What happens before an abdominoplasty?

The most important thing that every patient should discuss with the surgeon is what he or she is hoping to gain from the operation and what are the realistic expectations. Surgeon should ask every patient some of these following questions and give some useful advice:

• lose weight if you are overweight – an abdominoplasty gives the best results in people who are at the correct weight for their height
• stop taking the contraceptive pill six weeks before surgery and use an alternative method of contraception as this reduces the risk of blood clotting (thrombosis) after the operation
• give up or cut down on smoking - smoking increases the risk of chest infection and slows the wound healing

The incision localization

Patient must understand that this is not a scar-free surgery. Quite the opposite, the scars may be quite severe depending upon:

• the amount of skin that needed to be removed
• your body's ability to heal
• the skill of the surgeon
• the technique used

Most surgeons choose techniques that leave a well-hidden horizontal scar which can be covered by a standard bikini. In most patients with moderate to severe redundant skin, there will be a need for the creation of a new navel.