Abdominoplasty, also known as Abdominal Lipectomy or Tummy Tuck, removes the loose skin, fat deposits and stretch marks of the abdominal region. It includes reconstruction of the abdominal wall (deep structures, muscles and aponeuroses), which restores its firmness. In addition, it accentuates the slimness of your waist and reduces the roundness of your abdomen.

During the process of gaining and losing weight, we can lose the firmness of our abdomen and this can spell the end of the flat belly and slim waist which we would love to have or to regain. Frequently after childbirth, many women try various methods for regaining their figure, but without success.

In a few cases, with just a minor incision you can significantly improve the look of your abdomen, by undergoing a mini-abdominoplasty.

The procedures of Abdominoplasty are frequently carried out along with Liposuction, which helps improve the body’s contours.

SSalutaris is the clinical leader in the field of Plastic Surgery in Guadalajara. Our staff includes a group of highly qualified Plastic Surgeons who will accompany you throughout the entire process until you have achieved the appearance you are looking for.

Abdominoplasty should not be considered a treatment for obesity nor a substitute for good nutrition and exercise.

A suitable candidate for undergoing this aesthetic surgery should be a healthy person with firm and elastic skin, someone who, in spite of following a good diet and doing exercise, has problems eliminating fat from some parts of his or her body.

If you fit these characteristics, have no doubts. You may approach our doctors and they will be pleased to assist you and to answer all your questions.

An Abdominoplasty lasts approximately from two to five hours. It varies according to the quantity of tissue to be removed and the necessity of an additional procedure such as Liposuction. The duration also depends on whether it is a Complete Abdominoplasty or a Mini-abdominoplasty.

Before starting the procedure of Abdominoplasty, the area to be treated is cleaned and locations of the incisions are marked. Once anesthesia has been administered, two incisions are made: one just above the pubic area, extending from hip to hip and another around the navel. Although your surgeon will try to make the incision in a place which can be concealed by a swim suit or underwear, it is important to know that the scar will be permanent.

The skin and layers of fat located on the abdominal wall will be separated from it using a cautery device so that the tissue can be lifted towards the rib cage, exposing the abdominal muscles.

In contrast to this operation, a Mini-abdominoplasty requires only one incision, because in a Partial Abdominoplasty the position of the navel is not affected and there is no need for an incision around it. The one required incision is made just above the pubic area, but is generally shorter than the one used in complete abdominoplasty. Its length and shape will depend on the extent of the treatment and the body’s contours.

To tighten the abdomen, the abdominal muscles will be sutured, pulling and uniting them, thus creating a flatter and firmer abdominal wall as well as a narrower waist.

Now, the layer of skin and fat which was lifted previously will be stretched and firmly pulled over the abdominal wall. Next the skin and fat overlapping the original incision will be removed.

To avoid the accumulation of liquid during healing it is probable that drainage tubes will be placed in the abdomen and will remain there for an average of approximately two weeks. The incisions will be sutured and bandages and gauze will be applied.

To achieve the best results in your Plastic Surgery, at Salutaris we believe that good communication between you and your surgeon is imperative on achieving complete satisfaction with your Abdominoplasty.

In your diagnostic consultation, you and your Plastic Surgeon will talk about the effects you would like to achieve in your abdomen. He will study the area to be treated and the two of you will decide if a complete Abdominoplasty will be necessary or a mini-abdominoplasty.

Your Surgeon will also go over your medical history and will help you learn about every step to be done during the entire procedure. He will also inform you if it is necessary to avoid certain foods, drinks and medications which could slow down the process of recovery.

If, after this explanation, you still have doubts, feel free to ask questions. Your doctor will be happy to assist you.

Few risks are likely to occur in Plastic Surgery of this kind; nevertheless, some could appear. Most of these are infections in the area treated, internal infections, the possibility of liquids accumulating if they are not drained (seroma) and the formation of blood clots. Any setbacks will be supervised and resolved by your doctor, since our packages include follow-up sessions as each case requires.

It is of great importance to take into account all of the doctor’s directions. This will reduce the risk of infections appearing in the treated area and will result in a peaceful recovery.

Having terminated your Abdominal Surgery, you should wear a compression garment. When this garment is properly adjusted, it will contribute to reducing inflammation by avoiding the accumulation of liquid and will provide comfort and support all through the process of healing. It is possible that you will need to use this garment over several weeks.

As with any procedure of Major Surgery, it is probable that you will experience pain and that some hematomas and inflammation will appear. These will diminish over a period of a few weeks. Although you may not be able to stand upright perfectly, it is important that you begin to walk for short periods immediately after the procedure, in order to facilitate the circulation of blood. The sutures will remain in place for up to two weeks.

You will be able to return to your daily life and enjoy your new abdomen after approximately three weeks. This depends on how well you follow the instructions for speeding your recovery.