Removal of the skin’s surplus fat tissue with additional tightening of the abdominal wall can be very effective, leading to completely or at least partially regaining the acceptance of one’s own body and thus in most cases having a positive effect on the whole personality and the lifestyle.
When is the tightening of the abdominal wall useful?
A surgical plastic abdominal wall can achieve a clear improvement of the stomach’s outline, if:
- The skin has regressed insufficiently or not at all after
extreme weight loss, or because of substantial accumulations of fat
above and below the navel resulting in an apron of fat that can hang
over the genital region. Moreover, apart from the unsightly appearance,
it can lead to unpleasant problems such as eczema and fungal
infections, etc.
- After one or more pregnancies, the stomach has been
overstretched or the abdominal muscles are no longer aligned after
flexibility has returned, developing a paunch under the navel.
Alternatively, if unsightly and/or painfully drawn-in scars exist after
a caesarean and/or a gynaecological operation.
A weight reduction programme should precede a plastic abdominal wall in cases of substantial overweight with generalised accumulations of fat.
Chances of success
This low-risk surgery can provide extremely good results against accumulations of fat in the upper and lower stomach regions, surplus or considerably creased skin after weight loss or even an unpleasantly shaped stomach after pregnancies. In order to ensure these results, a plastic surgery specialist carries out the operation in our hospital. Success is permanent in most cases. Removed fatty tissue cannot reform itself in the same place. In order to avoid a renewed increase in weight after the operation, it is extremely important that the person should follow a well-balanced and integrated diet.
The operation
The operation, when performed under general anaesthetic, lasts for approx. two hours, whereby an oval-shaped section of the skin’s fatty tissue is removed. The lower boundary is just above the line of pubic hair, the upper just above the navel. The side boundaries are within the lines of the pelvic crest. Pregnancy stretch marks and/or scarring in this region will be removed. In addition, a tautening of the stomach muscles covering the layer of connective tissue is often useful and necessary. The internal abdominal cavity remains unaffected. If necessary, liposuction of the hip and buttock regions will be carried out at the same time.
At the end of the operation, two to three soft silicone tubes, which draw out the blood and water, are inserted into the wound. This is the best and quickest way of preventing any liquid accumulation, which can lead to further complications. The tubes will be removed between two to four days later.
To relieve and conceal the stitching you will receive a support bandage which must be worn for a period of six weeks.
Using the above-mentioned process, the scars of the successful surgery will not be visible even in a swimming costume.
The time after the operation
In the first few weeks after the operation, you may notice feelings of tension and slight aching lengthwise along the abdominal wall. The support bandage, worn for a period of approximately six weeks, should help to minimize these complaints. However, by gradually increasing movement you will be able to continue normal domestic and vocational activities.
After seven days, you can shower with a sterilizing soap solution, but a full bath should not be taken within the first four post-operational weeks.
After approximately three weeks, we will change the dressing and remove the visible stitching from the wound.
Depending on the symptoms of complaint, you should refrain from any sporting activities for approximately 8-10 weeks. To avoid complications, it is necessary to abstain from alcohol and nicotine during the first four weeks after the operation.
Surgery-specific risks
Infections and healing disorders, lack of symmetry, irregularities, widened scar formations, post-operative haemorrhages and temporary loss of feeling are regarded as special risks of this surgery.
