Duration:
2-4 hours.
Adverse effects:
This surgery causes moderate to high pain with need of analgesia in the postoperative period. Swelling, bruising, seromamay complicate the healing. Long-term recovery. Insensitivity over the scar.
Recovery:
Home rest at least 3 weeks.
Moderate physical activities in 3-5 weeks.
Full load in 2 months after surgery.
Wearing of compressive underwear for several months.
Final resolution of residual swelling is usually in 6 months.
Results:
Perfect result depends on strengthening of abdominal muscles through exercise and permanent weight control.
Operational procedure:
The main cut is in the lower abdomen and continues above the groin on the hips -depending on the volume of released skin. Another cut is around the navel. During the operation excessive skin is removed, the layer of subcutaneous fat is reduced as possible and distended abdominal muscles are sewed together. Correction of often present exomphalocele etc is performed by the plastic suture of subcutaneous layers. The procedure can be usually combined with liposuction of upper abdomen and hips.
Plastic reduction in lower abdomen called mini-abdominoplasty can help in less serious cases. Its advantage is less invasive interposition and shorter scar.
Anesthesia:
General