What anaesthesia is used?
We normally use a general anaesthesia, due to the fact that the patient must be completely relaxed in order that the surgeon could perform the suture of the rectus abdominis muscle. In some cases, we also perform the procedure with epidural anaesthesia and sedation. Any decision about adopting the anaesthesia is made together with the patient and anaesthetist.
Can abdominal stretch marks be removed?
Yes: Provided they are located below the navel, they will disappear since this portion of skin is removed.
Is the scar very visible?
The abdominal scar tends to be long and located in the upper area of the pubis, which is hidden with underwear or a bikini. It can be concealed with manual pressure treatment, while sheets of silicone can be used to conceal the scar and, over time, can cause the scar to disappear.
What happens to the navel?
The navel is still that of the patient, the only difference being that it moves due to slippage of the abdominal skin. The result is always an improvement in its shape, size and appearance.
Can liposuction and abdominoplasty be combined?
Yes, this combination is the latest technique that we perform in the clinic, and is called lipoabdominoplasty. It produces the best results, removing all fat on the hip and on the waist while at the same time fully stretching the abdomen, resulting in a more svelte figure.
How long after an abdominoplasty can I sunbathe?
You can sunbathe once the swelling has subsided, which takes about a month. The scar must be protected from exposure to the sun, either with full protection cream, silicone foil or an appropriate bathing suit.
Is abdominoplasty a treatment for obesity?
No. Abdominoplasty is a body remodelling treatment that only serves to smooth out a belly that has bloated after pregnancies or to reduce fat in the abdominal region, but it is not a treatment for obesity. To treat obesity, there are other treatments that aim to combine better nutrition and more physical exercise.
If I have a hernia, can I have an abdominoplasty?
Yes: umbilical or abdominal hernias are common after several pregnancies. For this type of problem both for the hernia and to correct the abdomen after a pregnancy, it is a very good idea to have an abdominoplasty and correct the hernia at the same time.
Can exercise repair abdominal diastasis resulting from pregnancy and, therefore, eliminate the need for surgery?
No. Unfortunately, abdominal distension after pregnancy cannot be corrected with physical exercise: the muscles are separated in the midline of the abdomen and must be fixed, repaired and sutured on the midline. This can only be done with an abdominoplasty.
How long after the procedure can I do sport or physical activity?
The abdominal muscle usually recovers its strength over a period of one month. We recommend that you resume sport or physical activity after this period.