Abdominoplasty / Tummy tuck

Pregnancy, weight gain, severe weight loss, etc. can all cause the abdominal muscles to become weak and loose. Unattractive loose skin is often embarrassing. Liposculpture and especially vibroliposculpture and its tightening effect are generally a solution to this problem, often making further major surgery unnecessary.
Nevertheless, in case of significant skin lesions, very loose skin or many stretch marks, liposuction alone may be inefficient and patients should then have tummy tuck surgery.
Depending on the elasticity of the skin, the quality of the abdominal muscles and the excess amount of fat, the plastic surgeon will perform mini- or complete abdominoplasty.

Mini-abdominoplasty

• Procedure

This surgery is appropriate for patients with limited excess fat and whose fat deposits and loose abdominal muscles are located below the navel.
Through a short incision made at pubic hair level, the surgeon will remove the skin and excess fat. Liposculpture of the abdomen and/or the hips will often be performed at the same time.
Mini-abdominoplasties are usually performed under general anesthesia and take one to one and a half hour.
• Postoperative care

You will be able to go home on the day of the mini-abdominoplasty. You will have to wear compression garments during one month.

• Results

The scar is very discreet, hidden by the underwear, at pubic hair level.
They are permanent.

Complete abdominoplasty

• Procedure

This surgery will be suggested in case of poor elasticity of the skin and/or loose abdominal muscles.
The surgeon makes an incision at pubic hair level (usually longer than required for mini-abdominoplasties) and removes the skin up to the ribs. He then removes the excess fat and skin (abdominal apron). The navel is then repositioned in the middle of the tightened abdomen and the abdominal muscles are brought together and sutured. Complete abdominoplasty is often combined with liposculpture.
Tummy tuck is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes about one and a half hour.

• Postoperative care

You will be able to go home on the day of the abdominoplasty.
At the end of the procedure, the surgeon will insert two Redon drains in order to remove blood and serous fluids. Those drains will be removed a few days after the tummy tuck. You will have to wear compression garments for one month. You can expect to return to work after 3 to 6 weeks.

• Results

The results will be visible 2 to 3 months after the surgery.
They are permanent.