Abdominoplasty Seroma Check & 2.5-Month Post-Op Comparison
Patient Registration Info
| Age | Weight | Height | BMI |
|---|---|---|---|
|
in their 40s |
71kg |
164cm |
26 |
Surgical site
abdominoplasty, M-type, Triple lock, Navel Correction, abdomen liposuction
6100cc
Pregnancy and childbirth, as well as significant weight loss after severe obesity, often lead to stretched abdominal skin. While excess fat may disappear through weight loss, the skin that has been stretched for an extended period often loses its elasticity, making natural recovery impossible.
As a result, more and more individuals are considering abdominoplasty.
Abdominoplasty is a procedure designed to lift the abdomen and refine the waistline by removing excess skin and tightening weakened abdominal muscles. Since it addresses concerns that cannot be resolved through personal efforts alone, the surgery provides not only aesthetic improvements but also a high level of psychological satisfaction.
However, without a thorough understanding of the recovery process, patients may experience discomfort in various situations. Additionally, if post-operative care is not properly managed, satisfaction with the results may decline, making it crucial to approach the procedure with careful consideration.
To achieve optimal results, it is essential to undergo a precise body analysis and consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can develop a personalized surgical plan. Choosing a clinic that offers continuous follow-up care and customized treatments based on the different stages of recovery is key to ensuring a smooth healing process.
Let’s take a closer look at a case of abdominoplasty below.
The patient had experienced two natural childbirths a long time ago and was struggling with sagging abdominal skin and weakened abdominal muscles caused by pregnancy and childbirth.
Although she had been considering abdominoplasty based on a recommendation from an acquaintance, concerns about post-surgical scarring had kept her from making a decision for a long time.
However, she ultimately decided that she should undergo the procedure before it was too late and visited our clinic for a consultation.
Upon evaluation, it was found that while her abdominal skin had significantly lost elasticity, her abdominal wall had not excessively loosened despite having gone through two childbirths. Additionally, her waistline naturally tapered inwards.
Given these factors, it was anticipated that a combination of full abdominal liposuction and abdominoplasty would help refine her waistline while correcting sagging abdominal skin and laxity in the abdominal muscles. This approach aimed to create a smoother, firmer abdomen and a more defined waistline.
For this patient, a medium-type abdominoplasty was necessary because the skin from the upper to lower abdomen had significantly lost elasticity and required excision.
To correct the loosened abdominal wall beneath the skin and subcutaneous fat, we planned to reinforce the area with an abdominal muscle plication procedure, which would help create a more defined waistline.
Additionally, since a medium-type abdominoplasty involves dissecting the upper abdominal skin and pulling the sagging tissue downward for excision, it was necessary to reposition the navel to achieve a balanced aesthetic outcome.
The new navel placement and design aimed to enhance the overall body proportions, making the waist appear slimmer and the legs look longer.
Now, let’s compare the preoperative photos with those taken two and a half months after surgery to review the results in detail.
Before the surgery, the abdomen appeared bulging due to excess fat and sagging skin, but it has now transformed into a flatter and more toned appearance.
The previously downward-facing horizontal navel, caused by sagging, was repositioned through abdominoplasty and navel reconstruction. It was reshaped into a vertical form and moved upward, creating the effect of a slimmer waistline.
At the patient’s two-week follow-up visit, a slight swelling was observed below the navel. To assess the presence of a seroma, an ultrasound examination was conducted.
Since abdominoplasty involves a wide area of tissue dissection, quilting stitches are performed to help the skin settle properly. However, the accumulation of fluid in the healing tissues can vary from patient to patient, and in some cases, unabsorbed fluid may collect, leading to a seroma.
Regular follow-up visits and immediate contact with the clinic if discomfort arises are crucial for proper recovery.
For this patient, an ultrasound evaluation was performed, and the seroma was promptly drained. Additionally, a detailed explanation of the cause of the seroma was provided to reassure the patient.
Further follow-ups and ultrasound monitoring were scheduled to ensure proper post-operative care and a stable recovery.
Some patients may be concerned about post-abdominoplasty symptoms such as seromas, bio-bond formation, or sensory changes, wondering if they are complications.
However, by closely following the medical team’s instructions and attending scheduled follow-up appointments, patients can achieve a safer recovery and more satisfying results.
