Extra, loose skin and weak abs are common after losing significant amount of weight through bariatric surgery or giving birth. Following extreme weight loss or multiple pregnancies, abdominal muscles can easily become weakened and hanging skin often becomes a problem. Unfortunately, diet and exercise alone may not always help to correct the issue. The good news is full VASER lipo-abdominoplasty can surgically tighten weak muscles, while removing excess skin and fat from the upper and lower abdomen in order to flatten it.
*Results vary
Who is it for?
Full VASER lipo-abdominoplasty is designed for both post pregnancy and post weight loss patients. While a patient may lose additional kilos, this is not a weight loss procedure. Mothers with moderate-to-severe ab muscle separation are generally better candidates for a full tummy tuck instead of a mini tummy tuck. While post weight loss may not have muscle separation, they usually have loose skin in the upper and lower abdomen and will generally require a full tummy tuck rather than a mini.
How is it different?
Full VASER lipo-abdominoplasty varies greatly from a traditional full tummy tuck. This modern procedure is not a classic abdominoplasty with some added liposuction. The full lipo-abdominoplasty uses a VASER liposuction to dissect the tissues. The VASER is a high frequency probe that melts the fat. The melted fat is then suctioned up. This creates less trauma to the tissues and therefore less risk of bruising, bleeding, and discomfort in recovery. (1,2)
How is it done?
During the procedure, the umbilicus is re-positioned and the excess fat on the abdomen and sides using VASER liposuction. This provides patients with a more defined, proportional result. Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, drains are not used as part of the modern full VASER lipo-abdominoplasty. The scar from the procedure is placed below the patient’s underwear line in a similar location as a caesarean scar.
What are the benefits?
VASER lipo-abdominoplasty offers several possible benefits. Some of them include:
- Lower complication rates compared to standard tummy tucks (3)
- No need for suture or clip removal
- Improved abdominal tone
- More targeted fat reduction
- No need for surgical drains
- Repairs separated abdominal muscles
What is the recovery?
Dr Beldholm and his staff always provide patients with detailed instructions on how to care for themselves after the procedure. Although this is a major surgery, most patients will only require an overnight hospital stay. Patients can generally shower the next day but are urged to refrain from heavy lifting. Patients will need to take some time off from work to recover. Unlike traditional tummy tuck surgery, patients will not require any bulky gauze dressings or drains. Patients can typically return to their job in about two to four weeks.