For further questions and reservations please send us an e-mail or simply call us.
BODY CONTOURING: ABDOMINOPLASTY, LIFTING THIGHS & UPPER ARMS
If you suffer from body contour problems with sagging tissue and excess skin on your stomach, chest or bottom, such as can occur after major weight loss or pregnancy, these can rarely be corrected with diets or sport.
In these cases, only a tightening operation, possibly in combination with liposuction, can help.
In these cases, liposuction alone does not lead to an optimal result because the expected shrinkage of the connective tissue after the operation will no longer take place to the desired extent. Therefore, excess tissue must also be removed in such cases.
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS DURING THE SURGERY?
The excess and sagging skin and fat tissue is precisely measured, surgically removed and the entire region tightened. The necessary incisions are made in such a way that the subsequent scars are as inconspicuous as possible. In order to achieve the best possible aesthetic result, these lifting operations are currently often combined with liposuction of the adjacent areas.
WHAT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED?
Although the surgical removal of skin and fat (dermolipectomy) requires larger skin incisions and longer scars, it can also remove large fat aprons and skin folds for which there are no other correction options. After the operation, not only is the body’s proportions harmoniously restored, but also physical activity and subjective well-being receive a new boost.
TYPE OF ANAESTHESIA AND HOSPITAL STAY
As a rule, a general anaesthetic and an inpatient hospital stay are required, which last between 3 and 5 days depending on the extent of the operated areas. Only small skin tightenings can be carried out under local anaesthesia and on an outpatient basis.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE SURGERY?
All other options for weight loss should be exhausted before an operation to remove skin and fat. The closer you are to your ideal weight, the more advantageous the surgical result will be. In the case of skin inflammations, a pre-treatment must be carried out, which is best checked by a dermatologist. In addition, you should not take any painkillers (e.g. Aspirin) for 14 days before the operation, as these delay blood coagulation. You should also avoid alcohol, sleeping pills and nicotine to a large extent.
HOW’S THE SURGERY DONE?
Before the surgery, the areas to be removed are measured and marked in a standing position. During the operation, the excess skin with the underlying fatty tissue is removed. Occasionally this can be supported by liposuction.
At the same time as the wound edges are sutured, the remaining skin is tightened. Drainages are made for one to several days to prevent bruising or wound secretions from accumulating. The dressing is applied under anaesthesia. During abdominal lifting, the entire skin between the navel and the pubic mound is often removed and the straight abdominal muscles in the midline are tightened in order to regain an optimal contour. The navel must first be cut and later sewn into the tightened skin at a suitable position.
On the inside of the thighs we distinguish the “small” horizontal tightening with a seam between the groin and the ischium from the “large” vertical tightening with the seam running from the groin to the inside of the knee. On the upper arms, the suture is always guided from the inside of the armpit to the elbow. Excess skin-fat deposits can also be removed from other parts of the body. The incision will be individually coordinated with you.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SURGERY?
Immediately after the surgery, you will need painkillers to give you the peace and relaxation you need to heal. Blood clots and embolisms are treated with thrombosis stockings or preventive medication. The wound healing of the skin and the decay of the swelling takes approx. 10 – 14 days, but the final healing can only be expected after several weeks.
WHAT RISKS ARE TO BE CONSIDERED?
If you suffer from vascular diseases, congestion of the veins or blood clots (thromboses, embolisms), special precautions must be taken with your physician. Allergies to medicines, patches or ointments should always be reported to us, as should other illnesses and regular use of medicines. Before the operation, your blood count and blood clotting will be examined, before anaesthesia also the ECG (heart) and the lungs.
WHAT COMPLICATIONS CAN ARISE?
Since the wound area is larger, bruising and secretions or bacterial inflammation can interfere with healing. The feeling of touching the skin in the treated areas and the lymph drainage regenerate slowly over the course of several months. Thromboses and embolisms are extremely rare, but could lead to a threatening strain on circulation and respiration. Abnormal scars after impaired wound healing can usually be improved by small corrective operations under local anaesthesia.
WHAT AFTERCARE IS REQUIRED?
The healing should be supported by scar care and light compression with support tights or bodies. These should be worn for at least 6 weeks during the day. Cold showers can stimulate blood circulation and support healing. Resorbable skin sutures dissolve by themselves, other sutures are removed after 1 – 2 weeks. You will be informed about further measures for your individual follow-up treatment before you leave our clinic.
WHAT NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED AFTER THE SURGERY?
During the first 6 – 8 weeks you should move carefully and avoid excessive abrupt tension of the suture lines. Your ability to work will usually be restored after about 3 weeks. Sports activities can be slowly increased after 4 weeks.