Abdominoplasty

Why is it performed?

 

An abdominoplasty is performed in patients who wish to improve the appearance of their abdomen. Age, fluctuations in weight, pregnancy, and genetics can all lead to abdominal laxity. Despite diet and exercise, many patients have difficulty achieving a toned appearance. An abdominoplasty procedure restores the abdominal tone and enhances the contour of the abdomen, flanks, and waistline.

 

Types of Abdominoplasty: 

 

Several types of abdominoplasty procedures exist and can be combined with adjunctive procedures as needed. Dr. Diaconu can help design the best treatment plan for you based on your individual aesthetic goals and physical characteristics. 

 

Mini-abdominoplasty:
 

• Short incision

• Removes skin and fat bellow the belly button only

• Usually, patients are overall fit but despite exercise and diet they are unable to achieve a fit abdominal physique 

 

Extended-Abdominoplasty:
 

• Longer incision that extends to flanks 

• Can improve waistline in patients with significant excess skin and fat in the flanks that would not be fully addressed with liposuction alone

 

Lipoabdominoplasty:
 

• Aggressive liposuction of the abdominal wall

• Helpful in patients with a thick abdominal wall 

 

Fleur-de-lis Abdominoplasty:
 

• Horizontal and vertical incisions are made

• Often used in setting of massive weight loss or in patients with excess skin in both vertical and horizontal dimensions

 

 

Body-Lift (Belt Lipectomy):
 

• Extends the standard abdominoplasty incision circumferentially around the back such that excess skin and fat is removed in this area as well

• Provides optimal aesthetic results in patients with excess skin and fat of the love handles and lower back in addition to the front of the abdomen

 

How to prepare:
 

• Stable weight, best results if you are at or near your ideal weight

• Smoking cessation

• Avoid any blood thinning medications

 

What to expect: 
 

• Most patients go home the same day of surgery

• Walking is encouraged to minimize the risks of blood clots

• You will have a compression garment after surgery to be worn for 4 to 6 weeks to assist with swelling

• You will have two drains which are usually removed by two weeks

• For the first week, we will ask you to lean forward at the waist when standing and maintain a “beach chair” position when laying down to protect your incision and allow your tissues to adapt to their new position

• Most patients return to work after two weeks

• You will have to be on light activity for at least 6 weeks with gradual return to regular activity at that time

• Dr. Diaconu will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions and will meet with you regularly throughout your entire recovery