Surgical correction of the abdominal wall (tummy tuck)
The aim of such an operation is to remove the most damaged skin (distended, scarred or stretch marks) and tighten the surrounding healthy skin.
Tummy tuck application
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.
Abdominal liposuction: Abdominal plastics (abdominal dermi-lipectomies)
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.
Objectives and principles
The aim 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).
Operation sequence
A consultation with the anaesthetist is scheduled no later than two days before the operation.
Beforehand, a 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.
A general anaesthetic is almost always required for a tummy tuck: the patient is put to sleep for the duration of the operation.
One to five days' hospitalization is usually required.
The technique used depends on the individual case and the surgeon involved, with the aim of achieving the best possible results. The usual procedure remains the same.
As previously mentioned, the incisions are first made according to the location and volume of the damaged skin. The scar will be proportional to the amount of tissue removed.
Excess fat is removed by liposuction and distended muscles are re-tensioned.
Once the operation is complete, a support bandage is applied, sometimes supplemented by a compression girdle.
Depending on the volume of work required, this procedure takes between an hour and a half and three hours.
