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Q: HOW MUCH WEIGHT WILL I LOSE WITH ABDOMINAL DERMOLIPECTOMY? |
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A: Since this is a procedure to remove certain amounts of skin and fat,
there will obviously be a reduction in body weight, which varies with
the volume of each patient’s abdomen. However, the aesthetic result
is determined not by the amount of fat removed, but by the abdomen being
made in proportion with the rest of the body. Paradoxically, the less
fat that is removed, the better the aesthetic results. Most of the women
who have had one or more pregnancies present with a “flaccid belly”
with sagging skin and some excess fat in the abdominal region. This
surgery produces excellent results for these cases. In overweight patients
the results will also be worth it, with improved body contour; it should
be reminded, however, that fatty deposits in other regions adjacent
to the abdomen will still persist and therefore clinical or physiotherapeutic
treatments should follow, to balance out one’s figure proportionally.
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Q: DOES SURGERY OF THE ABDOMEN LEAVE A VERY CONSPICUOUS SCAR? |
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A: The scar that results from a dermolipectomy is placed horizontally
just above the pubic hair and extends laterally, with its length depending
on the extent of the abdominal area to be corrected. This scar is planned
to be covered by a bikini or even a Brazilian tanga (depending on the
case), and inevitably goes through the following stages:
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Q: HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE DEFINITE RESULT? |
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A: A description of the scar and the way it develops is given in the
previous answer. A few observations remain to be made regarding the
new abdomen, its firmness, sensitivity, volume, etc.
1- For
the first months, the abdomen will feel numb and may develop periods
of swelling that resolve spontaneously.
2- In this
phase, it may have a “taut” or “flat” appearance
which will gradually improve with specific body-shaping exercises, eventually
achieving its definite look. No result should be considered definite
before 12-18 months have elapsed post-operatively.
| ·
Q: IS IT TRUE THAT A NEW NAVEL (“BELLY BUTTON”) WILL
BE MADE? |
·
A: No. Your own navel will be repositioned, and reshaped if necessary.
One point to consider is that the small circular scar around the navel
goes through the same healing phases as the scar across the pubic area
(described in answer 2). There are various techniques for repositioning
the navel. However, regardless of the technique used, anomalies in the
development of the scar can occur, which might require surgical revision.
This minor surgery can be performed under local anesthesia a few months
later.
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Q: CAN ABDOMINAL DERMOLIPECTOMY REMOVE THAT EXCESS FAT FROM THE
STOMACH AREA? |
·
A: Whether it is possible depends on your torso (i.e. thorax, abdomen
and pelvis). In the case of a short torso, excess fat can hardly be
removed from the upper abdomen, while for a long torso a more favourable
result will be achieved. The thickness of the panniculus adiposus (fat
pad), which lines this area, is also very important in this respect.
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Q: WHAT TYPE OF SWIMWEAR WILL FIT ME AFTER SURGERY? |
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A: That completely depends on your choice. Obviously, the wearing of
more revealing bikini bottoms will be limited to those cases in which
the scar looks more natural. Remember that the surgeon’s scalpel
only improves the shape of your body, which can be further enhanced
by an aesthetician or a physiotherapist, provided that these complementary
treatments start in the first weeks after surgery.
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Q: CAN I HAVE CHILDREN IN THE FUTURE? WILL A PREGNANCY IMPAIR THE
RESULT? |
·
A: Your gynecologist can discuss the advisability of a future pregnancy
with you. The result of the dermolipectomy may be preserved if your
weight gain is controlled by your doctor throughout your new pregnancy.
Nevertheless, our advice is that you should postpone the operation until
after your family is complete.
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Q: I HAVE HEARD THAT THE POST-OPERATIVE PERIOD OF AN ABDOMINAL DERMOLIPECTOMY
IS VERY PAINFUL, IS THIS TRUE? |
·
A: No. A dermolipectomy with a normal post-operative period is not painful.
Actually, there is a great misunderstanding on the part of certain patients
who have had other gynecologic surgeries in conjunction with dermolipectomy
and therefore report post-operative pain. Not all surgeons recommend
this combination of surgeries because it carries a certain degree of
post-operative risk, has unpleasant effects such as pain, and produces
less favourable results.
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Q: ARE THERE ANY DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SURGERY? |
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A: Rarely does a dermolipectomy surgery involve serious complications
when it is performed in compliance with technical criteria. This is
because each individual is conveniently educated and prepared for the
surgical procedure, and the convenience of performing this surgery in
conjunction with other surgeries is thoroughly discussed. A dermolipectomy
is neither more nor less dangerous than travelling by plane or car,
or even crossing the street.
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Q: WHAT KIND OF ANESTHESIA IS USED FOR THIS SURGERY? |
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A: General or epidural anesthesia. In special cases, some surgeons use
local anesthesia with sedation.
| ·
Q: HOW LONG DOES THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE TAKE? |
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A: It generally takes 90-120 minutes. This time may be prolonged, depending
on the individual patient. However, the operating time should not be
confused with the length of stay in the Surgery Center, which also involves
both preparation for anesthesia and post-operative recovery. Your surgeon
can tell you the total amount of time.
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Q: HOW LONG IS THE HOSPITAL STAY? |
·
A: 1 to 3 days (normal recovery).
| ·
Q: WILL DRESSINGS BE USED? |
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A: Yes. Special dressings, periodically changed by the surgeon’s
staff.
| ·
Q: WHEN WILL THE STITCHES BE REMOVED? |
·
A: Selective removal of the stitches starts around the eighth day and
continues for the following days. The time required for complete removal
rarely exceeds 2 weeks.
| ·
Q: WHEN WILL I BE ALLOWED TO SHOWER? |
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A: Usually, 3 days after surgery.
| ·
Q: WHAT IS THE POST-OPERATIVE PERIOD LIKE? |
·
A: You should keep in mind that, after this type of surgery, you will
go through several phases before the desired result is achieved. In
answer 2, you have learned about the healing process (until to the 18th
month); and in answer 3, you were given a description of the abdomen
concerning the way it improves in shape, its sensitivity, firmness,
etc. Some patients may experience a certain degree of anxiety along
this period, caused by the short-term effects (i.e. edema, numbness,
unsightliness of the scar, etc.). This feeling reflects their desire
to see results as soon as possible, and gradually subsides as they begin
to look and feel better. Remember, the definite result is only achieved
12-18 months after surgery. Therefore, however anxious you may be to
have this result before its due time, you will have to be patient while
your body resolves all those transitory effects that will inevitably
catch the attention of someone who will not refrain from making a thoughtless
remark, like “IS IT REALLY GOING TO GET BETTER?” Needless
to say, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact
us, and we will give you all the necessary explanations to ease your
anxiety. In very obese patients, after the eighth day a moderate amount
of a yellowish liquid may drain through one or more stitches along the
scar. This is no more than transudation associated with liquefaction
and elimination of residual fat near the scar, and does not constitute
a complication. There are means of preventing this leakage from occurring
at an inconvenient time.
| INSTRUCTIONS
REGARDING ABDOMINAL DERMOLIPECTOMY |
A) PRE-OPERATIVE
INSTRUCTIONS:
These comments on abdominal plastic surgery are intended to clarify some of the issues that certainly are of interest to you at the moment. There is incorrect information going around concerning this procedure, generated from exceptional cases in which it was performed either by a non-qualified professional or in conjunction with other major surgeries in the abdominal cavity, with increased risk and post-operative prognostic.
