Synonyms
Abdominoplasty, abdominoplastyThe abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure for the removal and tightening of excess skin including subcutaneous fatty tissue in the abdominal area. It is recommended in cases of extreme excess skin as a result of significant weight loss or pregnancy. Abdominoplasty is also recommended in case of weakening and divergence of the straight abdominal muscles in the context of overstretching.
The weakening and divergence of the muscles leads to a bulging of the abdominal contour. Abdominoplasty is not used to treat obesity. In this case, weight reduction is necessary first. In the case of pronounced deformities, a correction can be made by means of liposuction. The preoperative examination and the correct indication are decisive.
Indications for an abdominoplasty
Excess skin after heavy weight loss Condition after pregnancy(s) Weakening of straight abdominal muscles
- Excess skin after heavy weight loss
- Condition after pregnancy(s)
- Weakening of the straight abdominal muscles
This is how the operation is performed
The abdominoplasty usually takes 2-3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Usually the stay at the clinic lasts 2-3 days. A distinction is made between mini-abdominoplasty, in which mainly the lower abdomen is affected, and abdominoplasty.
There are a variety of techniques. The incision is made according to the extent of the excess skin. Three forms are described: In abdominoplasty, the abdominal skin is detached from the abdominal muscles starting from the crotch, together with the subcutaneous fatty tissue, and released up to the costal arch.
The abdominal wall can thus be pulled down and shortened. The navel is incised and reattached. In contrast to abdominoplasty, however, the navel is seldom detached in mini-abdominoplasty.
If necessary, the abdominal muscles must be tightened and possible fractures (hernias) must be closed. Afterwards, suction drains are inserted after multi-layer suturing of the abdominal wall, in order to drain wound secretions and accumulating tissue fluid and blood to the outside. Then a compression corset is applied.
In the case of a transverse incision, the incision is made parallel to the pubic hairline, so that the scars are as little noticeable as possible. – W-shaped incision
- Anchor shaped cut
- Transverse cut at the upper limit of the pubic hair
Rectus diastasis is the divergence of the straight abdominal muscles. In this process, the central and vertical connective tissue suture, the so-called linea alba, expands.
This causes the left and right straight abdominal muscles to deviate to the side, which leads to a gap in the middle. Rarely does rectus diastasis lead to symptoms. If these and any fractures in the midline of the abdomen occur with complications, rectus diastasis must be surgically corrected.
For this purpose, the diverging abdominal muscles are fixed in their original position by internal sutures. Plastic nets can also be used to stabilize the abdominal wall. The post-operative treatment is the same as for an abdominoplasty (see “Post-operative treatment of an abdominoplasty” above). Sporting activities are prohibited for a period of at least four weeks, as is heavy physical exertion.
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