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| This procedure aims to restore the normal tension of the muscular wall and of the skin of the abdomen, while removing excess fat by liposuction. |
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| The surgery is often required by women because their bodies encounter major transformations: pregnancies which loosen the muscular wall and damage the elasticity of the skin, gain or loss of weight, lack of exercise and skin aging. |
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| Previously prescribed for 'extreme' cases (obesity, skin excess) the abdominoplasty is now prescribed to all abdomens, even for the smallest corrections. |
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| There is no "universal" technique. In aesthetic surgery, the method is adapted to each case. |
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| The consultation |
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| The interview, which takes place during the pre operative consultation, will enable the surgeon to make a diagnosis and to present a procedure and the different elements it comprises. |
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| The abdominoplasty is not a slimming treatment. However, it is often combined with liposuction to remove fat excess. |
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| This surgery allows only the removal of the stretch marks which were noticeable on the skin that is to be removed. Defects in the muscular abdominal wall can also be addressed. This may concern muscle gaps in between the vertical abdomen muscles and eventual ruptures. |
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| At the pre operative consultation the surgeon will assess skin damage, the state of the skin, fatty and muscular tissue. These findings will influence the suggested surgical approach as will the patient's expectations, way of life and the dressing habits. |
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| The procedure |
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| This procedure aims to treat problems concerning the abdominal wall, to restore normal skin tension and to remove localized excess fat by liposuction, in order to recreate a natural figure. |
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| The incision is generally horizontal as low as possible in the area above the pubis. Its shape depends on the morphological type of the abdomen. |
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| The skin undermining addresses either the whole abdominal wall or only sections of it, depending on the technique used. It will take twelve to eighteen months before the scar fully settles. |
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| Duration of the stay in hospital |
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| It varies between two and five days depending on the extent of the procedure and on the technique used. |
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| Post-operative care |
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| The patient will experience little pain and will be able to stand up shortly after surgery. The stitches will be removed about two weeks after surgery. Recovery time is approximately the same. It is necessary to wear a supportive garment for three weeks. |
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| Problems and complications |
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| Bruising can occur although it has become less frequent since the use of drains and of compressive dressings. |
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| Infection is rare. Healing problems may be encountered in skins, which are already damaged (stretch marks). In some patients blood clots may occur in the legs, this requires prompt treatment. It is often characterized by a pain in the calf. Skin necrosis can occur in smokers. |
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