Abdominoplasty
To whom is it addressed?
The abdominoplasty treats the problems of excess skin of the abdominal wall. We distinguish two main cases:
Stomachs damaged by multiple or twin pregnancies that often show significant stretch marks and unsightly sagging.
Significant weight variations eventually leading to excess skin predominantly in the lower part and possibly covering all or part of the pubis (abdominal apron). This is the case, for example, in the aftermath of a gastroplasty or the installation of a gastric band.
This intervention is very often associated with a large liposuction intended to eliminate the excess fat located on the abdominal wall and the flanks. a lifting retraction of the cutaneous envelope.A damaged, wrinkled or relaxed belly, a very frequent problem, finds an effective surgical solution through a plastic surgery which can repair both muscles, fat or skin.
What are the scars, what are the different types of tummy tuck?
Abdominoplasty consists of tightening the skin of the belly by removing the excess damaged skin from below. It's a real vertical facelift. The necessary scar is therefore bordering the pubic hair and extends towards the hips, concealed in the briefs. Depending on the excess, the navel will be redone, lowered or left intact.
We then speak either of a complete abdominoplasty with a long lower scar associated with a scar around the navel, or of a mini-abdominoplasty with a short scar, caesarean type, without a navel scar.
Is it possible to repair the abdominal muscles in the same intervention?
Deep deformation of the belly during pregnancy can lead to a true tear in the midline between the muscles big rights, “the abs”. During the procedure, the subcutaneous peeling to lift the skin exposes and re-binds the muscles spread over the entire height of the belly, creating a real permanent internal sheath. These points of muscle approximation can be achieved during the mini-lift too.
Does this intervention make the big round belly disappear?
The factors that explain a big round belly are:
Excess skin and fat.
Muscle relaxation.
Chronic abdominal bloating.
The exaggerated arch of the spine.
It will be understood that surgery can most often solve only one part of the problem, not being able to do anything on the last 2 points. A poorly toned muscle will not be able to improve without in-depth sports work.
What type of anesthesia can be used and what is the length of hospitalization?
The anesthesia will most often be general. In some cases, an epidural anesthesia will be proposed. A stay of 1 to 5 days in the clinic is to be expected, which varies according to the extent of the surgical procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
The abdominoplasty lasts between an hour and a half and three hours depending on the size of the area to be treated and the number of structures on which we act.
What are the postoperative consequences?
Dressings are to be expected for two weeks, often carried out by a home nurse. Wearing a 24-hour restraint belt is required for about three weeks. In the event of muscular repair, the abdominal muscles must be protected from any effort for two months under cover of a sheath reinforced by whales at the beginning. To prevent phlebitis, the wearing of anti-thrombosis compression stockings during and after the intervention is mandatory, combined with preventive treatment based on heparin. The scar, located at the edge of the pubic hair and which extends into the folds of the groin, will gradually change in appearance over time. Dewy for the first three months, it will whiten gradually in a period of about 6 months to a year. It should not be exposed to the sun for the first three months. This scar can include that of a possible caesarean section lengthening the existing scar without adding any outside the navel. Given the importance of the intervention, the patient will have to remain without work for two to three weeks. The resumption of a sports activity, after consulting the surgeon is possible after a month and a half. The final silhouette will be obtained within three months, in general.
In conclusion
Abdominoplasty is an aesthetic procedure that completely redesigns the abdomen and trunk in a very significant. It is a complete surgical treatment of the abdominal wall (skin, muscle, fat). Its preparation is fundamental: it requires good information and must be followed by a rest of 2 good weeks. It is one of the heaviest aesthetic procedures, but one of the most satisfying.