Abdominal Surgery (Dermolipectomy)

Indication:
With aging, repeated pregnancies, alternating periods of weight gain and loss, there happens a flaccid bulging of the abdominal wall, caused by excess fat and mainly excess skin.
Dermolipectomy remodels the abdomen by removing the excess tissue (skin and fat) accumulated below the navel and also by adjusting the loose muscular belt. It is not a surgical procedure for losing weight, but for remodeling the abdomen.

Type of anesthesia:
Usually peridural anesthesia is used, but also rachianesthesia, general and, more rarely, local anesthesia may be utilized.

Length of hospital stay:
Usually 24 hours, depending on the speed of recovery and on the doctor's orientation.

Postoperative:
The patient must keep the abdominal drain for a few days, after which it will be removed following the orientation of the attending physician.
The patient should avoid making physical effort and should maintain a bent position for up to 15 days, to avoid tension on the surgical wound. Physical exercise should be avoided for at least one month.
An elastic bandage should be used for at least one month, or as recommended by the doctor.

Complications:
Among the possible, although infrequent, complications, we should mention: hematoma, seroma, infection, skin injury, dehiscence (separation of the suture edges). However, when the surgery is correctly indicated, the surgical technique is well performed and pre- and postoperative care is followed, very seldom there are complications.
Since these complications are more often found in smoking subjects, patients should refrain from smoking during the 30 days before surgery, in order to minimize risks.

Definitive result:
The definitive result of a dermolipectomy is reached 6 months after the surgery, this period being necessary for the accommodation of the tissues and for the maturation of the scar.