The most common part to get out of shape is the abdomen due to numerous reasons like pregnancy, weight gain or various illnesses. Getting out of shape is one of the scariest sins in today's world. Not only is it harmful for the overall health but can get embarrassing and humiliating in one's life. It happens because of the accumulation of fat below the skin which is excessively loose due to stretching or loss of tone of the abdominal muscles.
Thankfully there are ample options available in the field of plastic surgery. Surgeries like abdominoplasty and liposuction are now considered as healthy, approachable & affordable options. Abdominoplasty involves removing excess fat and loose hanging skin along with tightening of the lax abdominal muscles to achieve a flatter abdomen.
Anyone fulfilling one or more of the following criteria is considered to be a good candidate for abdominoplasty:
| » Anaesthesia | : | General |
| » Duration of Surgery | : | 2-4 hours |
| » Stitches | : | Self-absorbable/ Staples – removable in 1 week |
| » Hospital Duration | : | 1-2 days |
| » Recovery Time | : | Walking and light meal same day |
| » Daily Routine | : | Combing hair,dressing, eating: On the day of surgery |
| » Daily Household Work | : | Light household work like cooking, dusting etc. after 1 week |
| » Light Activities | : | Morning walk: After 2nd week |
| » Heavy work like Weight lifting etc | : | 4-5 months onwards |
| » How is it Done | : | Simply speaking -a linear cut is made very low horizontally over the abdomen, within the undergarment line, in the place where caesarean section scar is placed. The skin is lifted up from the underlying muscles, pulled down and excess of fat and skin is removed keeping the umbilicus (belly button) in its intact position. The final suture-line and the scar is very low set and remains hidden within the undergarments .This procedure can be combined with the liposuction procedure depending upon the case requirement for optimal results. |
Step One : Consultation
The first interaction with Dr. Kumar will be a detailed discussion explaining the procedures, your requirements and deciding the best possible procedure that would benefit you. It would include a thorough assessment of your skin quality, amount of excess skin, the present tone of the abdominal muscles and hernial sites. Remember, a good result depends on the best possible procedure for that individual considering their parameters and not a generalized approach for all the patients.
You will be best advised and explained regarding the current status and the possible options which could benefit you from the surgery. One can see the representative clinical pictures of previous satisfied patients before deciding a procedure. One should be well prepared with their medical history (if any) at the time of consultation. This would include any information about medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments received, previous surgeries. Depending upon the individual one can consider combining an abdominoplasty along with liposuction of the thighs for optimal results. Routine diagnostic tests will be ordered.
Step Two : Preoperative Evaluation
Once the decision to undergo surgery has been taken, patient is assessed for fitness for anaesthesia & surgery. Dr. Kumar will examine the abdomen, its measurements and clinical photographs for the medical record. The skin quality, amount of fat deposited, tone of muscles and presence of any hernia or scar will be noted. If hernia is suspected, a USG will be mandatory. The consent forms along with detailed preoperative instructions would be given.
Step Three : Surgery
The patient has to report to the hospital on the day of surgery. The abdominal markings would be done in standing position before going to the operating room for better judgement of desired shape. The operation will be performed under general anaesthesia and would be pain free.
Step Four : After Surgery
The patient is fully conscious soon after surgery and an abdominal binder is given over the dressings. Drains (tubes) are usually removed the next morning and the patient is usually discharged on the next day.
Step Five : Recovery
The dressings would be there for around 10 days, and the abdominal binder for 4- 6 weeks. Light work can be resumed within 1-2weeks. By the 3rd-4th week, the patient is normal and can resume their normal activities. The results can be appreciated after four weeks.
