Abdominoplasty is an operation to remove excess skin, adipose tissue and at the same time to restore muscle tone. In almost all cases, as a result of pregnancy or overweight, a diastasis of the rectus abdominals occurs. This condition is characterized by abdominal separation, which involves, in addition to cosmetic damage, also functional problems such as back pain, digestive difficulties, etc. 

Stretch marks, if present, can be eliminated with the excess skin that is removed. A horizontal aesthetic scar is formed, positioned very low and easily concealable under the bikini line.

 

Pre-operative recommendations

It is advisable not to schedule surgery immediately before or during the menstrual period. Inform the surgeon of any treatment with drugs such as: cortisone, antihypertensive, contraceptive, hypoglycemic, anticoagulant, cardioactive or tranquilizing drugs, etc. 

Stop taking medications containing acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin, Ascriptin, Bufferin, Cemerit, Vivin C, etc.) at least 10 days before surgery. Patients being treated with oral contraceptives are advised to stop taking them one month before surgery. It is necessary to abstain from smoking (active and passive) for at least two weeks before surgery (the incidence of complications is 10 times higher in patients who smoke). The onset of colds, sore throats, coughs and skin diseases should be flagged. Should there be a need to take any drug not reported during the anesthetic interview, inform immediately Dr. Battistella to assess its use. Do not eat or drink from midnight the day before: fasting is required. 

The day of the surgery 

Take a bath with a good skin cleanser and do not apply cream to the body. For a few days after the surgery, it will not be possible to wet the body.

Bring to the clinic: 

- Original pre-operative examination reports. 

- Clothing: 

• wear comfortable clothes; 
• a top that can be opened at the front (e.g. sweatshirt, blouse);
• cotton linen (underwear and socks); 
• practical clothes to wear during your stay in the clinic; 
• a pair of slippers. 

- Payment of the procedure - The payment for the procedure must be received on the day of the surgery: 

• by cash; 
• by check 

Accommodation in the clinic includes a single or double room depending on the number of surgeries on the day and departmental needs. Therefore, in order to avoid disturbing those who have just undergone surgery, only one visitor / partner per person is allowed. 

After the abdominoplasty

At discharge, wear a supporting girdle that must never be removed for the entire period indicated by Dr. Tommaso Battistella. 

Generally, two drains are inserted and removed after 2-3 days. In rare cases, due to an abundant formation of serum and lymph, these drains are maintained for a longer period. 

From 10 to 20 days, avoid doing heavy work or lifting weights. Resuming work or sport must be gradual. 

Do not smoke for at least 7 days. It is possible to have a shower only after the removal of the sutures. 

For at least a month, avoid direct exposure to the sun and intense heat (e.g. sauna). However, it is advisable to protect the scars with high protection sun creams until they are completely healed. 

Keep the dressing dry and clean. Surgical scars need at least 10-12 months to stabilize and during this period they will noticeably improve spontaneously. Nonetheless, a small revision may be required to improve the results. Areas of hypoesthesia of the abdominal wall are not uncommon, and they normally disappear spontaneously.

The patient will have to carry out check-ups at Dr. Battistella’s office as per specific guidelines. After the first consultations deemed appropriate by the professional, the patient will have to come for a check-up after one month, three months, six months and one year from the operation. A post-operative check-up is to be performed on an annual basis to check on the progress of the result over time. The post-operative check-up is of high importance for the successful outcome of the surgery and it is therefore necessary. 

Don’ts

- Taking acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) drugs for the first 20 days. 

- Contracting the abdomen muscles with sudden movements.

- Exposure to the sun or other sources of intense heat (sauna) for at least 1 year (protect scars with total protection sunscreen even under the swimsuit). 

- Practicing sports for 2 months.

Dos

- Wearing the elastic girdle for at least one month, day and night (if necessary wash it after removing the stitches, then put it on again). 

- Sleeping in a supine position (‘belly up ') or ‘broken’ (with 2 pillows behind the back and 1 pillow under the knees). 

- Seeking help in getting out of bed in order not to contract the muscles of the abdominal wall.

- Walking, during the first week, in a semi-forward flexion position (avoiding fully extending the abdominal wall).

- Scrupulously following the prescribed pharmacological therapy. 

- Resuming sporting activities gradually after 2 months.