[Abdominoplsaty] 7-month progression after L-type extended abdominoplasty
Hello, this is Dr. Kukhan Lee,
a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Periods of rapid weight gain and loss
do not only affect weight.
They often leave skin laxity
in multiple body areas.
The abdomen, in particular,
is highly affected.
Even after dieting
and weight reduction,
stretched skin does not easily
return to its original state.
This abdominal laxity
is not just a cosmetic concern.
It can also cause
daily discomfort
in routine life.
Excess skin folds
may make hygiene difficult,
and affect clothing fit.
Many patients
experience stress
from these limitations.
In this case, we review
a patient with
significant weight change
who underwent
L-type extended abdominoplasty.
We will examine
the 7-month progression
and surgical outcomes.
Preoperative abdominal condition before extended abdominoplasty
At the time of visit,
the patient’s body profile
was 165 cm / 69.4 kg.
There was no history
of pregnancy or childbirth,
and no prior abdominal surgery.
However,
the patient had experienced
significant weight fluctuations.
During high school,
weight increased
to approximately 80 kg.
In the early 20s,
it rose further
to around 130 kg.
Through consistent effort,
the patient successfully reduced
to the current weight.
However, repeated cycles
of weight gain and loss
led to abdominal skin laxity.
This resulted
in considerable stress
due to excess skin.
Preoperative assessment for abdominoplasty – Dr. Kukhan Lee, Lesarts Plastic Surgery
On physical examination,
abdominal skin laxity
was observed throughout.
Stretch marks (striae)
were also widely distributed
due to weight changes.
The patient’s main concern
was excess skin
above the pubic area.
This created
a protruding lower abdomen
and dissatisfaction
with the umbilicus shape.
Additionally,
skin laxity extended
to the flanks.
Therefore,
rather than a limited approach,
an extended method was planned.
An L-type extended abdominoplasty
was selected
to address a wider area.
To enhance
the overall contour,
abdominal liposuction
was performed together
with hip fat grafting
for better body balance.
When body weight increases,
the abdominal skin
expands in multiple directions.
This includes
both vertical
and horizontal stretching.
To fully correct
horizontal laxity,
a fleur-de-lis approach
with a vertical incision
may be required.
However, this results
in a midline scar,
which must be considered.
After thorough consultation,
the patient understood
the limitations
in fully correcting
horizontal laxity,
and surgery was performed.
Abdominoplasty results and recovery review – Dr. Kukhan Lee, Lesarts Plastic Surgery
Abdominoplasty before-and-after difference – Dr. Kukhan Lee, Lesarts Plastic Surgery
Posture-based changes after abdominoplasty – Dr. Kukhan Lee, Lesarts Plastic Surgery
7 months after
extended abdominoplasty,
the results are stable.
The most concerning issue
before surgery,
irregular lower abdominal skin
has been
smoothly tightened
and effectively corrected.
Front view comparison after extended abdominoplasty – Dr. Kukhan Lee, Lesarts Plastic Surgery
The scar position
and left-right symmetry
are well maintained.
At 7 months,
the scar recovery
is relatively fast.
There is no
significant widening
or hypertrophic change.
The scar
is being managed
in a stable condition.
The umbilicus
has been corrected
into a natural vertical shape.
With combined
liposuction
and hip fat grafting,
the body contour
from waist to pelvis
appears more natural.
Discomfort experienced
when wearing clothing
has also improved.
However, as explained
during consultation,
some upper abdominal
horizontal laxity
remains partially,
due to procedural limitations.
This leaves
a slight limitation
in complete correction.
Scar at 7 months after abdominoplasty – Lesarts Plastic Surgery
At 7 months post-op,
this stage is still
not the final result.
Over time,
the scar will fade,
and become less noticeable.
The abdominal contour
will also continue
to stabilize naturally.
Abdominoplasty
does not end
with surgery alone.
Postoperative
weight management
and scar care
play a key role
in achieving
optimal results.
With consistent care,
alongside exercise
and dietary control,
more stable
and satisfying
outcomes can be expected.
