When it comes to plastic surgery, few people would think of getting an abdominal wall reconstruction.
Many would request a tummy tuck, liposuction, or Brazilian butt lift. But offer them an abdominal wall surgery, and they’ll ask you, “What’s that?”
Abdominal wall surgery is seldom appreciated and often misunderstood, so here are some frequently asked questions about this Miami plastic surgery.
What is an Abdominal Wall Reconstruction?
Also known as hernia repair, abdominal wall reconstruction is a surgery that involves repairing and strengthening the abdominal walls to improve their integrity, support the abdominal muscles, and protect the abdominal organs.
As a cosmetic surgery procedure, abdominal wall surgery is perfect for tightening the abdominal muscles of post-bariatric surgery patients. It can be combined with liposuction to remove excess fat and sagging skin.
As a medical procedure, abdominal reconstruction can treat some medical conditions like tumors and hernias.
Why Do I Need an Abdominal Reconstruction?
There are five reasons why you might need to get an abdominal wall operation in Miami.
The most common reason is a hernia – a condition wherein an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle that holds it in place. Hernias are commonly found in the abdomen, thus necessitating a hernia surgery.
The presence of tumors in the abdomen also need this plastic surgery. It can be used as a surgical treatment for both benign and malignant tumors, as they require aggressive resection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue in the abdomen.
Penetrating injuries can also be an indication, as this can compromise the abdominal wall. Likewise, soft tissue infections in the abdominal wall may also need this plastic surgery.
Finally, an abdominal wall surgery can also be performed on people who recently underwent weight loss surgery. For these patients, the surgery’s results are both functional and cosmetic.
How is the Surgery Done?
After administering general anesthesia, your plastic surgeon makes an incision above the pubic area that extends from hip to hip. Through the incision, the abdominal muscles are rearranged and tightened to strengthen the abdominal walls.
Some patients need biological or synthetic hernia mesh material to reinforce the abdominal muscles. Skin grafts may also be needed for better healing.
After the muscles are tightened, you have the option to combine abdominal hernia repair with liposuction to remove excess fat, eliminate excess skin, and make your tummy look toned.
How Long is the Recovery Period?
Just like any other plastic surgery, hernia repair recovery can take anywhere from two to four weeks. You may start doing light activities two weeks after your surgery; then you can resume regular exercises around six weeks later.
You need to make sure that you maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet after the surgery for faster healing. Miami offers a plethora of restaurants where you can eat while recovering after your Miami medical tourism trip.
Are There Other Options for Hernia Repair?
A hernia does not resolve by itself, so you need surgery to cure it.
You have several options when it comes to hernia repair and Miami medical tourism, depending on the severity of your hernia. You can find a lot of Miami hospitals and clinics offering several types of repairing hernias.
You can get a laparoscopic surgery, in which a thin, telescope-like instrument – known as endoscope – is inserted through a small incision located on your belly button. The endoscope is connected to a video camera, allowing your surgeon to see the inside of your abdomen and repair a hernia.
More severe hernias need open hernia repair surgery, which involves pushing the hernia contents into its proper position beneath the muscle wall. Stitches or mesh then reinforce the muscle wall.
Unlike an abdominal reconstruction, open hernia surgery does not involve correcting abdominal weaknesses and defects.
What’s the Difference Between an Abdominal Wall Reconstruction and a Tummy Tuck?
The basic difference between these two surgeries is that one of them is more than just a cosmetic procedure.
In an abdominal wall surgery, your plastic surgeon fixes any defects that your abdominal wall may have and restores its function. In addition to that, this plastic surgery can also give you a flatter tummy.
On the other hand, a tummy tuck only focuses on enhancing your appearance as it only solves skin, fat, and tissue problems. It uses different techniques, but none of them can improve the integrity of the abdominal wall.
How Much Does Abdominal Wall Reconstruction in Miami Cost?
On average, hernia repair in Miami costs around $5,500 – similar to the price of a tummy tuck. The total cost depends on a number of factors, such as the extent and scope of the procedure, anesthesia, medical testing, hospital stay, postoperative care, follow-up consults, and the expertise of your Miami plastic surgeon.
If used for hernia repair, the abdominal wall procedure can be classified as a medically essential procedure, so it gets covered by your insurance. But just to be sure, talk with your insurance provider regarding the exact costs that they will cover to avoid any surprises.
Can I Still Get an Abdominal Reconstruction Even If I Don’t Live in Miami?
Of course! Abdominal wall reconstruction and Miami medical tourism go hand in hand.
There are lots of medical tourism companies in Miami that facilitate the entire process on your behalf – from coordinating with plastic surgeons and clinics to arranging your accommodation.
There are also medical tourism providers that offer customized packages, depending on your needs.
For instance, if you are planning to get hernia repair in Miami, your chosen medical tourism agency will not only facilitate your travel arrangements but also find a hotel that’s most suitable for your recovery – close to the hospital and offers amenities for recovering patients.
By hiring a Miami medical tourism agency, you’re setting yourself up for a stress-free plastic surgery trip.
How Do I Choose a Miami Plastic Surgeon?
In choosing a Miami plastic surgeon for your abdominal wall reconstruction, you need to make sure that he has the expertise, skills, and experience in that surgery.
Just because a surgeon has performed multiple tummy tucks doesn’t mean that he can also do abdominal wall reconstruction with ease, as this is a more complicated surgery.
For a more detailed look on how to choose a Miami plastic surgeon, check out these ten steps.
Another important thing to remember is to verify your plastic surgeon’s certifications. He should be board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, as this shows that he has received specialized training in the plastic surgery field.
Here at Face + Body Cosmetic Surgery, we have double board-certified plastic surgeons who have advanced expertise when it comes to abdominal wall reconstruction.
Schedule a Free Virtual Consultation now to talk with one of our plastic surgeons.
