An abdominoplasty is an operation in which the loose skin and fat of the abdominal wall, particularly around the navel, is removed by elevation of the skin and fat, pulling it inferiorly and excising the excess. It is particularly effective in removing stretch marks from the lower abdomen, but it must be understood that not all stretch marks can be eliminated. The navel is reinserted into the skin after the tightening procedure.
Frequently, particularly after childbirth or weight loss, patients present with a weakness of the abdominal wall muscles and fascia; in such cases, the defect between the anterior muscles is repaired before trimming the excess skin and fat.
This procedure is frequently combined with other abdominal surgery; for example, the abdominoplasty may be performed at the same time that your gynecologist performs a hysterectomy or other procedure.
You must accept the judgment of your plastic surgeon and realize that he will remove as much as is safe and suitable to obtain the optimum result in each case. The operation is directed toward an improvement and does not in any way guarantee complete obliteration of all folds and stretch marks.
The type of skin and age of the patient are factors in the overall result to be obtained. The operation should not be undertaken if the patient intends pregnancies in the foreseeable future. While it is not necessary for the patient to reach a certain weight before surgery can be performed, it is desirable that the patient’s weight be stable for at least six months prior to surgery and that the patient be at a weight he/she feels can be maintained after the procedure.
A usual question is, “How long will it last?” This is impossible to state. Factors affecting the length of the result include age at- the time of operation, physical conditioning afterward, type of skin, and alterations in weight. In general, it is not necessary to repeat the procedure to maintain the optimal result.