{"id":14352,"date":"2023-06-08T18:31:55","date_gmt":"2023-06-08T17:31:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/blog\/what-to-know-before-an-abdominoplasty\/"},"modified":"2026-08-25T15:23:16","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T14:23:16","slug":"what-to-know-before-an-abdominoplasty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/blog\/what-to-know-before-an-abdominoplasty\/","title":{"rendered":"What should you know before an abdominoplasty?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sudden weight loss and multiple pregnancies can leave the skin loose and sagging. And it is not always possible to correct this problem through diet or exercise. Surgery then becomes the most viable option; that is why we explain <strong><em>what you should know before an abdominoplasty<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is an abdominoplasty?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Abdominoplasty, or <strong>abdominal surgery<\/strong>, is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. This improves the appearance of the belly, since the muscles are reinforced and the skin is tightened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is a more complex procedure than liposuction and requires an incision above the pubis. Through this the skin is stretched and the excess cut away. Finally, the incision is closed and the navel repositioned if necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The size of the scar will depend on the amount of tissue to be removed, and ranges from a mini abdominoplasty to a circumferential abdominoplasty. The latter also takes in the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ideal candidates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;Before undergoing an abdominoplasty, the surgeon must make sure the patient is an ideal candidate for this type of procedure.&nbsp; To do so they have to carry out a general check-up on the patient, verifying that both their physical and mental health are optimal.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, the patient must be at an appropriate, stable weight; that is, they must not be in the middle of losing weight, since fluctuations in size can affect the results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember that abdominoplasty is not weight-loss surgery and that <strong>the patient cannot have obesity<\/strong>, but they must have excess skin and fat to remove, which is the main aim of this type of abdominal surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is also important that the patient has realistic expectations about the results they can obtain after the abdominoplasty and that they are aware of what the recovery process will be like, and of the risks and complications the operation entails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the other hand, <strong>candidates for abdominoplasty<\/strong> must commit to keeping a stable weight after the procedure so that the results last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should you know before undergoing an abdominoplasty?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Abdominoplasty is a popular surgical technique for improving body contour and is performed on both men and women. Although the main reason for having it is aesthetic, it is also done for health, since it helps remove excess weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, by achieving a better figure the patient&#8217;s self-esteem improves and they begin to feel more confident with the new proportions of their body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>abdominoplasty procedure<\/strong> can be complex and undergoing it is a personal decision. Even so, with the right choice of surgeon it is quite safe and the results are satisfying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are considering this option for achieving a flatter, firmer belly, here we tell you what you should know about this procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"424\" src=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/resultados-abdominoplastia.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7946\" style=\"width:481px;height:319px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/resultados-abdominoplastia.jpg 640w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/resultados-abdominoplastia-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/resultados-abdominoplastia-350x232.jpg 350w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/resultados-abdominoplastia-370x245.jpg 370w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/resultados-abdominoplastia-255x169.jpg 255w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/resultados-abdominoplastia-285x189.jpg 285w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/resultados-abdominoplastia-600x398.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What abdominoplasty techniques are there?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are different types of abdominoplasty that are used according to the amount of skin and fat to be removed. These are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Classic abdominoplasty<\/strong>. Removes excess fat and skin in the central part of the abdomen, between the navel and the pubis. A horizontal incision is made from hip to hip.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mini abdominoplasty<\/strong>. Performed when there is a little loose skin and fat above the pubic area. It may or may not involve detaching the navel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Circumferential abdominoplasty<\/strong>. Also known as a 360 abdominoplasty, since it also involves the back.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reverse abdominoplasty<\/strong>. Performed when the excess skin is above the navel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the consultations beforehand, the surgeon will explain the <a href=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/blog\/diferencias-entre-abdominoplastia-y-miniabdominoplastia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">different types of abdominoplasty<\/a> and will explain which is best for your situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long does the surgery take?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How long the procedure takes depends on the type of abdominoplasty being performed. A mini abdominoplasty can take two hours, but the surgery can extend to six hours if it is a full or circumferential procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, it can be combined with other procedures such as <a href=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/liposuccion-y-liposuccion-hd\/\">liposuction<\/a> or the correction of abdominal diastasis, which will add time in the operating room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After surgery the patient must stay at the clinic for between one and three days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is an abdominoplasty recommended?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Abdominoplasty surgery is recommended for women who have excess skin on the abdomen after one or several pregnancies. Likewise, for men and women who have had sudden weight loss that causes the skin on the abdomen to hang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The aim of an abdominoplasty is not to lose weight. In fact, the patient must be close to their ideal weight to have the surgery. What it achieves is a firmer appearance to the abdomen by removing the sagging tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is recovery like?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recovering from an abdominoplasty takes time. For the first ten days the patient must rest; however, it should not be complete rest, and it is recommended to get up and take short walks around the house.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At first you have to walk hunched over so as not to put tension on the scar; after four weeks you can adopt the correct posture. At this point you can take longer walks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recovery can take two months, or even longer. During that time you may have bruising and swelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because of all this it is advisable to prepare to rest for a while before returning to your normal activities. You will be able to go back to work in the third week, if it does not involve activities requiring physical effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The best time of year for an abdominoplasty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First of all, it should be clear that this procedure can be done at any time. You just need to talk to your surgeon to determine which date suits you best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many people do it during their holidays from work to make use of that time off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the other hand, there are also those who prefer to have it during autumn or winter for convenience. In these months recovery is more manageable. For example, loose clothing makes it possible to hide the compression garment needed after surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Preparing for surgery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The surgeon will give the patient all the instructions they need to follow before undergoing an abdominoplasty. These recommendations must be followed so that the procedure and recovery are safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pre-operative care includes having tests to confirm that the patient is healthy; stopping alcohol and tobacco consumption several weeks in advance; keeping the skin moisturised; and not taking medication that affects blood clotting. You should also avoid foods that encourage fluid retention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any questions should be discussed with the surgeon before surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/perdida-de-peso.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7948\" style=\"width:477px;height:318px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/perdida-de-peso.jpg 640w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/perdida-de-peso-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/perdida-de-peso-350x234.jpg 350w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/perdida-de-peso-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/perdida-de-peso-255x170.jpg 255w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/perdida-de-peso-285x190.jpg 285w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/perdida-de-peso-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much weight do you lose after an abdominoplasty?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While abdominoplasty is surgery for improving body contour and not for weight control, you can lose a few kilos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With this surgery it is possible to lose around five kilos by removing the excess skin and fat.&nbsp;The total weight lost will depend on the amount of tissue removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the abdominoplasty scar is like<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When a patient undergoes an abdominoplasty they should expect a large scar. In the traditional procedure, it runs from one hip to the other, just above the pubic area. This way it can be hidden under underwear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the incision can be extended towards the sides or even round to the back if tissue is to be removed from that area. It is also possible that a vertical incision will be needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All of which means that the size and position of the scar will depend on the type of abdominoplasty performed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the first few days after the procedure you will lose sensation where the incision was made. This will come back gradually and can take several months to return completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After 15 days the suture should have healed; however, tension on the area must be avoided. That is why it is recommended to walk hunched over for three weeks and not to sleep with the body fully extended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Likewise, the necessary care must be given to the incision while it is red.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aftercare following surgery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the first two or three days the patient will stay in hospital and the medical staff will take care of them. Once they go home, they need to follow the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.miguelfernandezcalderon.com\/cuidados-tras-una-abdominoplastia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">surgeon&#8217;s instructions<\/a> to ensure a trouble-free recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This care includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keep the drains in for as long as the surgeon says and look after them as instructed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Observe the rest period the specialist recommends. Recovery will take at least two months, during which physical effort must be avoided.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sleep on your back with your legs slightly bent or your upper body slightly raised to avoid tension in the central area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The patient should shower daily once the drains are removed. If you have a compression garment, use a sponge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Look after the scar; for that you can use scar-reducing strips once it has closed completely.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid smoking, since it delays healing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wear the compression garment for as long as the surgeon indicates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not do strength exercises until at least two months after surgery or as your doctor recommends.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are the results permanent?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintaining the results of an abdominoplasty<\/strong> will depend on the patient. That is why they must commit to a healthy lifestyle and avoid weight fluctuations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you gain weight the skin will stretch again, and if you lose more than five kilos after the operation, you will notice excess skin once more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are there non-surgical alternatives?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The results you can get from an abdominoplasty cannot be compared with those of other non-surgical procedures, since this surgery achieves striking results. However, procedures such as cryolipolysis, which freezes the fat so that it is then eliminated naturally, offer good results and improvements in the general appearance of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Radiofrequency and ultrasound can also help achieve a firmer abdomen and a more defined figure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits and risks of abdominoplasty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding the advantages and the possible complications of abdominal surgery allows the patient to make an informed, conscious decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aesthetic and functional advantages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thanks to an abdominoplasty you can obtain improvements in the appearance of the abdomen,&nbsp; making it look flatter and firmer. It also helps reduce stretch marks in the abdominal area and improves the silhouette, giving a more streamlined figure and a smaller waist. This in turn brings the benefit that the patient feels more comfortable with the way their body looks and increases their confidence and self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As for functional improvements, an abdominoplasty strengthens the abdominal wall and can correct hernias, as well as improving posture. It can equally, in some cases, improve or solve urinary incontinence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Potential complications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Abdominoplasty is invasive surgery, so it carries certain risks and complications that it is important to know about before undergoing the procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Infections in the incisions or the treated area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adverse reactions to the anaesthetic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Possible bleeding during surgery or in the post-operative period.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Healing problems or the appearance of seromas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pain, numbness and tingling caused by nerve damage during surgery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every patient is different and their body can react differently to surgery; however, many of these risks can be reduced by choosing a qualified professional who carries out a proper pre-operative check-up and whose experience can deliver a successful result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Risks of an abdominoplasty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As with any surgery there is a risk of haematomas, seromas, swelling and infection after an abdominoplasty. As well as those related to the anaesthetic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To avoid complications the surgeon must make sure the patient is in good health. And the patient must follow all medical instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/DSC02773-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7953\" style=\"width:584px;height:389px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/DSC02773-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/DSC02773-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/DSC02773-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/DSC02773-350x233.jpg 350w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/DSC02773-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/DSC02773-255x170.jpg 255w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/DSC02773-285x190.jpg 285w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/DSC02773-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/DSC02773-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/DSC02773-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/DSC02773-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/DSC02773-scaled.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choose a certified plastic surgeon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are going to have this surgery, choose <a href=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/abdominoplastia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the best abdominoplasty surgeon in Madrid<\/a>. That way you can be sure of a good result and the risks of complications are reduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Confirm the surgeon&#8217;s credentials before undergoing surgery. Also make sure they have experience in abdominoplasty and ask them to show you photographs of previous procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A good surgeon will answer all your questions with clear reasoning and will not hesitate to talk about their background and show you previous work. In addition, they will recommend the best technique and will be honest about what is best for you, making sure you have realistic expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This information sums up what you should know before undergoing an abdominoplasty. It is important to clear up all your questions so you know whether this is the right surgery for you.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sudden weight loss and multiple pregnancies can leave the skin loose and sagging. And it is not always possible to correct this problem through diet or exercise. Surgery then becomes the most viable option; that is why we explain what you should know before an abdominoplasty.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":7945,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_mbp_gutenberg_autopost":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[101],"class_list":["post-14352","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sin-categorizar","tag-abdominoplastia"],"modified_by":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14352","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14352"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14352\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7945"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14352"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14352"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14352"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}