Abdominoplasty: practical information
- TYPE: remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen (small abdominal apron)
- ANESTHESIA: general
- INTERVENTION DURATION: 2 to 3 hours
- STAY: ambulatory or 24 h
- DISOCIALIZATION: 5 days
THE ADVANTAGES: Spectacular results and tighter muscles.
Abdominoplasty: when is it performed?
An unsightly abdominal wall is often a source of complexes that are difficult to bear. Surgery in this area has been revolutionized since the advent of liposuction, which considerably reduces scarring and the consequences of major surgery.
This procedure does not use a single technique for all cases. It requires an in-depth analysis of the lesions and a careful consideration of various factors: skin characteristics, volume of fat to be removed, state of the abdominal belt, morphology of the patients undergoing surgery. The procedure is then adapted to each individual case.
For every request for abdominal wall surgery, patients have two options: abdominal liposuction, performed in isolation, or abdominoplasty.
If the skin has numerous lesions and is very distended (stretch marks, scars), liposuction alone is not sufficient, in which case a tummy tuck is more appropriate.
Abdominoplasty: objectives and principles
The purpose of this operation is to remove unsightly skin (distension, stretch marks, scars) and draw in the surrounding healthy skin.
During this procedure, liposuction can also be performed to remove excess local fat and treat damaged lower abdominal muscles (diastasis, hernia).
The most common tummy tuck is performed as follows: according to a scheme adapted to the lesions, the surgeon removes a substantial spindle of skin, including all or part of the area between the navel and the pubis.
The upper, undamaged skin, usually above the navel, is pulled down. The result is an attractive abdominal wall.
The lowered skin is incised to preserve and reposition the navel normally.
Depending on where and how much of the damaged skin is removed, the procedure will leave a larger or smaller, more or less visible residual scar.
The scar usually begins at the upper pubic hairline and may extend into the groin. The length of the scar is predictable and should be clearly communicated to the patient before the operation.
Depending on the case and under certain conditions, health insurance may cover this procedure.
A localized tummy tuck can sometimes be envisaged for smaller lesions. The residual scar will then be smaller.
In this case, the procedure is not covered by health insurance.
Abdominoplasty: the pre-operative phase
A consultation with the anaesthetist is scheduled no later than two days before the operation, anda pre-operative check-up is carried out to ensure that there are no contraindications to the procedure.
- To avoid healing problems, we recommend you stop smoking at least one month before and one month after the operation.
- If you are taking oral contraception, you may be asked to stop taking it to avoid any risk, especially if you have blood circulation or clotting disorders, or are obese.
- It is strictly forbidden to take any medication containing aspirin for ten days prior to the operation.
Abdominoplasty: type of anesthesia, hospitalization and fees
- Type of anaesthesia: A general anaesthetic is almost always required for a tummy tuck: the patient is put to sleep for the duration of the operation.
- Hospitalization: One to five days' hospitalization is usually required.