There are several types of plastic surgeries that can be performed on the belly to eliminate fat located in the abdomen or excess skin, leaving the belly flatter and firmer, improving the body contour.
These surgeries are normally recommended for people who have lost a lot of weight, but they can also be used by women who have had multiple pregnancies, or just by those who want to change the appearance of the abdomen.
Regardless of the type, plastic surgery should always be recommended and performed by a plastic surgeon, according to the characteristics of each person, the areas to be treated and the desired results.
The main types of plastic surgery that can be used on the belly are:
1. Liposuction
Liposuction is especially recommended by plastic surgeons to remove fat located in the lower part of the navel, upper part or on the sides of the abdomen and can be done on people who do not have excess skin and who are close to their ideal weight, and is not recommended for anyone who wants to lose a lot of weight or suffers from obesity.
In this type of treatment, the fat accumulated in the belly is removed through small cuts made in the skin, where a thin tube is inserted that releases and vacuums the fat, allowing the body contour to be improved.
2. Liposculpture
Liposculpture is indicated for removing the accumulation of fat in the abdomen and lack of fatty tissue in other parts of the body, which leaves an irregular silhouette. This is because during the liposculpture procedure, the plastic surgeon removes localized fat from the belly and strategically places this fat in another location on the body, in order to improve and harmonize the body contour.
The fat removed from the abdomen goes through a purification process and is then placed on other parts of the body, usually on the thighs, buttocks, or facial creases, for example, and the results can be seen approximately 45 days after the procedure. .
3. Classic abdominoplasty
Classic abdominoplasty is particularly recommended for removing localized fat and excess skin left on the belly after major weight loss or multiple pregnancies, for example, or even to improve the aesthetics of the abdomen in men or women.
In this type of treatment, the plastic surgeon can also sew the rectus abdominis muscle to strengthen the muscles of the abdominal wall and make the belly even firmer, and remake the navel, as the surgery is performed from the abdominal region below the breasts to the pelvis. . Understand how abdominoplasty is performed and what the risks are.
4. Modified tummy tuck
Modified abdominoplasty, or modified vertical abdominoplasty, is one in which the region of fat and skin to be removed is found only in the region located just below the navel. It is particularly recommended for people who have managed to lose weight and reach their ideal weight, but who are left with a sagging belly, similar to a ‘bag’.
This type of surgery is performed without touching the navel, but removing skin and fat from the abdomen, starting just below the navel up to the pelvis, and leaving a vertical scar, in the shape of an inverted T.
5. Mini tummy tuck
Mini abdominoplasty is recommended to remove the accumulation of fat in the lower navel region, closer to the pubis, in cases of people who are close to their ideal weight, but who have excess skin or fat in the abdominal region that is difficult to eliminate with diet and physical exercises, or to correct scars, such as those from a cesarean section or another aesthetic procedure.
This type of surgery is less complex than a complete abdominoplasty or modified abdominoplasty, as only a small cut is made in the belly, not touching the navel, and it is not necessary to sew the abdominal muscles.
6. Lipoabdominoplastia
In lipoabdominoplasty, the plastic surgeon can combine two types of techniques in the same surgical procedure, performing liposuction on the upper and lateral part of the abdomen and then performing an abdominoplasty on the lower part of the belly, being recommended for people who have lost a lot of weight or women who have had multiple pregnancies, and have excess skin and fat on their belly.
What is recovery like from surgery?
Recovery from belly plastic surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed, but generally takes between 2 and 4 months. During this period it is important to take some precautions such as:
- Use abdominal belt throughout the day, for the period of time established by the doctor;
- Take the medicine indicated by the doctor at the correct times;
- Avoid efforts in the first months;
- Avoid sunbathing until the doctor authorizes it;
- Walk slightly bent over forward during the first 15 days to avoid opening the stitches;
- Sleeping from belly to toplying back and with legs bent during the first 15 days, avoiding sleeping on your side or stomach;
- Wear compression stockingsas per medical advice.
In addition, manual lymphatic drainage sessions should be performed every other day, starting approximately 3 days after surgery, as advised by the doctor.
Normally, it is possible to return to day-to-day activities in about 1 month depending on the surgery performed and following medical recommendations correctly.
It is important to always follow medical recommendations after belly plastic surgery, as care may vary depending on the type of procedure performed.
