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Abdominoplasty
The skin and muscles of the anterior abdominal wall are stretched during pregnancy and whilst in some people this returns to normal, in the majority of cases some loose skin and some abdominal wall muscle weakness will remain. Also, as part of the normal ageing process there is a redistribution of fat which often results in fat deposits around the umbilicus and hips. In some cases this can be removed by fat suction alone, or in combination with an abdominoplasty.
The classic operation of abdominal reduction involves removing skin and fat from the lower abdomen between the pubic area and the umbilicus. Muscles are pulled closer together and tightened into their new positions. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline. In some patients what is called mini abdominal reduction may be undertaken. The midline rectus abdominus muscles are repaired and a small excess of lower abdominal skin is excised leaving a limited lower transverse abdominal incision.
Of all the cosmetic operations abdominoplasty has the most prolonged recovery time. Very few mini abdominal reductions can be done as a day case but if the rectii muscles are repaired then frequently the patient needs to stay one or two nights in hospital. It takes at least two weeks for the patients to fully mobilise and heal and at least six weeks before they are back doing strenuous exercise. It is important to realise that abdominoplasty is not an operation to cure obesity. It requires a fit well-motivated patient and the operation itself is individualised depending upon what the problem is.
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