G. Tsakonis
Morphe
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Morphe
Abdominoplasty – What is it?
Abdominoplasty is a procedure aimed at men and women with aesthetic problems in the abdominal area. Certainly, a flat stomach gives a beautiful body contour and enhances our overall appearance aesthetically. Moreover, reshaping the abdominal area will incredibly improve the way clothes fit on you and will fill you with confidence. Abdominoplasty is a surgical process aimed at removing excess fat and skin or restoring weakened muscles. It is the ideal solution for addressing localized accumulated fat that cannot be tackled with exercise or diet. It is important to mention that weight fluctuations and pregnancy are two of the main factors contributing to abdominal sagging and the need for abdominoplasty. It should not be confused with liposuction, which is the process of removing excess fat. However, of course, liposuction can be part of abdominoplasty.
Abdominoplasty before and after
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Abdominoplasty for aesthetic as well as health reasons
Several times after pregnancy, the abdominal muscles may relax and cause some deformation. This issue is not solely due to the above fat or the relaxation but also to the weakening of the muscles. With abdominoplasty, we can now provide a solution to this problem. Another common case is the removal of fat in men, in the lower part of the abdomen. With the procedure, we achieve a smooth contour in the area and can accentuate the abdominal muscles. An additional reason for someone to consider the option of abdominoplasty is that the accumulated fat in the abdominal area is associated with health problems such as type 2 diabetes and heart diseases. With the method of abdominoplasty, the excess fat from the abdominal area is removed and significantly helps in improving our health. Finally, we must emphasize that abdominoplasty is not a weight loss method, but a procedure in which we reshape the abdominal area.
Abdominal Surgery Procedure
The plastic surgeon designs the incisions on your body before the surgery. The incision is made in the abdominal area and extends out to the sides, but in such a way that it can be covered by underwear. Next, the abdominal wall is lifted towards the lower ribcage. Then, the vertical abdominal muscles are stitched together to correct their sagging and enhance the strength of the abdominal walls. The excess fat and skin are removed, and the incisions are sewn up with a combination of absorbable and non-absorbable sutures. Before closing the incisions, we can also perform liposuction on the sides of the abdomen to achieve an even better result. The tummy tuck procedure is done under general anesthesia, and it is recommended that you return to your work after about a week.
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Mini Abdominoplasty?
The mini abdominoplasty involves smaller incisions and is performed on individuals with a smaller problem in the area. In this technique, the belly button is not moved. In the mini abdominoplasty, a section of fat and skin is removed from the lower part of the abdomen. This piece can in some cases reach up to 10-15 centimeters. The procedure leaves a small scar that resembles the horizontal incision of a cesarean section. In the mini abdominoplasty, the belly button remains attached to the skin of the abdomen and drops about 2 centimeters down. Naturally, this movement is not noticeable to the eye. Additionally, to maintain the shape of the belly button, it is secured with internal stitches to the muscular wall. This type of surgery is usually accompanied by liposuction, and there may also be tightening of the muscular wall. Finally, the mini abdominoplasty lasts 1-2 hours.
Classic Abdominoplasty
This type of intervention is performed when there is significant laxity in the skin and the muscle wall. In a classic abdominoplasty, an incision is made that is slightly longer than that of a mini abdominoplasty. The incision is made along the bikini line above the pubic hair. The length of the incision directly depends on the amount of excess skin. Next, the fat and skin between the navel and the pubic area are removed. Additionally, an incision is made around the navel to free it from the surrounding tissues. In our clinic, we use a special technique to ensure that the incision around the navel is not visible. In cases of excessive fat in the pubic area, we can proceed with liposuction, a method commonly used in these situations. In the abdominal muscles, a folding of the transverse abdominal muscles is performed at the sides, and approximation of the rectus muscles is done at the midline. This way, we create a flat muscle wall. The navel remains in its place, attached to the muscle wall of the abdomen. Furthermore, in cases of umbilical hernia, the problem is corrected simultaneously, without making additional incisions.
What to expect from an abdominoplasty surgery?
The tummy tuck is performed in a hospital using general anesthesia. During the procedure, the plastic surgeon will make incisions that have an elliptical shape to remove a piece of fat and skin. Next, the connective tissue over the abdominal muscles is tightened with special stitches. The type of procedure and the amount of excess skin and fat determine the size and exact shape of the incision. The incision made above the pubic area leaves a scar that is not particularly noticeable since it is located in the natural fold of the body. After the tummy tuck procedure, the incision and the navel are covered with a bandage. Sometimes, small tubes may be placed for draining blood or fluid, which may remain for a few days after the surgery. During this period, you will need to continue taking some antibiotics. You should also try to walk from the first day to prevent the formation of clots. There will be swelling in the area, and you will likely be prescribed some type of pain reliever. After the procedure, you will also need to wear a special bandage around the area, which provides the necessary support to the abdominal area. Finally, for about 6 weeks, you should be careful with your movements so that the incision does not stretch.
Maintaining the Results
The results of a tummy tuck are intended to last for many years after the procedure. The abdominal muscles will be toned, and you will have rid yourself of excess skin. However, any future pregnancies or weight gain can negatively affect the results of the surgery. Thus, they may cause sagging in the area and stretching of the muscles after you return to your normal weight. As mentioned earlier, it is better to wait if you plan to have children or if you are still aiming to lose a significant amount of weight. A tummy tuck performed by a qualified plastic surgeon is certainly one of the procedures that can change your quality of life. It gives you a youthful waist, a definitely more youthful body, and makes you feel better.
Frequently Asked Questions about Abdominoplasty – FAQ
Abdominoplasty is a procedure that gives us a well-shaped and flat belly by removing excess skin and fat. The most common questions that concern those interested are the following.
Who can undergo abdominoplasty?
Abdominal plastic surgery can be performed on women who have muscle laxity in the abdominal area after pregnancy. Individuals who have issues with abdominal laxity after significant weight fluctuations. Men and women who cannot lose local fat even after strict dieting and exercise.
What is the difference between abdominoplasty and liposuction?
In liposuction, we only remove excess fat, while in abdominoplasty, we also remove excess skin.
Are there other cases in which I can have a tummy tuck?
Yes. Abdominoplasty can be performed in cases of loose skin on the abdomen. When there are stretch marks at the level of the navel and in the case of scars from some surgical procedure on the lower abdomen.
Can I combine the tummy tuck with other procedures?
Of course! Abdominoplasty can be combined with liposuction, as well as with breast procedures, such as augmentation or reduction.
What should I pay attention to before a tummy tuck?
It would be good to stop smoking for a certain period before the surgery. The reason is that it increases the potential risk for complications and delays the healing of the incision. This includes all forms of nicotine intake, such as e-cigarettes, patches, snus, and gums. Ideally, they should be discontinued for about one month before to three weeks after the surgery. Of course, the longer you do not smoke, the better. It is ideal for your body to be strong, which includes a proper and balanced diet. The doctor will likely give you some instructions regarding which medications and dietary supplements you should not take before the surgery. Aspirin, steroids, and some types of amino acids are among the substances that thin the blood. Therefore, if you are taking any of these, you should inform your doctor. After the surgery, you will need comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and take off. Finally, before the surgery, your clinical picture should be examined, and a thorough discussion about all the details should take place. Then, after discussing with the plastic surgeon and deciding to proceed with the abdominoplasty, you will need to undergo all the necessary preoperative tests such as:
- Complete blood count and urinalysis
- Blood sugar test
- Electrocardiogram
- Urea and creatinine test
- Chest X-ray
- Blood coagulation test
- In rare cases, a CT scan of the abdomen may be requested
What kind of anesthesia is needed?
The tummy tuck procedure is performed under general anesthesia and requires you to stay in the hospital for one or, in some cases, two nights.
When can I return to my daily activities?
After the tummy tuck, the stitches are removed in about 2 weeks. You should wear the special band for about 30 days, while you can return to your activities after about 7 days. The pain is relatively mild and can be managed with simple painkillers. For about a month and a half, you should not lift weights or exercise.
How long will it take to see the final result?
After the abdominoplasty, the swelling begins to subside after about 10 days. After the first month, the results become visible, but of course, the scars will take their final form after about a year. To achieve the best possible result, you must strictly follow the instructions given to you by the plastic surgeon.
When should I avoid a tummy tuck?
If you plan to have children, it would be wise to postpone the tummy tuck until after childbirth. A pregnancy can separate the abdominal muscles, which are tightened during the tummy tuck procedure. Another reason to postpone it is if you intend to lose a significant amount of weight. It would be best to wait until your weight stabilizes.
Are there complications and possible side effects from the abdominoplasty procedure?
After the procedure, it is natural to experience some swelling, and the plastic surgeon will prescribe you some pain relief medication. This pain lasts for a few weeks, and there may likely be bruising and numbness in the area. As with all surgeries, there are rare but possible risks. The risk is increased, usually when patients have diabetes, lung disease, poor blood circulation, heart problems, etc. More specifically, the complications may include:
- Scarring
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Fluid accumulation
- Poor wound healing
- Clots
- Numbness
- Fat necrosis
- Asymmetry
Abdominoplasty – Prices
When it comes to proceeding with a tummy tuck procedure, perhaps the most important thing is the choice of plastic surgeon who will take care of you. This surgery requires specialization and extensive experience to ensure a successful and above all safe outcome. When the time comes to make a choice, be sure that you have spoken privately with the plastic surgeon and have seen results from previous cases he has handled in the past. The tummy tuck is an aesthetic surgical procedure, for which the cost is determined following a personal evaluation by Dr. Georgios Tsakoni. The plastic surgery clinic is located in the heart of Peristeri, in a space designed with respect for you. The surgeries are performed in a state-of-the-art clinic, with the most modern equipment. This way, we can ensure the best results and maximum safety for you. We invite you to get to know us in person and are at your disposal for any questions you may have.