Our Summary

This research paper discusses a case of a 75-year-old Nigerian man who was severely overweight, particularly around his mid-section. This weight issue was causing him additional health problems like heart disease, diabetes, knee arthritis, and even social isolation due to the physical disfigurement.

The traditional surgical treatment for this type of obesity is liposuction or a combination of liposuction and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). However, in this case, the doctors performed just an abdominoplasty (removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening the abdominal wall muscles) to correct the man’s abdominal asymmetry.

Despite some complications after the surgery, such as issues with the surgical wound and reactions to a blood transfusion, the patient recovered well and his quality of life improved.

The research concludes that an abdominoplasty alone can be a beneficial treatment for patients with severe mid-section obesity who have a significant amount of subcutaneous fat (fat under the skin) and an uneven abdominal wall.

FAQs

  1. What are the health problems that can be caused by severe mid-section obesity?
  2. What are the traditional surgical treatments for severe mid-section obesity?
  3. Can an abdominoplasty alone be beneficial for patients with severe mid-section obesity?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering abdominoplasty to make sure they are at a stable weight before undergoing the procedure. Losing weight before surgery can help reduce the risk of complications and improve the overall results of the abdominoplasty. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle after the surgery, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help maintain the results long-term.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for abdominoplasty are those who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that cannot be addressed through diet and exercise alone. This includes patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and have loose, sagging skin, as well as patients who have experienced changes in their abdominal area due to pregnancy or aging.

Patients who have abdominal hernias or diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles) may also benefit from abdominoplasty, as the procedure can help repair and tighten the abdominal muscles. Additionally, patients who are in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery are good candidates for abdominoplasty.

It is important for patients considering abdominoplasty to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure and to discuss the potential risks and benefits. Abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure that requires a significant recovery period, so it is important for patients to be prepared for the physical and emotional aspects of the surgery.

Timeline

Before abdominoplasty:

  1. Patient consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss their concerns about excess skin and fat in the abdomen.
  2. Patient undergoes a physical examination and medical history review to determine if they are a good candidate for abdominoplasty.
  3. Patient may be advised to lose weight and quit smoking before the surgery to reduce risks and improve outcomes.
  4. Patient schedules the surgery and receives instructions on pre-operative care, such as fasting and avoiding certain medications.

After abdominoplasty:

  1. Patient undergoes the abdominoplasty procedure, which typically takes a few hours and is performed under general anesthesia.
  2. Patient experiences some pain, swelling, and bruising in the days following the surgery.
  3. Patient is advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks to allow for proper healing.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor progress and address any concerns.
  5. Over time, the patient’s abdomen will gradually heal and the final results of the surgery will become more apparent.
  6. Patient may experience improved self-confidence and quality of life as a result of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with abdominoplasty surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery time after abdominoplasty surgery?
  3. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes before or after the surgery to maintain the results?
  4. How long do the results of abdominoplasty typically last?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that may be more suitable for my specific situation?
  6. Will I need to follow a specific diet or exercise regimen after the surgery?
  7. What type of scarring can I expect after abdominoplasty surgery?
  8. How many abdominoplasty procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  9. What is the cost of abdominoplasty surgery, and are there any financing options available?
  10. How soon after abdominoplasty surgery can I return to normal activities, such as work and exercise?

Reference

Authors: Nnadozie UU, Okorie GM, Maduba CC, Omoke NI, Ugbala A, Uchendu E, Ugwu CN. Journal: Pan Afr Med J. 2020 Jun 1;36:52. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2020.36.52.19905. eCollection 2020. PMID: 32774627