Indianapolis Circumferential Abdominoplasty

Circumferential abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure which helps to treat and remove excess skin, cellulite, and other problem areas. It is ideal for individuals who have lost significant weight, often after bariatric surgery, as well as for mothers who wish to get their bodies back after pregnancy. This procedure is often combined with a full body lift, which is a combination of an upper and lower body lift designed to shape, tone, and trim the abdomen, buttocks, chest, back, thighs, and breasts. Circumferential abdominoplasty may also be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation and breast reduction surgery.

Candidates for circumferential abdominoplasty include men and women who are looking to improve a protuberant abdomen due to excess fat, weak abdominal muscles, pregnancy, loose skin or massive weight loss. Ideal candidates have reached their weight loss goals and have maintained a stable, healthy weight for at least three months, preferably longer. In addition, it’s advised that patients wait at least one year after bariatric surgery before pursuing the full body lift surgery.

Circumferential abdominoplasty is typically performed as an inpatient procedure under general anesthesia. During the surgery a horizontal incision is made above the thighs and buttocks in the pubic area and extending around the body. Through this incision, excess fat and tissue are removed, occasionally with the aid of liposuction, and the stomach muscles are tightened. In some cases, excess skin around the breasts and fat from the back and waist may also be removed. The surgery takes approximately four to seven hours to perform.

Patients should understand that circumferential abdominoplasty is a major medical procedure and that healing time often takes between three to six weeks. Bed rest is recommended for at least the first day and lifting anything heavy will need to be avoided for two weeks. Surgical drains, if used are usually removed within three to seven days. Patients may experience some pain or discomfort which can be controlled with oral medication. Numbness may also occur in the abdomen area and this may last for up to a year. The stitches are removed in ten days and the surgical scars will fade significantly over time. Bandages and/or an abdominal support garment will need to be worn for several weeks. For many patients, work can be resumed after three to six weeks; however, exercise and other strenuous activities should be postponed for six to eight weeks.

The results of circumferential abdominoplasty can be quite dramatic and patients love their slimmer, trimmer figures and flatter abdomens. Some patients opt to have an arm lift and/or upper thigh lift after they’ve had time to sufficiently heal from surgery.

At Chernoff Cosmetic Surgery Center, your safety is very important to us. We take every possible precaution to keep you safe and free of complications. All surgeries involve some risk and these will be discussed in detail at the time of consultation. Many patients experience anxiety prior to surgery whether it be preoperative stress or excitement for their new anticipated look. Please feel free to discuss these feelings with us so that we may help and support you through the process.

Q-What is circumferential abdominoplasty?

Circumferential abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure which treats and removes excess skin, cellulite and other problem areas for a slimmer, trimmer figure and flatter abdomen.

Q-Who is a candidate for circumferential abdominoplasty?

Circumferential abdominoplasty is most often performed on individuals who have lost significant weight, for instance after bariatric surgery, and for mothers who wish to get their pre-pregnancy bodies back. The surgery is performed on both men and women to treat a protuberant abdomen resulting from excess fat, pregnancy, weak abdominal muscles, loose skin or significant weight loss. Patients should ideally have reached and maintained their weight loss goal for at least three months. Patients who have had bariatric surgery and are considering a full body lift should wait at least one year after their weight loss surgery.

Q-What type of anesthesia is used for circumferential abdominoplasty?

Circumferential abdominoplasty is routinely performed with general anesthesia.

Q-How long is the surgery for circumferential abdominoplasty?

Circumferential abdominoplasty may take four to seven hours to complete.

Q-Where are the incisions for circumferential abdominoplasty?

The incision for circumferential abdominoplasty is a horizontal incision located in the pubic area just above the this and buttocks and extending around the body.

Q-How is circumferential abdominoplasty performed?

Working through an incision extending around the body just above the thighs and buttocks, excess fat and tissue are removed and the stomach muscles are tightened. Liposuction may be used during the procedure. If necessary, excess skin from the breasts and fat from the waist and back may be removed as well.

Q-What is the recovery like after circumferential abdominoplasty?

The recovery following circumferential abdominoplasty lasts approximately three to six weeks. During this time patients may experience some bruising, swelling, discomfort and numbness. Lifting anything heavy will need to be avoided for at least two weeks.

Q- When can I return to work after my circumferential abdominoplasty?

Patients are often able to return to work within three to six weeks after undergoing circumferential abdominoplasty.

Q-How soon can I exercise after my circumferential abdominoplasty?

Patients can usually resume exercise and other strenuous activities within six to eight weeks after circumferential abdominoplasty.

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