Abdominoplasty in the rescue of self-esteem

Abdominoplasty, a plastic surgery performed on the abdomen, is among the top five most performed in the world, according to a survey by the Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. Here in Brazil, it is highly sought after by women after pregnancy.

Indicated when there is an excess of skin and fat in this region, abdominoplasty is much more than just stretching the belly; the surgery can be performed concomitantly with corrections of abdominal wall hernias and the treatment of rectus abdominis diastasis, very common situations after pregnancy.

It is also indicated when excess skin and fat form an apron, which can cover the genitalia. This can be common after bariatric surgery or in patients with significant weight loss, being an alternative to rebuild the patient's quality of life and self-esteem.

There are several approaches to treat excess skin on the abdomen, with the most common options being the following:

 

Classic Abdominoplasty

It is the most common surgical option to treat excess skin and fat below the navel. The scar can be made in the same position as the C-section scar, but with a much greater extension, however, it is ideal for it to be adjusted to be hidden in a bikini.

Anchor Abdominoplasty

Surgical option for patients who have experienced significant weight loss, whether due to diet or bariatric surgery. It results in a vertical and horizontal scar, in the shape of an anchor.

Mini Abdominoplasty

Mini abdominoplasty differs from classic abdominoplasty mainly by the amount of skin and fat removed, the preservation of the umbilical scar on the skin (i.e., scarless) and its repositioning slightly below the original position. The result is a horizontal scar slightly smaller than in classic abdominoplasty. However, there is detachment of the entire abdomen with the treatment of rectus abdominis diastasis and correction of any hernias. When performed completely, it is a difficult and laborious surgery. There are simplified variations of this technique where diastasis correction above the navel is not performed, or simply only a small excess of skin is removed. Few patients are candidates for this surgery, usually slender women with a high umbilical implant and with excess skin and fat only below the navel.

Lipoabdominoplasty

It is the combination of liposuction in the abdomen and abdominoplasty. It is different from combining body liposuction and abdominoplasty.

 

*Dr. Fernando Amato is a plastic surgeon, full member of the Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica, member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).