PROCEDURE

Lipoabdominoplasty

Achieving a toned and firm abdominal area can sometimes seem out of reach, even when you’re dedicated to regular exercise and a balanced diet. So, it’s natural to seek a solution, especially when persistent excess belly fat and loose skin become a concern. But which solution? Enter lipoabdominoplasty.

Lipoabdominoplasty is a tailored procedure that addresses the specific needs of the abdominal region. By carefully removing excess fat from the mid and lower abdomen, Mr Kshem Yapa helps reveal the natural contour of your underlying muscles. Alongside fat removal, the muscles are tightened, fortifying the abdominal wall through internal corsetry offering a more toned appearance. Additionally, any redundant skin that might be causing sagging is addressed. 

The lipoabdominoplasty procedure in London is particularly beneficial if you’ve experienced notable weight changes, or if post-pregnancy changes have left you with residual fat and skin concerns. The focus is on delivering a safe, effective, and patient-centric solution, ensuring that you’re well-informed and supported throughout the journey towards achieving your desired abdominal appearance.

At a glance

Procedure Length:
Procedure Length:

Typically 2-4 hours.

Hospital Stay:
Hospital Stay:

An overnight stay is common.

Anaesthesia:
Anaesthesia:

Typically general anaesthesia.

Downtime:
Downtime:

Light activities after 2 weeks, with full recovery expected by 6-8 weeks.

Showering
Showering

Avoid for at least 48 hours post-surgery. Avoiding direct water pressure on the treated area during recovery.

Sleeping:
Sleeping:

Sleep slightly elevated for the first few weeks.

Driving:
Driving:

Patients should refrain from driving for at least 2 weeks post-surgery.

Smoking:
Smoking:

Avoid smoking at least 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after the procedure.

Direct Sun Exposure:
Direct Sun Exposure:

Avoid on the treated area for at least 6 weeks post-surgery. Always use a high SPF outdoors.

Benefits of Lipoabdominoplasty

You need to understand both the potential aesthetic and functional benefits you might experience when deciding whether a lipoabdominoplasty procedure is for you. Here are five primary advantages to aid your informed decision:

  • Body Contouring:

    Lipoabdominoplasty offers you the dual advantage of fat removal and skin tightening. This results in a more defined and contoured abdominal area, tailored to your individual physique.

  • Addressing Loose Skin:

    If you’ve observed sagging skin, possibly due to significant weight fluctuations or post-pregnancy changes, this procedure can help. It focuses on providing you with a smoother, firmer abdominal appearance.

  • Boost in Self-confidence:

    A revitalised abdominal region can significantly impact how you feel about yourself. You’ll often find yourself having an uplifted sense of body confidence and self-worth after the procedure.

  • Comfort and Mobility:

    Excess skin and fat in the abdominal area can sometimes hinder daily activities. By addressing these, lipoabdominoplasty can enhance your comfort, offering improved ease of mobility.

  • Promotion of Better Posture:

    Strengthening the abdominal muscles, as part of the procedure, not only augments the aesthetic appeal but can assist you in maintaining a more upright posture, potentially reducing back-related discomforts.

Lipoabdominoplasty Procedure Steps

Making an informed decision about any surgical procedure requires understanding the step-by-step process. Here’s a clear breakdown of the lipoabdominoplasty procedure:

  • Marking the Area:

    Before surgery begins, while you’re standing, Mr Kshem Yapa will mark, with a pen, the areas targeted for liposuction and skin removal. This includes highlighting specific zones with excess fat, mapping the incision locations, and marking any hernial sites.

  • Administering Anaesthesia:

    A suitable anaesthetic will be given to ensure you experience no pain during the procedure. The method, typically general anaesthesia, will be chosen based on the procedure’s complexity and discussed prior to surgery.

  • Liposuction:

    This step targets the upper abdomen and flanks to remove unwanted fat. A tumescent fluid—made up of saline, adrenaline, and a local anaesthetic—is introduced, making the fat easier to extract while also reducing the risk of bleeding and swelling. Fat removal is achieved using specialised cannulas, ensuring a smooth and contoured finish.

  • Addressing Skin and Muscle:

    Once liposuction is complete, the pre-marked excess skin is excised. If there’s any muscle laxity or diastasis recti (muscle separation often due to pregnancies), Mr Kshem Yapa will tighten the abdominal muscles, repair any hernias that may be present, and reconstruct the belly button if used as a point of entry. This approach ensures a flat and firm abdominal profile.

  • Closing and Finalising:

    With the reshaping complete, the surgical incisions are sutured in a way to promote optimal healing and minimise visible scarring. Temporary drains might be positioned to help prevent fluid accumulation; they’re usually removed a few days post-op.

Risks and Complications

Lipoabdominoplasty is a transformative and complex procedure that simultaneously addresses excess abdominal skin and fat. Despite its popularity and proven safety profile, it still comes with inherent risks, like all surgical interventions. These include but are not limited to:

The accumulation of clear fluid in the surgical area, seromas may require drainage.

This refers to the death of fat cells, which can lead to firm lumps. It typically resolves but might necessitate intervention.

Blood clots in the calf veins are a rare but potentially serious problem if they travel to the lungs but great care is taken to avoid the risk of this including taking blood thinning medication, the use of flowtrons during the operation to continually massage the calf muscles and by encouraging you to mobilize as soon as possible as well as minimizing the duration of your operation. Our focus is on patient safety

A minor wound breakdown may require dressing. This is common and will diminish over time.

These tend to settle with time.

Some patients may exhibit allergic reactions to the anaesthetic used. It is therefore vital to inform us of all allergies prior to your procedure.

Recovery

The initial recovery phase following a lipoabdominoplasty often presents with swelling, bruising, and some discomfort. Mr Kshem Yapa will advise you to consistently wear the prescribed compression garment for the first month, which helps to reduce swelling and promotes the overall healing process. Alongside this, pain relief and antibiotics will be provided, which you need to adhere to so you can manage discomfort and prevent infections.

 

Starting from the first week post-surgery, light walking is encouraged to boost circulation, but it’s imperative to stay away from intense activities for at least six weeks. By the third week, you might start to feel revitalised, gradually being able to reintroduce light exercise into your daily activities. We’ll follow up with you regularly throughout the recovery to make sure everything goes smoothly.

 

You will be provided with a direct phone line to our experienced specialist cosmetic surgery nurse who provides an on call service 24 hrs a day, from the moment you have surgery, for any questions or concerns you may have or any other support you may need. We take pride in making sure our patients are well looked after following surgery and want you to feel well supported throughout your journey with us.

Book your consultation

If you would like to discuss this procedure in detail and understand if it’s the right procedure for your goals, book a consultation with Mr Kshem Yapa.

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If you would like to book a consultation with Kshem Yapa or learn a little more about our procedures and services please contact us via the form below to request a call back. We offer face-to-face consultations at our Harley Street Clinic and virtual consultations for those unable to attend our clinic.