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Abdominoplasty Post-operative Care
- April 14, 2023
- By Fernando Amato
What is abdominoplasty post-operative care like?
Abdominoplasty: what you need to know about the surgery and post-operative care
Let's talk about abdominoplasty, a plastic surgery highly sought after by people with excess skin in the abdomen, abdominal hernias, or abdominal diastasis. Dr. Fernando Amato, a plastic surgeon at Instituto Amato, provided us with valuable information about the surgery and its post-operative care.
Who undergoes abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is an option for people with excess skin in the abdomen, usually due to significant weight gain and loss, or after bariatric surgery. The surgery can be purely aesthetic or to treat deformities and complications, such as dermatitis in skin folds, hernias, and diastasis.
What is the surgery like?
There are several abdominoplasty techniques, but the most classic involves a transverse scar in the lower abdomen, similar to a C-section scar, but more extensive. During the surgery, the doctor removes excess skin, treats the musculature, and sometimes performs associated liposuction.
Post-operative care:
In the post-operative period, it is common for patients to have questions about pain, sleeping position, and corset use. Dr. Amato recommends that patients walk slightly bent over, avoiding bending the spine to prevent postural pain. To sleep, the patient should have the bed elevated to 30 degrees and legs bent, or if lying on their side, in a fetal position. The corset should be worn, but not too tight, to ensure comfort and effectiveness.
Drains, scars, and lymphatic drainage:
The use of drains in the post-operative period varies according to the surgical technique and the patient. The abdominoplasty scar can vary depending on the excess skin and the technique used. To prevent poor scarring, it is possible to use silicone sheets, ointments, and other scar treatments. Lymphatic drainage is recommended in the post-operative period, but the direction of drainage should be appropriate, considering the treated area.
Thrombosis prevention and additional care:
To prevent thrombosis, the doctor may recommend the use of medications, such as Enoxaparin. As a preventive measure, doctors may also prescribe antibiotics post-operatively. The patient should avoid driving for the first three weeks after surgery and only resume physical activities after this period, with the exception of light walks, which are allowed from the beginning of recovery.
Post-operative diet:
Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is essential during the recovery period. Avoid excesses and consume nutritious and light foods to aid the healing process.
If you still have questions about abdominoplasty, do not hesitate to contact a trusted plastic surgeon or leave your questions in the comments below. Remember that each case is unique, and the information provided in this article is general. Only a qualified professional can provide specific and appropriate guidance for your case.
When considering an abdominoplasty, it is important to research and choose a certified and experienced plastic surgeon who can answer all your questions and help you make the best decision for your well-being and aesthetic satisfaction.
We hope this article has been useful and informative. Stay tuned for our publications for more tips and information about health, beauty, and well-being. Don't forget to like and share this article on your social media so that others can also benefit from this information.
What is abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is a plastic surgery performed to remove excess skin and fat in the abdomen, as well as to correct the diastasis of the abdominal muscles, providing a firmer and more toned contour.
Who is a good candidate for abdominoplasty?
Individuals with excess skin and fat in the abdomen, diastasis of the abdominal muscles, and/or abdominal hernias are potential candidates. In addition, patients who have lost a lot of weight, such as after bariatric surgery, may also benefit from abdominoplasty.
What are the risks associated with abdominoplasty?
Some risks include infection, bleeding, poor scarring, seroma, deep vein thrombosis, and anesthetic complications. However, working with an experienced plastic surgeon can minimize these risks.
How long does recovery take after abdominoplasty?
Recovery varies from patient to patient, but generally takes 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, it is necessary to avoid intense physical activities and follow the doctor's recommendations.
Does abdominoplasty remove stretch marks?
Abdominoplasty can remove stretch marks located in the area of skin removed during surgery, usually below the navel. However, stretch marks located in other areas of the abdomen will not be affected.
Is abdominoplasty a weight loss solution?
No. Abdominoplasty is a body contouring procedure and is not a solution for significant weight loss. Patients should be close to their ideal weight before considering surgery.
Can abdominoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes, it is possible to combine abdominoplasty with other procedures, such as liposuction, mammoplasty, and/or mastopexy. This combination of procedures is commonly called a “mommy makeover”.
Can pregnancy after abdominoplasty affect the results?
Pregnancy after abdominoplasty can alter the results of the surgery, such as skin stretching and diastasis of the abdominal muscles. It is recommended that patients complete their family before undergoing surgery.
Does abdominoplasty leave visible scars?
Yes, abdominoplasty leaves a horizontal scar in the lower abdomen, usually hidden by underwear or a bikini. The scar can vary in size and location, depending on the amount of skin removed and the technique used.
How much does an abdominoplasty cost?
The cost of abdominoplasty varies according to location, surgeon's experience, and complexity
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