Abdominoplastia:
a cirurgia plástica destinada
à correção de aspetos estéticos
do abdómen

know more about
this procedure

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The abdominal wall basically consists of three elements: the skin, the subcutaneous cellular tissue with the underlying fat, and the muscle layer. Factors such as multiple pregnancies or weight fluctuations cause the muscles of the abdominal wall to spread apart, resulting in a dilated and rounded abdomen. In addition, these swellings of the abdomen can also harm the skin resulting in stretch marks and sagging. There may also be an accumulation of fat in this area. In this sense, abdominoplasty is the most indicated surgery since it treats all these aspects simultaneously in a single surgical procedure. 

Abdominoplasty, in addition to recovering a flat belly and outlining the body silhouette, reinforces the muscles of the abdominal wall. Therefore, in the case of women, surgery is indicated for those who have gone through one or more pregnancies that resulted in an irreversible dilation of the skin and musculature or for a weight loss process that resulted in an abdomen with excess skin and flaccidity. In the case of men, most cases are related to excess abdominal fat or excess skin and sagging after weight loss. Sometimes, men have voluminous abdomens due to retro-muscular fat, which has no indication for surgery, only food restriction and physical exercise. 

There are two surgical approaches which are mini tummy tuck and conventional tummy tuck. Each patient will be evaluated in order to determine the appropriate approach for their case, taking into account that, as a rule, when there is little sagging and little abdominal fat, a mini abdominoplasty is performed and in cases where there is excess skin, sagging and fat an abdominoplasty is performed. 

Surgical treatment - Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty is usually performed through an incision in the suprapubic area and, in some cases, around the navel. The extent of the incision will depend on the sagging skin and the amount of fat that exists. However, the scar is perfectly camouflaged by a bathing suit or underwear. 

After making the incision, the parts of the skin with flaccidity and localized fat are removed. Afterwards, the muscular wall is repaired to leave the abdomen flat and with a defined waist. In some cases, liposuction is also performed on the flanks and upper abdomen to obtain a better silhouette contour. 

In the mini-abdominoplasty we do not transpose the navel, we just remove the excess skin below the navel, which makes the recovery much easier and faster. 

Abdominoplasty: What else you need to know about the surgery

The abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and lasts between two and three hours depending on its complexity and whether or not it is complemented with liposuction of the lateral regions, back and flanks. The patient will have drains for up to 48 hours, during which time he will be hospitalized. After the intervention, it is recommended to rest for a week and use a compression garment for approximately one month. Normal activities can be resumed after 2 weeks and physical exercise can be started gradually after a month. 

On the third or fourth postoperative day, drainage sessions begin. These sessions will be essential for the process of recovery and improvement of postoperative edema. The definitive result is only observed after 6 months, and the sensitivity of the operated area is slowly recovered, taking between six and twelve months to be fully achieved. 

During the first few days, the scars must not come into contact with water. It is also important to maintain dietary control by eating small, light meals to avoid abdominal distention and, above all, not to gain weight in order not to alter the results of the surgery. It is also recommended to abstain from sun exposure and physical exercise during the first month. In cases of constipation, to avoid efforts harmful to the healing of the abdominal wall, taking laxatives may be indicated. This after care is decisive to obtain a satisfactory result. 

Finally, as in all interventions, prior medical examinations are mandatory to detect problems that may prevent the surgery from being performed. Smokers who wish to undergo this surgery must refrain from smoking for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the procedure because tobacco can impair the healing process.

More information about the surgery

Manual lymphatic drainage allows us to experience, through such a gentle massage, a deep relaxation in the body, draining toxins and at the same time great mental tranquility. 

We recommend that our patients start the lymphatic drainage sessions between the third and seventh day, at most, after the surgery, and the first sessions are from light to extremely light touches so as not to cause discomfort and pain. 

At least ten sessions of lymphatic drainage should be performed, with the total treatment being able to reach thirty sessions, always on alternate days and each session should last about one hour. 

Special cares

At Clínica Baptista Fernandes, all drainage sessions are included in the cost of the surgery, as the recovery process is essential for the success of the Abdominoplasty. That’s why we have a team of therapists specially trained to carry out the drainage and, if necessary, ultrasound sessions and LED light therapy for a quick and healthy recovery. In addition, each patient receives direct contact from the doctor who performed the surgery so that they can contact him to clarify any doubts.

Before and after
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Duration of procedure

2 hours

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Type of anesthesia

General

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Hospitalization period

2 to 3 days

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Low period

30 days

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Period without sun exposure

1 month

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Period without physical exercise

2 months

Common questions

The price of abdominoplasty varies depending on the initial state of the patient's body. Only after medical evaluation is it possible to identify whether you need a mini-abdominoplasty or an abdominoplasty. During the consultation, the need for liposuction to complement the surgery will also be determined. Thus, an evaluation consultation is essential to obtain a budget adjusted to each case.

Pain associated with abdominoplasty is quite variable. Some patients report mild discomfort, while others report experiencing more severe pain. However, the patient will be treated with medication to control the pain.

The results can last for many years. If you do not gain weight or become pregnant after surgery, then the changes may be pratically permanent.

Complete healing takes some time. However, many patients are able to resume their normal activities after 2 weeks, regardless of the extent of surgery and the type of activity they perform. In some cases, it may be necessary to take a leave of absence for about a month.

Generally, all aesthetic interventions can be performed after adolescence. However, women who wish to have several children should not undergo this surgery as pregnancy causes distension of the abdominal region.

Patients who have gone through pregnancy must wait the time necessary for the body to recover, that is, a period ranging from 6 to 12 months.

Abdominoplasty is recommended for women who do not want to become mothers or who do not intend to become pregnant again. This is because pregnancy compromises the results of the surgery.

With proper care, the scars become increasingly clear and, in some cases, almost imperceptible. The scars will always exist, but the incision is made in the supra-pubic area so that they can be camouflaged with underwear and bathing suits.

The outcome of the scars depends on several factors. However, drainage and massage, compression and application of creams help to significantly improve the final appearance of the scar, as well as silicone strips. But, the best of all treatments will always be time.

The doctors

Under the direction of plastic surgeons Dr. Fátima Baptista Fernandes and Dr. João Baptista Fernandes, an unavoidable nickname in the specialty in Portugal, the Clinic integrates a team of specialists from the most diverse areas who offer numerous skills related to aesthetic medicine, aesthetic treatments and plastic surgery.

Dr. João Baptista
Fernandes
Dra. Fátima Baptista
Fernandes
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