v     Abdominoplasty is an aesthetic (cosmetic) surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and to tighten the abdominal muscles. One may wish to have an abdominoplasty if the abdomen is affected by obesity, skin laxity following pregnancy or weight loss, or scars from previous surgery. Reducing and recontouring abdominal skin and fat improve the overall body appearance. It is neither a substitute for weight reduction nor a cure for obesity.

v     The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthetia. Excess skin and fat is removed from the lower abdomen and the abdominal muscles tightened. In some patients the navel is repositioned. In most circumstances the scars can be hidden inside the bikini line where they may be easy to conceal. However scarring is an individual characteristic and can vary from patient to patient.

v     Following abdominoplasty, there is often a feeling of tightness in the lower abdomen and there is usually an area of diminished sensation that persists for several months. A collection of fluid may form under the skin and require aspiration. Infection is rare and is treated promptly with antibiotics should it occur.

v     The best results are obtained in patients of near normal weight with some laxity of the abdominal skin or a slight excess of fat or bulging of the abdominal muscles. The result is usually permanent although of course excessive weight changes or future pregnancies may undo some of the benefits of the surgery.

v     Most people return to work within two to four weeks, and to more vigorous exercise after six weeks.

Liposuction (Lipectomy)

v     Suction assisted lipectomy is an aesthetic (cosmetic) surgical procedure designed to remove localized collections of fat, such as occur on the thighs, buttocks and abdomen, as well as the arms, neck and under the chin. Surgical lipectomy, which involves removal of excess skin, as well as fat, may be advised instead, or in addition to suction lipectomy.

v     Suction lipectomy may be used to improve your overall body appearance by reducing and recon touring localized collections of fat. Suction lipectomy is ideal for patients who have bulges that persist after diet and exercise. It is not a substitute for weight loss. Usually the overlying skin will contract following suction lipectomy, however in some circumstances a procedure designed to remove excess skin may also be required.

v     One must remember that this is neither a substitute for weight reduction nor a cure for obesity.

v     Either local or general anaesthesia may be advised, depending on the extent of the procedure. A cannula attached to a high-powered suction pump is inserted through a small incision and the bulging fat removed. A pressure garment is usually worn for 2-3 months post-operatively in order to decrease bruising and swelling and to encourage the skin to contract to the new shape. Because of their small size (usually about 1 cm) scars are not usually significant after liposuction.

v     Bruising and swelling are common - the bruising usually subsiding in 3 weeks and the swelling in 8 weeks. Other complications such as infection and prominent scars are unusual. Slight irregularities such as grooving under the skin may occur and this may be accompanied by looseness of the skin-although the skin does usually contract over a period of time.

v     Most activities may be resumed within a few weeks. Many return to work after one week, and some even sooner.