It is true that the phenomenon of a loose or sagging abdomen used to affect so far women, mostly after pregnancies, a massive weight loss, or frequent weight fluctuation, combined with a sedentary lifestyle, and the lack of exercise. We should, however, take into account that, the passage of time results itself in the loosening of our skin. Nevertheless, we can see that this phenomenon has now hit men as well, who, by rejecting any type of hesitation, resort to the plastic surgeon, in order to obtain, fast and almost painlessly, a flat belly, by removing immediately any flaws, and improving the total image of their body. Therefore, as science evolves, it has been found that classical abdominoplasty can give us better cosmetic and practical results, by combining it with other similar operations.
Anterior abdominal dermolipectomy, with or without the combination of liposuction, is the classical abdominoplasty, which has two significant differentiations, depending on the restoration, or not, of the umbilicus. Dermolipectomy of the anterior abdominal wall removes excess skin and fat, on a vertical direction, at first. In this way, the plastic surgeon manages to make the abdomen flat and firm. Through the additional surgical process, with a horizontal orientation of the fascias, fat is removed from the lateral abdominal walls, reducing the circumference, and creating a finely-formed and slim waist.
Therefore, it is very important that, in this operation, not only does the plastic surgeon estimate correctly the amount of excess skin, but also the quality of the remaining skin. This skin should suffice to be connected with it, and be cosmetically nice, because otherwise, if there is a surplus, it will sag again. More specifically, in the epigastrium, the fat creates a surplus horizontally, and not vertically, creating thus horizontal folds that should be removed. This is where the disadvantage of classical abdominoplasty, and the advantage of High Tension Abdominoplasty, lies. That is, rather than attempting to close the incision with the remaining skin vertically, from the upper abdomen, by taking less skin from the center, our focus is paid, on the contrary, on the lateral tissues, which are “replaced” by similar excess vertical tissues.
Abdominoplasty on individuals with a Massive Weight Loss The progress in bariatric surgery and the recognition of obesity as the most important factor of bad health have led to the rise of the number of patients who wish to fix their body. Although the patient benefits, from a medical point of view, from the weight loss, by reducing the consequences of diabetes and hypertension, which are worth the effort on their own sake, on the other hand, however, skin quality suffers, since it is usually loose and sagging, rather than ideal. These patients are often astonished by the look of their body. For these people, thus, plastic surgery is the last step and the only means towards a radical transformation of their body, as well as their life itself.
In these cases, therefore, when we have a massive weight loss, the quantity, quality, and also the point at which excess skin is located may be different in each case; however, everyone’s desire is the same: to regain a normal body.
Therefore, the plastic surgeon, always depending on the case, has many ways to achieve this. He or she can start from the arms, with brachioplasty, which removes excess skin that hangs inelegantly, giving it a normal shape, with firm skin, in order for the individual to be able to wear short-sleeved clothes again, and also find clothes without being concerned about the size.
Following that, the most important step is reshaping the core, where the plastic surgeon, in order to achieve the best possible result, can combine multiple methods simultaneously. Relying, therefore, on classical abdominoplasty, he or she uses High Lateral Tension abdominoplasty, by which, more skin is removed from the lateral parts of the abdomen and the hips; i.e. a lifting is performed, essentially, of the anterior and lateral thighs, as well as in the inguinal regions. It should be noted that, through this operation, in addition to the fact that the body gains the best possible shape, the incision is low and hidden, at the point where the underwear ends.
After that, the plastic surgeon can implement the Lipectomy operation around the middle of the core of the body, in a belt-like shape, lift the glutes, the outer thigh area, as well as the pubic region. In essence, this operation aims to remove the sagging tissues, and restore the body with flat surfaces, without any bulges, as well as restore waist shape. Glute improvement depends clearly on their original look; that is, if the glutes are overly bulging, they should be reduced. If their volume is less than normal, they should be augmented (Restorative Glute Augmentation).
Abdominoplasty in individuals with a normal weight Although many individuals have a normal weight, they show signs of loosening, or have excess skin in the abdominal region. They usually develop accumulated fat on the lateral parts of thighs and glutes. In these cases, abdominoplasty with liposuction eliminates lipodystrophy and restores uniformity in the outline of the body. Through this operation, therefore, these individuals recover, within a short period of time, and almost painlessly, their lost self-esteem. They notice that their body has taken, within moments, a uniform and finely-shaped form. They can now choose the clothes that they like, and not those that will cover their problem. Finally, they realize that no diet or exercise could have, literally, brought this fine and permanent result.
ABDOMINOPLASTY FOR MEN and WOMEN Through the method of Vaser Lipo Ultrasonic Liposuction, abdominal fat is removed smoothly and with absolute precision, without causing any injuries and reducing the patient’s recovery time. The Plastic Surgeon, with dexterity, and assisted by Ultrasounds, suctions the fat out of the abdominal region, in such a way, that not only does the final outcome result in a flat abdomen, but also in a look of finely-shaped muscles, which is usually achieved only by athletes through tedious and long training.
Normally, the duration of stay is two (2) nights at the hospital, where, the change is also performed prior to the exit from the hospital.