Photo gallery – Before/After

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure which aims at achieving the esthetic objective of a beautiful abdomen. The procedure involves the excision of excess skin and fat from the middle lower part of the abdomen, which becomes more firm and transformed. This surgery is chosen most frequently by people who failed to obtain a flat abdomen with the help of diet and physical exercise, women who are left with stretch marks and “lowered” skin after pregnancy or who lost a lot of weight and have excess skin in this area. This surgery also benefits patients who have concomitant hernia or incisional hernias, as these can be simultaneously corrected with abdominoplasty.

Is abdominoplasty for me?

• I lost weight and the skin on my abdomen is lowered.
• After pregnancy the skin on my abdomen became more flaccid and with a lot of stretch marks.
• The abdominal muscles are weakened due to surgery or pregnancy.
• I practice sports regularly but can’t get rid of the “curls” of my abdomen.
• My abdomen is prominent and I wish to be more excited about my profile.

If you plan to lose weight, go to the plastic surgeon after you reached the proposed weight. This way, the best results can be achieved. Dr. Fodor will advise you how to proceed if you have had previous abdominal surgeries.

Before abdominoplasty

Once you’ve decided to have an abdominoplasty, you will set up an appointment with Dr. Fodor to whom you can explain the transformation you wish to have. Be accurate and realistic in your expectations. An honest discussion with your doctor allows for setting concrete goals and choosing the most appropriate surgical techniques to achieve them. Be prepared to discuss your medical history. Your abdomen will be evaluated, taking into account fat tissues, type, quality, excess skin and abdominal wall structure.
After establishing the surgical technique, you will receive specific instructions about diet, drugs and other pre-surgery behaviors.

The surgery

Abdominal surgery is performed under general anesthesia with the direct supervision of an anesthesiologist. Smaller excisions or mini abdominoplasties can be done under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you. Some patients prefer to return a few hours after the surgery. A significant number of people prefer to stay overnight in the hospital for 1-2 days after a complete abdominoplasty.

During the surgery, an incision is made above the pubic area. Where necessary, another incision can be made around the navel. The surgeon will separate the skin and fat tissue from the muscular tissues from the level of the incision up to the ribs. Excess skin and fat are removed. The skin with stretch marks is excised; when this is not possible, the skin is stretched so the stretch marks are flattened and less visible. If necessary the abdominal muscles are strengthened, thereby increasing the strength of the abdominal wall. In case of mini-abdominoplasty, only the skin between the first incision and the navel is removed. This procedure is suitable for small fat pockets from the lower abdominal wall. The incision lines are closed with fine sutures. The incision lines are different for each person, depending not only on the excess skin and fat which needs to be removed, but also on the shape of the abdomen. However, the plastic surgeon will adjust the lines according to your underwear or bathing suit, so the healing will be as beautiful as possible. To prevent blood accumulation at the level of surgery, local small drain tubes will be placed.

After abdominoplasty surgery

At wakeup you will be surrounded by specialized medical staff who will monitor you closely in the first few hours. After this period, depending on your choice and the extent of the surgery, you can go home or you can stay in the clinic under supervision.

Above the incision a bandage is applied which is periodically replaced. The abdomen is covered with an elastic bandage. In a short time this bandage is changed with supportive clothes.

Given the scale of the surgery, the patient is likely to experience swelling, bruising and local pain. These symptoms are improved with the help of drugs and self-care behaviors. Short walks are encouraged, but physical exercises which affect the abdomen must be avoided to prevent complications. Even if the healing process is gradual, the result are alike! Patient satisfaction is high and the good results are long lasting.

More details about the intervention and postoperative recommendation will be given at the first consultation.