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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.