Our Summary

This research article is about lipoabdominoplasty, a type of plastic surgery that reshapes the abdomen. The authors aim to provide a comprehensive guide on how to perform this procedure safely and effectively. They discuss best practices for planning and marking the surgery, performing a specific technique called rectus plication, and understanding the use of drugs to prevent illness after the surgery. They also suggest how to determine the ideal placement and shape for a patient’s belly button after the operation. The article emphasizes the importance of safety as this procedure has one of the highest rates of complications and deaths in the field of plastic surgery. The authors also explore the blend of art and science involved in this procedure and discuss differing opinions on its artistic aspects.

FAQs

  1. What is lipoabdominoplasty and what does it involve?
  2. What is the importance of safety in lipoabdominoplasty and why does it have a high rate of complications?
  3. What is rectus plication and why is it used in lipoabdominoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may tell a patient considering abdominoplasty to make sure they are in good overall health before undergoing the procedure. This includes maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking. Additionally, it is important for patients to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery and to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for abdominoplasty, including lipoabdominoplasty, are those who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that is resistant to diet and exercise. This includes patients who have undergone significant weight loss, women who have experienced pregnancy and childbirth, and individuals with genetic predisposition to store fat in the abdomen. It is important for patients to be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery. Additionally, patients should be non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before and after the procedure to reduce the risk of complications.

Timeline

Before abdominoplasty:

  1. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals, expectations, and candidacy for the surgery.
  2. Pre-operative evaluation to assess overall health and determine if any pre-existing conditions could affect the surgery.
  3. Pre-surgical instructions, including guidelines on diet, medications, and smoking cessation.
  4. Surgical planning, including marking the areas to be treated and discussing the specific technique to be used.

After abdominoplasty:

  1. Recovery period, which typically involves wearing a compression garment, managing pain with prescribed medications, and following post-operative care instructions.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the plastic surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  3. Gradual return to normal activities, including light exercise and resuming work duties.
  4. Long-term results, which may include improved body contour, reduced excess skin and fat in the abdomen, and increased self-confidence.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with abdominoplasty?
  2. Am I a good candidate for abdominoplasty, and are there any alternative procedures that may be more suitable for me?
  3. How long is the recovery period, and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort after the surgery?
  4. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a specific diet or exercise regimen before or after the surgery?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure, and how will I be monitored during and after the surgery?
  6. What kind of scarring can I expect, and how can I minimize its appearance?
  7. How many abdominoplasty procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  8. Can you show me before and after photos of patients who have undergone abdominoplasty?
  9. What is the cost of the procedure, and will it be covered by insurance?
  10. What post-operative care and follow-up appointments will be necessary for optimal results?

Reference

Authors: Boudreault DJ, Sieber DA. Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019 Mar;143(3):628e-636e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000005378. PMID: 30817666