Abdominal Surgery After Major Weight Loss

Indication:
After major weight loss, with the drastic reduction of the volume of abdominal fat, there is a flaccid bulging of the abdominal wall, due to the excess of skin. As a consequence of the major skin stretching during the period of obesity, the skin loses part of it elasticity and, when weight loss takes place, it does not retract sufficiently, causing the so-called "abdominal apron", characterized by a pendular skin fold below the navel.
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) remodels the abdomen by removing the excess tissue (skin and fat) accumulated mainly 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:
Anesthesia may be peridural or general.

Length of hospital stay:
Usually between 24 and 48 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 as determined by the responsible 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 a month and a half, or as recommended by the doctor.

Complications:
Among the possible complications, we should mention: hematoma, seroma, infection, necrosis (skin injury), dehiscence (opening of the surgical wound), cheloid, thrombosis, and embolism.
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. If the patient makes use of oral contraceptives, these should be discontinued one month before surgery, and another contraceptive method being used during this period.

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