Abdominoplasty (also known as panniculectomy or abdominal lipectomy) is a surgical procedure performed on the abdomen to remove excess fat, skin and tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall.
Dr. Victor Urzola is a board-certified plastic surgeon who offers an unparalleled level of experience and research-based expertise with elegant, natural-looking results. To schedule an appointment for a consultation go to the contact page. In addition to serving patients from Costa Rica, Mexico and the United States, we welcome patients from all over the world. Dr. Urzola speaks Italian, Spanish, English and French.
This procedure can dramatically reduce abdominal protrusion and can be performed on its own or in conjunction with other procedures such as laser liposuction of the lumbar region to achieve a slimmer figure.
A good candidate for abdominoplasty is a healthy patient who has developed skin and abdominal muscle laxity due to pregnancy and excess weight. Patients who plan to lose a large amount of weight are advised to postpone surgery until they have done so, as well as women who plan to become pregnant.
An abdominoplasty usually takes about 2 to 3 hours depending on the work to be performed. During the procedure:
An incision is made extending from hip to hip across the lower abdomen passing over the pubis.
Another incision is made to free the umbilicus.
The skin and fat of the lower abdomen is removed and the skin above the navel is separated from the abdominal wall down to the lower ribs.
The abdominal muscles are brought closer together by suturing them from the solar plexus to the pubis, resulting in a firmer abdomen and a narrower waist.
The separated skin is stretched towards the pubis and sutured in its new position.
A new opening is made to reposition the umbilicus which can be reshaped to improve its shape. In some cases this procedure can be combined with liposuction to improve the contour.
A drain is placed under the skin to remove excess fluid. This drain is a small tube that comes out through a small incision in the pubic area and is removed approximately one week after the procedure.
The incisions are sutured with an absorbable thread that disintegrates and does not need to be removed.
Gauze gauze and an abdominal binder are applied, which provides support to the abdominal wall for one month.
Once the procedure is completed, patients remain in the hospital where they are carefully monitored for one or two nights depending on the procedure performed. When Dr. Urzola deems it appropriate, patients may return home and in the case of foreign patients, they will be transported to a recovery hotel where they will be monitored by trained personnel. Post-operative follow-up appointments will be coordinated with Dr. Urzola. In the first few days after surgery your abdomen will be swollen and you will experience some pain and discomfort. A pain management protocol will be used to significantly reduce this.
Patients are advised to rest as much as possible for one week and avoid physical exertion for 30 days. Recovery time varies from person to person, however full recovery is achieved in approximately one month. You will experience a stretching sensation in the skin which usually disappears after 6 weeks.
Sensory disturbances may occur in the abdominal region with a feeling of numbness, which may persist for several months, but usually by the end of the fourth week you will feel in excellent condition.
There will be a permanent scar as a result of this procedure, however it is placed as low as possible so that it can be hidden by most undergarments and bathing suits. The scar will evolve over a period of approximately months stabilizing about 9 months after the procedure when it is generally clear and flat.
Once you leave the hospital; here's what you need to know:
Drainage: During surgery, a drain is placed to evacuate the fluid that accumulates after surgery, this allows you to heal faster. You must quantify the 24-hour discharge of each one, write it down and bring it to each appointment.
Pain: will be relieved with analgesics.
Edema in the abdomen and pubis: gradually decreases, disappearing
around the third week.
Small areas of ecchymosis (bruising): on the abdomen, which
will disappear within a month.
The sensitivity of the abdomen will be diminished.
Constipation: is a side effect of decreased activity,
the use of analgesics and dehydration.
Increased swelling or bruising.
Redness along the incision.
Severe or increased pain that is not relieved by medication.
Rash, nausea, headache, vomiting or constipation.
Fever.
Yellowish or greenish drainage from incisions or notice an unpleasant odor
.
Keep the incisions clean and dry.
You can take a bath, if your hair gets wet, dry it with the hair dryer, at
cold.
Do not remove the caps.
You should wear the compression garment all day; only remove it for bathing.
The sutures are removed between the first and second week after surgery.
What medication will I receive after surgery?
Analgesics.
Anti-inflammatory drugs.
Antibiotics.
Anticoagulants.
What should my activity level be?
Sleep with your head slightly elevated and pillows under your knees to decrease tension on the incision.
Walk slightly bent forward for the first 3 weeks.
Do not make any special attempt to stretch or straighten the abdomen.
Start walking as soon as possible: this helps reduce swelling, decreases the chance of developing blood clots and
constipation.
Do not drive: until 1 month after surgery.
Avoid lifting heavy objects.
Sexual activity prohibited until 1 month later.
Light exercise up to 1 month later, high impact such as weights, after
3 months.
Do not smoke or be around a smoker; this may delay the healing process
.
You are a single person and we treat your procedure as such, the cost of abdominoplasty may vary from patient to patient, fill out the form below for more information.
