Abdominoplasty operations vary in scope and are frequently subdivided into categories. Depending on the extent of the surgery, a complete abdominoplasty can take 1 to 5 hours. A partial abdminoplasty (Mini-Tuck Abdominoplasty) can be completed between 1 to 2 hours.
Complete Abdominoplasty
A complete (or full) abdominoplasty involves:
1- An incision is made from hip to hip just above the pubic area.
2- Another incision is made to free the navel from the surrounding skin.
3- The skin is detached from the abdominal wall to reveal the muscles and fascia to be tightened. The muscle fascia wall is tightened with sutures.
4- The remaining skin and fat are tightened by removing the excess and closing the defect.
5- The old belly button stalk is brought out through a new hole and sutured into place.
6- Liposuction is often used to refine the transition zones of the abdominal sculpture.
7- A dressing and sometime a compression garment are applied and any excess fluid from the site is drained. Video
After Surgery
Depends on the problem to be treated, surgical technique(s), and other factors. Can take one to four weeks and patients are advised to take at least a portion of this recovery time off from work.
Heavy activity especially is best avoided during this time.
Initially there may be bruising and discomfort.
A supportive abdominal binder or compression garment can minimize swelling / bruising, and support the repaired tissues.
Patients are advised to avoid all forms of nicotine for a month or longer prior to surgery and also during the recovery period.
Full recovery takes 3 - 6 months, with further fading of scars thereafter.
