Abdominoplasty
Following pregnancy or significant weight loss, women can develop a persistent "pooch" of the abdomen. Despite diet and sit-ups, the pooch remains. This occurs because the muscles of the abdomen become stretched and separated and the elasticity of the skin is weakened (stretchmarks). After pregnancy or weight loss, the abdominal muscles do not pull back to the midline as before but settle in their newly stretched out state. The abdominal skin loses elasticity and hangs, leading to the "post partum pooch." Despite diet, exercise and sit-ups, the abdominal muscles will not go back together, nor will the skin tighten back to where it was before. In these cases, an abdominoplasty offers an effective and safe method to restore your flatter abdominal contour.
In an abdominoplasty, the excess fat and skin from the abdominal area are removed and the separated abdominal muscles are tightened back together. The excess skin of the lower abdomen is removed and the skin is redraped in a smooth contour. Stretch marks on the lower abdomen are also removed in this process.
The abdominoplasty procedure
The procedures involves placing an incision along the lower edge of the abdomen (in the C-section line), which is usually concealed by bikini and underwear. The length of the incision will be determined by the amount of excess skin to be removed. There is also a small well-concealed incision around the belly button.The abdominoplasty is a relatively invasive surgery and the complete recovery time is 2-3 months. In the first 2-3 weeks, you will need to rest and significantly curb your physical activity. You will have two drains for the first 1-2 weeks after surgery. By 3-4 weeks after surgery, you turn a corner and activities of daily life become easier. Walking and driving can be done as tolerated. You may not exercise or lift anything heavy for 8-10 weeks after surgery. This operation involves operating on your abdominal muscles. In order to minimize the chance of post operative complications, it is important that these muscles are not stressed for 8-10 weeks after surgery. You will also need to significantly curb your physical activity.
As the swelling gradually resorbs over the first 4 months after surgery, the results of your abdominoplasty can be seen in a slimmer, flatter abdominal profile.
Testimonials
"I struggled to get back in shape after having my children and was frustrated that I couldn't get to the shape I wanted. Upon recommendation from my Doctor, I saw Dr. Ma and came to understand that I would never get those muscles that had been stretched out and had a gap in them- to go back the way they had been before -by myself. After the surgery, I feel like the effort I make to stay in shape is showing. My husband loves the way I look and knows I did all I could and with the help of Dr. Ma, I am to where I feel good about myself. I have had many people comment on how well I look and I am so glad I had the surgery done. I still have to work to keep in shape, but I can stay there now. Truthfully, the recovery was longer than I expected, but it was so worth it.""I had abdominoplasty done by Dr. Ma. As a patient and a medical student, I was impressed by professionalism and confidence of Dr. Ma. When you go through a surgery you want to make sure your life and body are in good hands. Dr. Ma made me feel very comfortable throughout the whole process. I am very satisfied with the result as well. The surgery greatly improved my self image and level of comfort. Thank you! If ever I need expertise in area of plastic surgery I know where to go."
