This is the procedure through which the excess skin and fat are removed from the hub and under and at the same time the abdominal muscles are strengthened (stitched) so that after surgery the abdomen is flat with well-shaped muscles.

Am I the right candidate for abdominoplasty?

Men or Women with:

• Sagging skin at the umbilicus and below.
• Protrusion of the lower abdominal wall in comparison with the rest of the body.
• Diastase of the abdominal muscles after pregnancy.
• Local fat deposits from the navel and down along with sagging skin.
• Women with stretch marks in the umbilicus.
• Drooped pubic area

Visit to the plastic surgeon

During your visit to Dr Kretsis, he will assess the extent of skin looseness whether or not there is excess fat in the abdominal wall, the possibility of a diastase of the abdominal wall as well as the existence of stretch marks. Also he will examine whether other surgeries had preceded in the area as well as the existence or not of hernia or umbilical hernia.

At the same time, it will be assessed if there is a possibility for a simultaneous liposuction and if so it will be suggested to be performed to the sides of the abdominal wall and other abdomen and body areas.

You should also inform Dr Kretsis about your previous medical history, possible medications that you receive, allergies and the nature of your deliveries if you have given birth.

It is necessary to provide all information concerning your previous history.

Where are the incisions placed in abdominoplasty?

The incisions in abdominoplasty concern a horizontal line to the upper pubic area. Through that incision the excess of skin and fat are removed and the abdominal muscles are sutured. The incision is placed quite low in order to be able to be hidden under the panty line. The extent of the incision depends on the scale of the corrected looseness. The greater the looseness the greater the incision’s extent.

In cases of excessive looseness an incision is placed around the navel so as to remove the excess skin and fat above the navel. The navel is repositioned in the middle line. The incision of abdominoplasty has very good healing process and gets barely visible over the years.

Ointment and silicone leaves application eliminates the scar in a great extent.

What are the variations of abdominoplasty & with what other methods can it be performed?

Abdominoplasty may be small (mini) concerning only a minor horizontal section at the upper pubic area without navel transfer and classical abdominoplasty where the navel is relocated to a new position due to skin and fat excess over it.

Abdominoplasty surgery in the hands of Dr Kretsis is always combined with liposuction in order to achieve superior esthetic results and creation (sculpting) of a female body with curves or a male abdominal wall with outlined abdominal muscles.

Liposuction in some parts of the abdominal wall sculpts (Body Countouring) the body offering incredibly aesthetic results.

Also abdominoplasty can be combined with other body interventions for an even more pronounced aesthetic result.

Complications

The probability of complications in this surgery is set on an individual basis because of the existence or not of other medical conditions, drugs that may affect the operation.

The surgery is considered to be safe when specific rules are being followed, regarding the operation, and so the complication rate is very small.

Possible complications are hematoma, infection, delayed healing (especially in smokers) hygromas (seroma) concentration of a small amount of lymphatic fluid under the skin.

All the above concern a very small percentage and is not the norm in everyday operation.

Preparation before surgery

Smoking cessation is an essential precondition because it causes delayed healing, also avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and some nutritional supplements and vitamins because it can cause bleeding because they affect the clotting mechanism.

Before any surgery detailed Hematology, Cardiology and Radiographic tests are performed.

The abdominoplasty (high definition) surgery

The surgery is performed in the certified Metropolitan hospital. It is almost always performed under general anesthesia and the duration is 2-3 hours. If combined with another procedure the duration is longer.

After surgery the patient is transferred to a hospital room and exits the following day. When he/she leaves, he/she wears a specific abdominal belt that supports the abdominal wall.

The patient exits the hospital having along the tubes (drains) which are removed 1-2 days after surgery.

The sutures are not removed, they are absorbable.

The days after surgery

The patient walks normally from the very next day, while for 4-5 days is capable only for indoors activities. He/ she feels no pain except from a slight feeling of tension due to the stretching of the abdominal muscles and skin. This feeling disappears within 6-7 days.

The patient can return to his work after 7-10 days and is able to drive after 15 days.

The result compared to the previous state is impressive from the very next day, though after 4-6 months is even more impressive as the edema has fully subsided.

How long do the results of abdominoplasty last?

The results of surgery are permanent and last for many years, especially if combined with a balanced diet and exercise, are not altered for the rest of the patient’s life.

In conclusion

This is a procedure that changes the body type dramatically and offers a stunning aesthetic result.

In Vk Intitute of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery all the modern techniques and combinational interventions are used in order to achieve an astonishing effect lasting in time.

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