About Abdominal Flap
Key Highlights
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Versatile procedure used for both cosmetic enhancement and complex reconstruction.Provides a durable and well-vascularized tissue source for covering large defects.Can significantly improve abdominal contour by removing excess skin and tightening muscles.Offers a permanent solution for issues like diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles).Enhances body image and self-confidence following major weight loss or surgery.
Who is this surgery for?
- Reconstruction of the breast following mastectomy for breast cancer (TRAM or DIEP flap).
- Coverage of large, complex wounds on the chest, groin, or thighs that cannot be closed primarily.
- Correction of significant abdominal wall laxity and muscle separation (diastasis recti).
- Removal of extensive, hanging abdominal skin (pannus) after massive weight loss.
- Repair of abdominal hernias or defects in conjunction with soft tissue coverage.
How to prepare
- Complete medical evaluation, including blood tests and possibly cardiac clearance.
- Detailed discussion with the surgeon about goals, risks, and surgical plan.
- Cessation of smoking and certain medications (e.g., blood thinners, NSAIDs) as advised.
- Maintaining a stable weight and optimizing nutrition for healing.
- Arranging for help at home and time off work for the initial recovery period.
Risks & possible complications
- Standard surgical risks: bleeding, infection, and adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Poor wound healing, skin necrosis (tissue death), or fat necrosis in the flap.
- Seroma (fluid accumulation) or hematoma (blood collection) requiring drainage.
- Changes in skin sensation, persistent pain, or numbness.
- Unsatisfactory scarring, asymmetry, or the need for revision surgery.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring flap circulation and pain management.
- Wearing a supportive abdominal binder or compression garment for several weeks.
- Avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending for 4-6 weeks.
- Managing drains if placed, until output decreases sufficiently.
- Gradual return to light activities, with walking encouraged to promote circulation.
- Attending all follow-up appointments for wound checks and suture removal.
- Final results and scar maturation can take several months to a year.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-5 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full activity
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering abdominal flap in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with aesthetic and reconstructive surgery departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform abdominal flap. MediFyr helps you compare aesthetic and reconstructive surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for abdominal flap compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 500 Thousand | 3-5 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full activity | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 1.75 Million | 3-5 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full activity | Know More |
Sara Garcia, 42, is a mother...
Sara Garcia, 42, is a mother of three and a primary school teacher from San Antonio. After three C-sections and significant weight loss, she was left with a painful, overhanging abdominal apron (pannus) that caused chronic skin infections, rashes, and made everyday activities like walking and finding clothes difficult. Her self-esteem plummeted, and she avoided activities she once loved, like swimming with her kids. Her dermatologist, after treating recurrent infections, referred her to a reconstructive surgeon. The surgeon recommended an abdominal flap procedure (a panniculectomy) to remove the excess, symptomatic skin and fat, explaining it was medically necessary for her health and comfort. Sara underwent the procedure, which took about three hours. The immediate relief from the weight and tension was profound. Her recovery involved two weeks of limited activity and careful wound care, but the chronic pain and infections ceased completely. Emotionally, Sara journeyed from feeling trapped in a body that caused constant discomfort and shame to reclaiming her life. She now enjoys playing with her children without pain, wears clothes that fit, and feels a renewed sense of confidence and physical freedom.
Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeons for Abdominal Flap
Explore experienced aesthetic and reconstructive surgeons who regularly perform abdominal flap and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 31 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 11 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 30 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 49 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 22 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 17 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 16 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 14 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 14 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
- 20 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad