Our Summary

The research paper talks about a study on patients who underwent a second abdominoplasty, which is a surgical procedure often referred to as a “tummy tuck”. The study was done between 2007 and 2016 on 147 patients, both men and women. These patients were not fully satisfied with their first abdominoplasty that was done somewhere else.

In this study, the authors used a new technique called “truncal liposculpting” in addition to the standard abdominoplasty. This technique involves removing fat from certain areas (like the waist or upper abdomen) and then adding it to other areas (like the buttocks or lower limbs) to create a more balanced and attractive body shape.

The study found out that 75% of the patients rated their appearance after the procedure as ‘very good’ to ’excellent’ and 20% considered their appearance as ‘good’. Only 5% of the patients rated their appearance as less than good. There were no major complications or infections from the procedure.

The authors conclude that this new technique of combining fat removal and redistribution with abdominoplasty can provide really good results in just one surgical procedure. It has a low risk of complications and most patients are highly satisfied with the results.

FAQs

  1. What is the “truncal liposculpting” technique mentioned in the study?
  2. What were the satisfaction rates of patients who underwent the second abdominoplasty with truncal liposculpting technique?
  3. According to the study, what are the risks associated with combining fat removal and redistribution with abdominoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about abdominoplasty is to discuss with your surgeon about the possibility of incorporating truncal liposculpting into the procedure for a more balanced and attractive body shape. This technique has been shown to provide excellent results with a low risk of complications. It is important to have realistic expectations and to follow post-operative care instructions for optimal results.

Suitable For

Therefore, patients who are not fully satisfied with the results of a previous abdominoplasty and are looking to improve the appearance of their abdomen and overall body shape may be recommended for a second abdominoplasty with truncal liposculpting. This can help to achieve a more balanced and attractive body contour with high patient satisfaction rates.

Timeline

Overall, a patient considering abdominoplasty would typically start by consulting with a plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and expectations. They would then undergo a physical evaluation to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

Before the surgery, the patient would receive pre-operative instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, such as avoiding certain medications and foods. The surgery itself usually takes a few hours and involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen, tightening the abdominal muscles, and reshaping the remaining tissue.

After the surgery, the patient would need to follow post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include wearing compression garments, taking pain medication as needed, and avoiding strenuous activities for a certain period of time.

In the weeks and months following the surgery, the patient would gradually see the results of the procedure as swelling goes down and the body heals. They would likely have follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their progress and address any concerns.

Overall, abdominoplasty can provide significant improvements in body contour and self-confidence for patients who are unhappy with excess abdominal skin and fat. With proper preparation and care, most patients can achieve satisfying results with low risk of complications.

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? Are there any specific medical conditions or factors that could affect my eligibility for the procedure?
  3. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  4. What is the recovery process like after abdominoplasty? How long will it take for me to fully recover?
  5. What results can I realistically expect from abdominoplasty?
  6. Will there be any scarring from the procedure? If so, how noticeable will it be and how can it be minimized?
  7. How long do the results of abdominoplasty typically last?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could achieve similar results to abdominoplasty?
  9. How many abdominoplasty procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  10. Can you explain the specific technique you will be using for my abdominoplasty procedure, and why you believe it is the best option for me?

Reference

Authors: Sterodimas A, Boriani F, Nicaretta B, Pereira LH. Journal: Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2019 Feb;43(1):155-162. doi: 10.1007/s00266-018-1176-0. Epub 2018 Jun 13. PMID: 29948100