drainage sessions can begin if recommended.

Month 1: The abdominal contour is visible and significantly improved. Continue wearing the compression garment. Avoid strenuous exercise.

Months 2–3 and beyond: Most activities are fully resumed. Scars mature and continue to fade over 12–18 months. The final result is visible as residual swelling resolves.

Post-Operative Care and Recovery

Analgesics and antibiotics as prescribed.

Pharmacological prophylaxis for pulmonary thromboembolism and venous thrombosis.

Post-surgical massage, lymphatic drainage, and external ultrasound can assist recovery — the appropriate time to begin is defined case by case.

Early mobilization is essential — do not remain in absolute rest, as movement reduces post-surgical risks.

10 days of work incapacity is sufficient for most patients. Some may take a little longer depending on individual response to pain and swelling.

Sports activities can resume in 3 to 4 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose weight with abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty removes excess skin and tightens muscles. While some fat may also be removed, it is not a weight-loss procedure. Patients should be at or near their ideal body weight before surgery for the best and most durable result.

Can I combine abdominoplasty with other procedures?

Yes. Liposculpture of the flanks and back is commonly combined with abdominoplasty. However, I avoid combining too many procedures in one session to maintain safety standards and minimize complications.

Will my belly button look natural?

Yes. Repositioning the navel is a key step in the procedure and I take great care to achieve a natural shape and position.

How long before I can exercise again?

Light walking begins within the first week. Moderate exercise — such as cycling or swimming — can typically resume at 6 weeks. Abdominal-loading exercises like crunches take longer and are reintroduced gradually after 2–3 months.

Is abdominoplasty safe if I had a C-section?

Yes. The abdominoplasty incision is typically placed at or below the C-section scar, making it an ideal complement. The prior scar tissue is often removed as part of the procedure.

Why Choose Me?

I have performed abdominoplasty with results that truly transform my patients' body contour. My conservative approach respects anatomy while achieving dramatic changes. I use layered closure techniques that minimize complications and optimize healing outcomes.

Complications

Although uncommon, the following complications should be acknowledged:

1. Bleeding, hematomas, or seromas.
2. Infections.
3. Altered sensitivity in the surgical area.
4. Poor scarring.
5. Skin necrosis.
6. Deep Vein Thrombosis.

The risk of the last two complications is minimized through careful management of surgical time, avoiding combined procedures, using vascular compressors, antithrombotic prophylaxis, and early mobilization.

Smokers face a higher risk of complications. For this reason, I do not perform this procedure on heavy smokers.