Abdominal dermolipectomy
Dr. Rodrigo Jorrat · Plastic surgeon · Buenos Aires · Lic. MN 122903Last updated: October 8, 2026Abdominal dermolipectomy removes the excess skin and tissue of the abdomen, the apron left after significant weight loss. It isn't liposculpture: lipo reduces fat; this removes skin, and that's why it leaves a scar.
Who it's for
People with loose abdominal skin that bothers them: folds that get irritated, trousers that don't close properly, discomfort when moving. It's the most frequent consultation after bariatric surgery. If the main problem is localised fat and the skin still has tension, a different option may be better.
How it's done
The flap of excess skin and tissue in the lower abdomen is removed and the navel is usually repositioned. When the rectus muscles are separated (diastasis), it's corrected in the same surgery to restore the abdominal “corset”. If the excess is also higher up, in the central area, a vertical resection (fleur-de-lis) with an additional scar is evaluated.
Scar and recovery
The scar is horizontal and low, planned to sit under underwear. How it evolves depends on each person: some heal almost to a line, others need treatments (silicone sheets, pressure therapy, laser). Recovery includes a compression garment, check-ups and a gradual return to activity; the exact timing is defined by your job and your progress.
What we discuss beforehand
Whether this surgery or a 360 is the right one, whether a diastasis needs repair, where the scar will sit and which tests we need. If something is missing, we don't start.
The YouTube chapter on this topic
Real cases of this procedure
Patients I treated, published with their consent. Drag the divider to compare.
Dermolipectomy and body contouring
Liposuction, volumisation and Retraction technology in the same approach. Early evolution. See on Instagram
BeforeAfter360 liposculpture with dermolipectomy and mastopexy
A comprehensive approach after four pregnancies and a previous surgery, with Retraction technology to support skin retraction. See on Instagram
BeforeAfterImages published with each patient's written consent. Results vary from person to person and are not a guarantee for other patients.
Frequently asked questions
Is it the same as an abdominoplasty?
They're very close terms. In post-bariatric patients I say “dermolipectomy” because the focus is removing excess skin and tissue; when abdominal-wall repair is added we talk about abdominoplasty.
Can it be done without a scar?
No. Removing skin means a suture. What is decided is where it sits and how long it is.
When can I have it after bariatric surgery?
When your weight has been stable for a while and your bariatric and nutrition team endorse it. There is no fixed number of months.
The information in this article is general and does not replace an individual evaluation.
From my Instagram
Cases and explanations I shared on my account, in Spanish. Tap to play.
A 41-year-old patient whose twin pregnancy caused significant abdominal distension, excess skin and separation of the muscles. We planned a dermolipectomy to remove that excess and repair the abdominal wall, combined with 360 liposculpture to work the contour as a whole.
A twin pregnancy eight years earlier: abdominal distension, excess skin and marked diastasis. 360 liposculpture with fat transfer to the buttocks was indicated, combined with a dermolipectomy. Each procedure was assessed individually, according to her anatomy and goals.
Part two of the case: a 53-year-old patient with abdominal distension, excess skin and loss of shape. The plan was comprehensive: 360 liposculpture, dermolipectomy and fat transfer to the buttocks, supported by Retraction, a radiofrequency that works from the deep layers.
After several pregnancies, many patients notice the abdomen no longer feels the same: distension, diastasis and a loss of firmness that doesn't always improve with exercise alone. In this case we combined 360 liposculpture, dermolipectomy, fat transfer to the buttocks and rectus plication.
