A firm belly contributes significantly to a slimmer appearance in general as it makes the waist look more clearly defined. Abdominoplasty is especially useful when excess or sagging skin on the abdomen cannot be reduced neither by a healthy diet nor by a targeted fitness programme. Possible reasons may be a pregnancy, advanced age or major weight loss. All in all, aesthetic plastic surgery provides an important method with abdominoplasty to improve the overall body shape and with it one’s self-esteem.
The procedure of abdominoplasty
With the objective to provide the patient with a flat belly, abdominoplasty tightens the sagging abdominal skin and the underlying muscles. At the same time, larger fat deposits can be surgically removed. During the procedure, which typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours, an incision is made just above the pubic hair. To the breastbone, the abdominal skin and the fat layer are detached, an incision is made around the navel, which is inserted again later in the tightened abdominal wall. During a so-called mini abdominoplasty, the skin is detached to just above the navel. A nice side effect: stretch marks and scar tissue (e.g. from a caesarean section) can also be removed in this region.
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia. During the surgery, in addition to the actual procedure, surgical drains are used, through which both blood and wound secretion can drain. They are removed about one to two days after the surgery. Generally, it is recommended to stay in hospital for one to three days. A corset belt is essential for recovery and should be worn the first six weeks after surgery. While the patient may already take a shower after a week, a full bath is not recommended during the first four weeks after surgery.
Abdominoplasty for men
A dynamic appearance with abdominoplasty – when sports and a healthy diet are no longer successful, it is often the solution. After all, by removing excess skin and fat aprons, the surgery also helps men obtain a well-defined upper belly and a more youthful overall appearance.
| Type of intervention | General anaesthesia |
|---|---|
| Duration of the procedure | 1,5 to 3 hours |
| Recovery time | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Hospital stay | 1 to 3 nights |