Changes in the shape, volume and contour of the abdominal region have an important esthetic impact and are very common because in most cases are the result of current events in our life, such as: Normal aging process; Weight gains and losses; Pregnancy, in women. An abdominal region with an undesirable appearance can interfere with self-image and self-esteem and affect the quality of life and well-being, desired nowadays by both men and women. Often, there are social life restrictions imposed by people themselves; Dressing and life habits are modified by the imposition of an unsightly deformity that is difficult to hide. How are esthetic abdominal deformities treated? In the area of plastic surgery, two types of abdominal esthetic surgery interventions may be indicated to correct aesthetic deformities of the abdominal region, performed separately or in combination: Abdominoplasty; Liposuction. However, the need of abdomen plastic surgery requires a careful medical evaluation to determine the specific problems to be treated. Thus, the type of treatment for abdominal esthetic deformities depends on each specific case. It may even happen that abdominoplasty and/or liposuction are not the most appropriate interventions, are contraindicated or should only be performed after weight loss to reduces intra-abdominal fat (fat that is close to the organs), that is not possible remove through these esthetic surgery procedures. Do abdominoplasty and liposuction correct the same problems? Both abdominoplasty and liposuction are surgeries that must be performed always and only in the operating room , preferably in the safety of an hospital environment and always by plastic surgeons ( plastic, reconstructive and esthetic surgery is a medical specialty). However, abdominoplasty and liposuction are not used with same purposes, the corrections they allow are different , but the two techniques have complementary potentialities. Thus, in specific cases, it can be used simultaneously, to obtain the best possible result, to regain lost shape and body contour and allowing to achieve the silhouette closest to the idealized one. Abdominoplasty Abdominoplasty allows to correct sagging or excess skin , removing much of the stretch marks or skin folds, as well as reducing the volume of fat in the abdomen. It can have a variable extension, from a mini-abdominoplasty (simple abdominal dermolipectomy), which only removes skin and fat in the lower belly (supra-pubic), to a complete abdominoplasty , which removes a more vast skin area and may repair rectus abdominis muscles, thinning the waist and decreasing the projection and bulging of the abdomen. Abdominoplasty leaves scars, which extension depends on the intervention and the amount of skin removed. The scars are placed above the pubic region, they are horizontal and, therefore, they are normally hidden by the bikini; They can be as small as the scar of a cesarean section or be extended to the regions of the hips. In the case of complete abdominoplasty, there will be also a hidden scar around the navel. Liposuction Liposuction allows to reduce the abdominal volume that is a result from localized fat and can only partially reduce skin flaccidity, in younger skins capable of retraction and adapting to the smaller volume. Other regions may be object of liposuction, always respecting safety and operating times. It is a procedure that allows corrections to be made without practically leaving scars; The removed fat can be used to correct depressions or to increase the volume of other regions of the body, such as the face, breast or buttocks; The use of vibroliposuction techniques or ultrasonic liposuction have the same indications, allowing for less traumatic procedures. Practical information on abdominoplasty and liposuction Face-to-face pre-operative consultation for plastic surgery is essential; Medicines or natural products should not be taken within 10 days prior to surgery without the surgeon knowledge; The preoperative exams to be performed depend on the age, any comorbidities and the type of anesthesia. Sometimes, a preoperative anesthesia consultation is also performed; Approximate duration of abdominoplasty surgery: 1 to 2 hours; Approximate duration of liposuction of the abdomen: 1 hour; Type of anesthesia: more often general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia, possibly local anesthesia, depending on the procedure, the area to be treated and the patient particularities; Need for hospitalization: liposuction and miniabdominoplasty can be performed on an outpatient basis, abdominoplasty requires 1 or 2 nights at the hospital; Recovery time: depending on professional activity and lifestyle, it can vary, on average, from 1 to 2 weeks for liposuction and miniabdominoplasty, up to 4 to 6 weeks for complete abdominoplasty. In the case of complete abdominoplasty, the practice of physical exercise with load should only be resumed after 2 months and according to the surgeon instructions. After any of the procedures, it is recommended to use a proper brace for 3 to 4 weeks. How is decided which is the right surgery? Only after knowing each specific case and a complete clinical examination carried out in person, will it be possible for the surgeon to define which is the most correct surgical approach and which are the most appropriate procedures. As in all elective surgical procedures, and particularly in esthetic procedures, safety is a priority. It is up to the surgeon : Consider the advantages and disadvantages of the techniques that, individually or together, may be indicated for each case; Inform and clarify the possible and predictable results of the interventions, in a realistic way and advise on the expectations of those who seek him. Trying to achieve mismatched expectations with inadequate procedures can jeopardize clinical safety or cause an irreparable frustration. Author : Alberto Rocha Pereira Meet the reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery team from Hospital da Luz network . The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
