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Why do people undergo Abdominoplasty?

- Many patients are women whose abdominal muscles have been over - stretched and have not returned to normal after one or more pregnancies. Man or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin add with the strain that won't respond to diet or exercise.

How to prepare yourself ?

- You should wait if you plan future pregnancies, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancies.

- Smoker should be advised to stop, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing , -plan to quit at least 1 or 2 weeks before your surgery.

- Do not go on stringent diet.

- Be sure to tell your doctor if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or other drug and also the underlying disease and any allergies you might have.

The surgery

Anesthesia : Abdominoplasty can be performed under general anesthesia, so you'll sleep during the operation.

Length of procedure : It takes usually takes 2 to 5 hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial abdominoplasty may take an hour or two. Doctor will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved, although it may be pulled into an unnatural shape as the skin is tightened and stitched.

After surgery : The first-few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen you're likely to feel a bit pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Surface stitches will be removed in 5 to 7 days.

Post-Operation

- After surgery you should start walking as soon as possible to help prevent blood clots.

- The dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support garment.

- You can return to work after two weeks to rest and recuperate.

- Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal but this is normal.

- Exercise will help you heal better, that you should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots and tone muscles. However should be avoided until you can do it comfortably usually about six weeks after the operation.

In most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

The Cost of Surgery (approx. in Thailand)

- Abdominoplasty 1,950 US$ and up
(including 2 nights stay, medicines, meals and nurse service)

- Mini-abdominoplasty 1,600 US$ and up
(including 1 night stay, medicines, meals and nurse service)