Question 1

What does abdominoplasty consist of?

Accepted Answer

Abdominoplasty consists of the removal of excess skin and abdominal fat, while correcting weaknesses in the abdominal wall such as diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, it lasts from 2 to 3 hours and it is necessary to stay between 1 and 2 nights hospitalized.
An incision is made over the pubis and between both hips and another incision around the navel. The skin of the abdomen is lifted from the muscle wall up to the ribs, separating the navel from the adjacent tissues. If there is diastasis recti or herniation, they are corrected. Excess skin and fat are removed and the navel is placed in its new position.
A drain is inserted to collect the secretions (seroma) and sutures are made. Finally, the bandage is made and an abdominal girdle is placed.

Question 2

Who is a candidate for abdominoplasty?

Question 3

What is rectus abdominis muscle diastasis?

Accepted Answer

After pregnancy or after significant weight loss, the abdominal wall can become overstretched or stretched by the rectus abdominis muscles and their fasciae. This area of weakness in the central abdominal area is called abdominal diastasis.
 
The rectus abdominis plication corrects this weakness and can be performed together with the abdominoplasty. Through the plication, an abdominal corset is recreated that restores the contour of the belly and recovers the integrity of the abdominal wall.

Question 4

And after surgery?

Accepted Answer

Once home, you should wear an abdominal binder throughout the day and avoid abdominal strain. You will be able to walk from the first day and you will wear drains that will be removed 3 - 5 days after the intervention. During the first weeks you will notice swelling / edema in the abdomen and lack or decrease in skin sensitivity.

Abdominoplasty

Before & After