The abdominoplasty or tummy lift concerns people who suffer from the unsightly appearance of their stomachs due to excess skin. When it is important, we can speak of "apron". This aspect of the abdominal wall can be the result of a significant weight loss or very often one or more pregnancies.
If there is no excess skin but only an isolated excess fat (called "adipoma"), the appropriate intervention will be lipoaspiration – or liposuction -.
This intervention is very effective and makes it possible to find a flat stomach. Dressing gets easier, the silhouette is more harmonious and the self-image is improved.
It can sometimes be performed at the same time as breast surgery, which some call "mommy makeover".
How the procedure unfolds
In practice
In consultation we assess together your expectations and discover the morphology of your belly. We define together the type of surgery that will give the best results on your figure. This is where we decide whether there is a need to treat a diastasis recti (if the abdominal muscles are apart, it is possible to bring them together), or if additional liposuction is necessary in other areas. During the consultation, I also collect your medical and surgical history, your treatment, allergies, etc. I can prescribe you a scanner if necessary to look for a hernia of the abdominal wall (to be treated before considering the abdominoplasty). See "first consultation for surgery"
Surgery
Surgery lasts between 1h30 and 2h30 under general anesthesia. I make a low scar hidden in the underwear to remove the excess skin and if necessary a scar around the navel. I bring the abdominal muscles together if there is diastasis.
The stay at the clinic can last between one and five nights. Drains are put in place if necessary and removed before discharge or by the home nurse.
The SOFCPRE information sheet on plastic and aesthetic surgery of the abdominal wall is given to you during the consultation.
Postoperative effects
Showering is possible the day after surgery. After returning home, nursing care is necessary for 15 days to 3 weeks, and anticoagulant injections for 8 days. You must wear the support bodysuit prescribed in consultation for 6 weeks day and night, and compression socks for 1 month during the day. You should cease work for 15 days to 3 weeks.
The improvement is immediate, the results on the silhouette improve further until the complete reduction of the edema around 4 months postoperatively. The final result is evaluated one year after the intervention.
Weight and tummy tuck
This intervention gives its best results "at constant weight". If you want to lose weight or your weight is not currently stable, it is better to postpone the procedure for optimal results. Likewise, to minimize the risk of complications, this procedure is not recommended in patients with a BMI (body mass index) greater than 30.
I may therefore be required to offer you prior nutritional monitoring to reach your healthy weight before considering surgery.
Pregnancy and tummy tuck
It is necessary to wait at least a year after the last pregnancy for:
– the weight is stabilized
– the tissue has recovered its elasticity
Another pregnancy is quite possible after the operation, without any particular risk, however the pregnancy risks degrading the aesthetic result. Therefore, we recommend that the procedure be considered after all planned pregnancies.
You are considering a tummy tuck: what can you do to optimize the results of the procedure?
Before: reach your weight goal, maintain regular physical activity, hydrate the skin. Quit smoking.
Compression garments tend to dry out the skin and itch, so hydration must be emphasized. I also advise to opt for a shower oil, less drying than the gels or soaps. You can also wear a top under the bodysuit to reduce the discomfort.
After: after the end of the local treatments, massage, moisturize and protect the scars from the sun throughout the first year. Between 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively (depending on the type of surgery) resume sporting activity and strengthen the abdominal strap.
Social security coverage
The abdominoplasty can be covered by social security :
– if there is an abdominal apron, that is if the skin of the stomach falls on the pubis and covers it at least partially (see: https://www.ameli.fr/accueil-de-la-ccam/trouver-un-acte/fiche-abregee.php?code=QBFA008 )
– subject to the agreement of the medical advisor of social security, after we have jointly made a request for a prior agreement
In this case, only the excess fees remain the responsibility of the patient, and they can be covered by the mutual.
Pricing
- Covered by social security: from 2200 euros.
- Aesthetic: from 4500 euros.
On estimate given at the end of the consultation.