Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that helps to flatten and shape the abdomen and waist by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles. This is a facelift of the abdomen with the creation of an internal girdle for support (so you no longer have to suck it in) and removal of the excess skin and tightening.  Also, at the same time a monplasty may be performed if the pubic hairline area is drooping.  It can be elevated to give a more pleasing and less bulky appearance. Sometimes only liposuction is necessary. The abdominoplasty procedure will remove any previous C section scars.

The best candidates are in good physical condition with pockets of fat or loose skin that haven’t responded well to diet and exercise. Older, slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity can be helped. Abdominoplasty can also be useful for women with stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy, although results from the procedure will diminish if they continue to bear children. For this reason, women who plan to have children again are advised to delay abdominoplasty. Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight are also encouraged to wait before undergoing the procedure, since skin in that area typically loosens after substantial weight loss.

The procedure takes approximately two to five hours and can be performed with general anesthesia or local anesthesia with a sedative. Recovery time usually ranges from two to four weeks but with a balanced diet and regular exercise results are long-lasting.

Abdominoplasty will likely leave a permanent scar stretching between the hips, although it should be low enough for even a bikini to conceal it.