By: Dr. Elodia Ávila
Abdominoplasty is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, as well as correcting weakened or separated muscles. Often performed after pregnancy or significant weight loss, the procedure aims to improve the appearance of the abdomen and give the patient more confidence.
However, many questions arise about the ideal time to perform this surgery, especially in the case of overweight patients. After all, is it possible to undergo a tummy tuck without being at the ideal weight?
How is abdominoplasty performed?
The surgery is performed through an incision in the lower abdomen, through which excess skin and fat are removed. When necessary, the abdominal muscles are also repositioned to ensure firmness.
The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, although in some cases it is possible to use epidural anesthesia with sedation. The duration varies between 1.5 and 5 hours, depending on the complexity of the case. After the operation, the patient must follow specific care, such as rest, use of compression garments and medical monitoring to ensure adequate recovery and good results.
Can overweight people undergo abdominoplasty?
According to Dr. Elodia Ávila, ideally the patient should be at a healthy weight before surgery, but specific cases may allow the procedure to be performed even if the patient is a few pounds overweight.
“Being close to the ideal weight is the most appropriate for surgery, but a few extra pounds do not prevent abdominoplasty. For this, it is essential that the patient is individually assessed by the surgeon in charge,” he explains.
Overweight patients need to have realistic expectations about the results. “Abdominoplasty will not result in a ‘flat stomach’ appearance for those who are overweight. In some cases, a weight loss phase may be recommended before the procedure,” he adds.
The specialist emphasizes that the goal of abdominoplasty is not weight loss, but rather the removal of excess skin and fat in specific areas, such as the lower and lateral abdomen. “In addition to weight, other factors are taken into account in the evaluation, such as the patient’s general health and their physical condition for the procedure.”
Conclusion
Abdominoplasty is an effective solution for correcting aesthetic and functional issues in the abdominal region. However, a personalized assessment by a surgeon is essential to ensure safety and results that meet the patient’s expectations, especially in the case of overweight individuals.
