The purpose of abdominoplasty is to restore a flat, even abdomen and correct markedly excess skin, caused by a significant weight loss or pregnancy. Surgery can also include a suture of separated abdominal muscles. To ensure a superior result and remove extra fat, the procedure can be combined with liposuction to the patient’s abdomen and hips. Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and takes approximately 1.5–3 hours. The patient must consult the physician and undergo a prior pre-operative examination.
During an abdominoplasty, the surgeon either makes a horizontal, or an inverted T incision. In both cases, the patient’s belly button is moved. The type of suitable incision is determined by the physician when in personal consultation with the patient.
If excess skin is only located in the lower abdomen, a so-called mini abdominoplasty may be performed where the belly button stays in place and the incision is only made along the line of the patient’s pubic hair, similarly to a C-section. The surgeon then removes the excess skin, and if necessary, stitches the separated abdominal muscles. Finally, they close the wound with dissolving stitches.
