Our Summary

This research paper discusses a case where a 22-year-old man who had lost a massive amount of weight (170 kg) sought treatment for excess fat and skin around his midsection. Traditional abdomen-tightening surgeries (abdominoplasties) weren’t suitable for this situation, so a different technique called fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty was used.

During the operation, the doctors decided to cut off the main blood supply to the belly button in order to remove more excess tissue and achieve a better visual result. They relied on alternative, or ‘collateral,’ blood vessels to keep the belly button alive.

The paper concludes that this approach worked well in this case. It allowed for the removal of more unwanted tissue while still maintaining the health of the belly button thanks to the collateral blood vessels. It might be a useful strategy for similar cases in the future.

FAQs

  1. What is fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty and why was it used in this case?
  2. Why was the main blood supply to the belly button cut off during the operation?
  3. How did the doctors ensure the health of the belly button after cutting off its main blood supply?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about abdominoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include avoiding strenuous activity, wearing compression garments as recommended, and attending follow-up appointments with your surgeon. It is important to communicate any concerns or complications to your doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, are those who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that is resistant to diet and exercise. This includes individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight, either through natural means or bariatric surgery, and are left with loose, sagging skin.

Additionally, mothers who have had multiple pregnancies and have stretched abdominal muscles and skin that have not returned to their pre-pregnancy state may also be candidates for abdominoplasty. This procedure can help tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin to create a more toned and contoured appearance.

It is important for patients considering abdominoplasty to be in good overall health, with realistic expectations for the outcomes of the surgery. They should also be at a stable weight and not planning on significant weight loss in the future, as fluctuations in weight can affect the results of the procedure.

Overall, abdominoplasty is a popular cosmetic surgery option for individuals looking to improve the appearance of their midsection and achieve a more toned and contoured abdomen. It is important for patients to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure and to discuss the potential risks and benefits.

Timeline

Before the abdominoplasty:

  • The patient consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss their concerns about excess fat and skin around their midsection.
  • The surgeon evaluates the patient’s medical history, current health status, and goals for the surgery.
  • Pre-operative tests and evaluations are conducted to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for abdominoplasty.
  • The patient receives instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including dietary restrictions and medication guidelines.

During the abdominoplasty:

  • The patient is put under general anesthesia.
  • The surgeon makes incisions in the abdomen to remove excess fat and skin.
  • In this case, a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty technique is used, involving cutting off the main blood supply to the belly button to remove more excess tissue.
  • Collateral blood vessels are relied upon to maintain the blood supply to the belly button and ensure its health.

After the abdominoplasty:

  • The patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home.
  • Pain medication and instructions for wound care are provided to manage post-operative discomfort.
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  • The patient is advised on post-operative care, including activity restrictions and proper nutrition to support healing.
  • Over time, swelling and bruising subside, and the final results of the abdominoplasty become more apparent.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about abdominoplasty include:

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with abdominoplasty?
  2. Am I a good candidate for abdominoplasty, given my medical history and current health status?
  3. What type of abdominoplasty procedure do you recommend for me, and why?
  4. What are the expected results of the procedure, and are there any limitations or potential side effects?
  5. How long is the recovery process, and what kind of follow-up care will be needed after surgery?
  6. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a specific diet or exercise regimen post-surgery?
  7. How experienced are you in performing abdominoplasty procedures, and what is your success rate?
  8. Can you provide before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone abdominoplasty?
  9. What is the cost of the procedure, and will it be covered by insurance?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that may be more suitable for my specific case?

Reference

Authors: Savva D, Nittari G, Gibelli F, Vassiliou A. Journal: Medicine (Baltimore). 2022 May 13;101(19):e29115. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000029115. PMID: 35583525