Abdominoplasty - plastic surgery of the abdomen.

The aim of abdominoplasty is to remove the excess skin from the abdomen. During the procedure it is also possible to reduce the amount of adipose tissue and increase tension of the muscles from the abdominal muscle wall. All these changes produce the effect of a more flat and even abdomen.

The procedure is often performed to correct muscle weakness and flabby skin resulting from pregnancy or a significant weight loss.

In the course of the procedure a transverse incision is performed within or above the pubic region and around the navel. The resultant scar is durable, but the plastic surgeon can position it in such a way that it can be hidden under a swimming suit, underwear or inside an "old" scar after a cesarean section.

In order to achieve better outcome, abdominoplasty may be combined with lipoplasty. If skin flaccidity or muscle weakness are limited to the area below the umbilicus, the patient may be a good candidate for modified adbominoplasty, which leaves a shorter scar and does not require an incision around the navel.

The patient is encouraged to leave the bed and start walking the day after the operation in order to stimulate blood circulation. A contracting girdle is recommended for several weeks and the patient should avoid any strenuous effort. The patient is back at work after about 2 weeks.