Post Bariatric Abdominoplasty

Post-bariatric abdominoplasty is an operation performed to correct the deformities caused by weight loss. Excess skin and fat on the abdominal area are removed, the abdominal wall is corrected and overall appearance is enhanced by post-bariatric abdominoplasty. If deformities are left untreated, they may cause wounds, infection, and physical discomfort. However with abdominal lifts after bariatric surgery, patients feel better about their looks and get better physiologically.

How To Get Ready For Post-Bariatric Abdominoplasty?

Preparation for post-bariatric abdominoplasty is as follows:

Laboratory tests are required to obtain information about patients’ conditions
If patients are on prescribed medications, they must discuss with their doctors and act accordingly.
Patients must refrain from aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and herbal supplements
Patients must stop smoking before the operation
Patients must be under supervision at the hospital for 3 days.
A healthy balanced diet is important before the surgery.
Patients must avoid stress before the surgery and may prefer exercises and activities to relax
Patients should not try to lose weight with shock diets

What is Post Bariatric Abdominoplasty Procedure Like?

Post-bariatric abdominoplasty operation is performed under general anesthesia. Full abdomen lift, mini abdomen lift, and belt lift are the types of this operation. Depending on the operation, the duration may differ between 1 hour to 8 hours.

Incisions are made on the targeted area to remove excess skin and tighten muscles for a flat and fit abdomen area. Incisions’ size and amount depend on the type of operation and the amount of excess skin. Incision types depending on the abdominoplasty operations are as follows:

In a mini tummy tuck; a small, single incision is made on the lower abdomen, replacement of the belly button is not needed.
In belt abdominoplasty; larger incisions are made around the waist, and excess skin on both hips and back can be removed from these incisions.
Full abdominoplasty: An incision is made from one hip bone to the front of the abdomen. Since the incisions made are placed under the underwear line, they are not visible from the outside.

Is Post Bariatric Abdominoplasty Painful?

Post-bariatric abdominoplasty is not painful for it is performed under general anesthesia. However after anesthesia wears off, patients may feel pain for a week after the surgery. To relieve the pain, doctors prescribe painkillers, patients must take the medications as prescribed.

How Long Is Recovery After Post-Bariatric Abdominoplasty?

Post-bariatric abdominoplasty recovery takes 4-6 weeks. If the operation is mini abdominoplasty, the recovery process is 1-2 weeks. Recovery duration is related to patients’ conditions and the amount of excess sagging skin. Swelling after the operation, subside in a few weeks and disappear in a few months. To speed the recovery up, patients should take a few minute walks per hour and accelerate blood circulation. Stitches used are dissoluble and help tissues to close naturally. Drains placed after the surgery, prevent fluid build-up and relieve pain caused by fluid retention, and speed the recovery duration.

What is Process After Post Bariatric Abdominoplasty Like?

Processes after post-bariatric abdominoplasty are as follows:

Patients should quit smoking to heal faster after post-bariatric abdominoplasty
Patients must avoid lift or bend movements that may cause tension in the abdomen
Patients must use a special corset to have a better recovery
Surgery wounds start healing in about 2 weeks after the surgery, surgery scars become less visible in 9 months to 1 year. However, scars do not disappear completely. Patients must undergo scar revision to get rid of the scars
Patients must avoid sexual intercourse for 3-4 weeks to prevent the wound from reopening
Abdominoplasty has no negative effects on pregnancy, however, pregnancy after abdominoplasty operation has negative effects on the results.

What Are The Results of Abdominoplasty?

The results of abdominoplasty are having a tighten, fit flat looking abdomen and boosted the confidence of the patient. Even though abdominoplasty can not eliminate all stretch marks, can provide efficient improvements. After skin and fat removal, patients may lose a little amount of weight, however, it does not happen in excessive amounts. Patients who have lost large amounts of weight after bariatric surgery may lose 4.5 kg at most after abdominoplasty. However, after problems caused by pregnancy, patients should not expect weight loss after abdominoplasty. Patients feel more confident and feel stronger due to tightened abdomen muscles.

Is Abdominoplasty Permanent?

Abdominoplasty permanency can be long-term as long as there is no sagging or loosening on the skin due to gravity or aging. Results are visible if patients do not gain or lose weight or get pregnant.

Can Abdominoplasty Be Combined With Other Operations?

Combining abdominoplasty with other operations depends on the patient’s conditions, overall health, and needs. For better results, liposuction, breast reconstruction, buttocks lift, arm lift, or panniculectomy can be combined.

What Are Abdominoplasty Risks?

Abdominoplasty risks are bleeding, infection, and anesthesia complications. If the incisions are made horizontally to remove the excess tissue, tissue loss may occur especially in patients who smoke and have diabetes problems. Post-bariatric abdominoplasty complications affect the recovery process negatively. If incisions experience bad wound healing, doctors may prefer a revision operation.

Discover the transformative effects of post-bariatric abdominoplasty at Forbest Clinic. Our skilled surgeons specialize in body contouring procedures to help patients achieve a toned and sculpted abdomen after significant weight loss. With personalized treatment plans and advanced techniques, we aim to provide natural-looking results and enhance your body’s confidence.

Ready to achieve a firmer, more contoured abdomen after weight loss? Schedule a consultation at Forbest Clinic to explore the benefits of post-bariatric abdominoplasty. Reclaim your body confidence and embrace your new, healthier self. Contact us now to start your transformation journey!