After significant weight loss, following bariatric surgery or after pregnancies, some individuals may notice loose abdominal skin, separated abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis), and persistent fat deposits. For some people, these concerns do not resolve with diet and exercise alone.
A full VASER lipo-abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess skin from the upper and lower abdomen, tightening separated abdominal muscles, and using suction-assisted lipectomy (liposuction) to contour the abdominal area. This technique combines surgical excision with VASER technology to reshape the midsection.
Outcomes vary from person to person. A consultation with Dr Bernard Beldholm will help assess your individual circumstances and determine whether this procedure is suitable for you.
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Who is a Candidate?
Full VASER lipo-abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure commonly considered by patients following pregnancy or significant weight loss. While some individuals may continue to lose weight over time, this procedure is not intended as a weight-loss surgery. Instead, it is designed to reshape the abdominal area by removing excess skin and fat, and correcting muscle separation when present.
A full abdominoplasty involves making an incision across the lower abdomen to excise redundant skin and tissue, and tightening the underlying muscles.
In some cases, VASER suction-assisted lipectomy (liposuction) is combined with abdominoplasty to remove localised fat deposits and enhance body contouring. VASER technology uses ultrasound energy to emulsify fat cells before removal.
Many post-pregnancy patients experience rectus diastasis, which is a separation of the abdominal muscles. During a full abdominoplasty, this muscle separation can be surgically repaired by suturing the rectus abdominis muscles back together.
A comprehensive consultation is essential to assess individual anatomy and determine the appropriate surgical approach.
How is Full VASER Lipo-abdominoplasty Different from Mini or Traditional Full Abdominoplasty?
A full VASER lipo-abdominoplasty differs from a mini abdominoplasty and a traditional full abdominoplasty primarily because it incorporates VASER suction-assisted lipectomy (ultrasound-assisted liposuction) and involves a larger extent of skin removal.
- A mini abdominoplasty involves a smaller incision and targets only the lower abdomen below the navel. It removes less skin and typically focuses on tightening muscles and skin in this limited area. Liposuction is usually not part of this procedure.
- A traditional full abdominoplasty involves a longer incision to remove a greater amount of excess skin from the lower abdomen compared to a mini abdominoplasty. It also includes tightening of the abdominal muscles but may or may not incorporate liposuction. When liposuction is performed, it often uses standard suction techniques without ultrasound assistance.
- The full VASER lipo-abdominoplasty combines the extensive skin removal and muscle tightening of a traditional full abdominoplasty with the addition of VASER technology, which emulsifies fat cells using ultrasound before suction removal. This allows for more precise fat removal and improved contouring of the abdomen, flanks, and sometimes hips.
Full VASER Lipo-abdominoplasty Recovery
Dr Beldholm and his team provide patients with detailed post-operative care instructions to explain recovery. As a full VASER lipo-abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure, most patients require a hospital stay of approximately two to four days.
Patients are generally able to shower the day after surgery but are advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities during the initial recovery period. Time off work is typically necessary, with most patients returning to their usual employment within two to four weeks.
Unlike traditional abdominoplasty, a PICO dressing is applied and remains in place for seven days to aid wound healing.
Recovery times may vary between individuals, and patients are encouraged to follow Dr Beldholm’s specific recommendations.