Skin-fat apron
A skin-fat apron is a deformation of the skin and adipose tissue of the abdomen, which is characterized by skin and fat excesses of the abdominal wall, which visually looks like a hanging fold. Such a belly is considered a cosmetic defect and a hindrance in daily life, leads to complexes and insecurity, complicates intimate life.
The content of the article:
Classification of the skin-fat apron
Symptoms of skin-fat deformation
Diagnosis of skin-fat apron
Plastic correction of the skin-fat apron
Methods of removing the skin-fat apron
Rehabilitation period after removal of the skin-fat apron
Complications of plastic correction of the skin-fat apron
Skin-fat apron
A well-toned and trained abdomen is characterized by a dense surface of the trunk with a pronounced bend in the waist area, a gently convex subcerebral and concave supracerebral region, an unstrained even center of the abdomen and clearly defined boundaries of the rectus muscles. The abdominal walls stretch well and their weakness under the influence of various factors leads to the formation of skin-fat deformation from subcutaneous fat and skin. Exhausting physical exertion and strict diets will not help to get rid of this defect, because the only method of eliminating skin and fat excess will be plastic correction and its various variations.
The skin-fat apron has a hereditary causal relationship. The main reasons for the formation of abdominal deformity include:
improper nutrition (food with high cholesterol);
violation of the daily routine and nutrition;
apathy;
a low-activity way of life;
frequent stress and psychological problems that lead to a slowdown in metabolic processes, poor assimilation and excretion of metabolic products;
a high level of expansion of the abdominal walls with the formation of excess fat;
abrupt cessation of active sports, which leads to obesity and deposition of subcutaneous fat;
rapid weight gain or weight loss.
The first cause of this defect in women will be pregnancy, which leads to a decrease in the tone of the anterior abdominal wall and divergence of the abdominal muscles. After surgical delivery by caesarean section, an overhang of the fat-skin fold over the suture is carried out.
Classification of the skin-fat apron
The skin-fat deformity has the form of a hanging fat fold, the severity of which is determined by a plastic surgeon. This cosmetic defect has the following levels of deformations:
Grade 1 — lowering of the crease to the level of the pubis;
Degree 2 — the fold descends to the organs of the reproductive system;
Degree 3 — sagging of the crease to the third of the thigh;
Grade 4 — sagging of the fat fold to the middle of the thighs;
Degree 5 — lowering the crease to the level of the knees.
Each level of skin-fat deformation has its own difficulties, characteristic features and soreness.
Symptoms of skin-fat deformation
The symptoms of a skin-fat apron are quite specific. When this deformity appears, a person has an unpleasant feeling during sexual intercourse and problems with the genitourinary system. In the first three stages of the skin-fat apron, its symptoms are limited only to an aesthetic problem and discomfort. The fourth and fifth stages are characterized by signs such as the appearance of diaper rash, itching, feelings of irritation and a sharp unpleasant odor in the folds of skin-fat deformation and pain in the abdominal cavity.
Diagnosis of skin-fat apron
In the presence of the first two degrees of manifestation of skin-fat deformation, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist, therapist, cosmetologist, plastic surgeon and nutritionist. To determine the cause of this defect , the following diagnostic examinations are used:
physical examinations by specialists;
delivery of general clinical tests;
ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity;
conducting magnetic resonance imaging.
After passing the tests and conducting a number of studies, the specialist will study the increase and development of skin-fat deformity, as well as choose the appropriate individual treatment method.
Plastic correction of the skin-fat apron
Plastic correction of the skin-fat apron involves performing such a surgical operation as abdominoplasty. Indications for plastic correction of skin-fat deformation will be the presence of varying degrees of omission. Before the operation, the patient’s weight should be stable for a year, and it is also recommended to perform gymnastics and diet therapy.
Contraindications to plastic correction of skin-fat deformation will be:
severe obesity;
pregnancy planning;
the presence of postoperative scars above the umbilical region;
decompensated form of diabetes mellitus;
oncological diseases.
Methods of removing the skin-fat apron
There are various technologies for performing abdominoplasty, before they are carried out, it is necessary to undergo a broad medical examination to determine contraindications. The essence of abdominoplasty is to peel off the anterior part of the peritoneal wall and move it lower, while the excess fat and skin composition is removed. Before suturing the wound, silicone drains are installed for timely fluid flow, after which continuous skin sutures are arranged in layers.
There are such methods of removing skin-fat deformation:
Dermatolipectomy (panniculectomy) is an operation that makes it possible to eliminate excess skin and fat. It consists in dissection of the skin-fat fold in the abdominal area and can be combined with herniation and hysterectomy;
Liposuction is a limited removal of fat through minor punctures using a cannula;
Local abdominoplasty is an operation in the lower abdomen, which is carried out without transferring the navel. This type of abdominoplasty is used in case of elimination of minor aesthetic defects and stretch marks that appear during pregnancy;
Expanded abdominoplasty is a technology for removing skin-fat deformity, which requires moving the navel, which contributes to giving a natural and harmonious appearance to the abdomen. Expanded abdominoplasty is prescribed when the defect reaches a large size and, if necessary, complete correction of the abdominal wall tissues;
Miniabdominoplasty is an operative intervention, which consists in dissecting excess skin in the anterior peritoneum area, does not involve the transfer of the navel. In most cases, miniabdominoplasty is combined with liposuction.
Rehabilitation period after removal of the skin-fat apron
After the plastic correction of the skin-fat deformation, the patient needs a long recovery period. Discharge from the hospital is carried out on the second day, but specialists monitor the condition of the patient’s abdominal wall for several weeks. Bandages are performed three times a week before the surgical sutures are removed. After a few days, the installed drainage system is removed. During the recovery period, it is necessary to wear compression underwear and exclude physical activity. The scar after surgery is quite noticeable, but over time it pales and becomes soft, but it does not completely disappear.
Complications of plastic correction of the skin-fat apron
Any of the technologies used for plastic correction of the skin-fat apron can provoke the appearance of such undesirable complications:
infection of a postoperative wound;
formation of seroma;
bleeding;
temporary loss of sensitivity in the surgical incision area;
formation of an unaesthetic scar.
To prevent the consequences and in the presence of pain in the suture area, the specialist prescribes painkillers and antibiotics to the patient. After the operation, for the first time, it is recommended to exclude physical activity, sauna and solarium. After the elimination of the skin-fat apron, the stomach will gain a toned appearance and slimness for a long time, if you eat well, maintain normal weight, engage in moderate regular physical activity and lead a healthy lifestyle.
