A taut abdomen and a slim
waist - this is how many wish for their ideal appearance. However, sports and a
healthy diet do not always help to achieve one's desired figure. After extreme
weight loss or pregnancy, the body often does not form back the strongly
expanded abdominal wall. The reason for this is sagging or torn connective
tissue structures in the subcutaneous tissue that previously gave the abdominal
skin support and firmness. The result is wrinkled, hanging skin flaps
("fat aprons") and visible overstretching of the subcutis
("stretch marks").
Sagging of the abdominal
muscles can also be the result of many years of overweight or pregnancy. In
particular, a drifting apart of the vertically running straight abdominal
muscles (rectus diastasis) leads to a wider waist. Even intensive training
cannot reverse this sagging.
An abdominoplasty
can help improve the abdominal region. Sagging tissue is tightened downward and
excess skin flaps are removed. The belly button is moved accordingly. A joining
of the straight abdominal muscles is additionally possible.
Abdominoplasty
is not a means to lose excess weight. It is often performed in addition to
liposuction. The best results are achieved in slim, healthy patients whose flabby
abdominal tissue does not respond to exercise and diet. During surgery, a long
horizontal scar is created over the intimate area, which fades over time but
does not become completely invisible. The doctor will discuss the placement of
the scar with you. A small scar will also remain on the belly button. Sometimes
another vertical scar is also required. The abdominal wall is flatter and more
even after the procedure.
The operation
Depending on the extent
of skin sagging, the surgical method can vary greatly. The ideal technique
depends largely on your physical conditions and individual expectations.
Basically, in every abdominoplasty a long horizontal or differently
curved, possibly also an anchor-shaped incision is made above the pubic area.
The belly button is separated from the skin tissue with a round incision. In
order to tighten the abdominal skin, the skin tissue is detached from the
abdominal wall between the abdominal incision and the ribs. As needed, the
plastic surgeon tightens the straight abdominal muscles by rejoining and fixing
them. This is to make the abdominal wall firmer and the waist narrower.
The plastic surgeon now
pulls the detached skin tissue down. Excess skin is removed and the skin flap
is sutured in place. To reposition the navel, a new incision is cut into the
skin and the navel is sutured back in place. At the end of the procedure,
drains are usually placed to facilitate the drainage of wound secretions and
blood. Depending on the extent, the operation lasts between 1.5 and 3 hours.