Definition and objectives

In the case of substantial skin imperfections (stretch marks, scars), abdominoplasty constitutes the only effective remedy.

This operation consists in removing the damaged skin and stretching nearby healthy skin over it.

Skin ablation follows the direction of lesions. The surgeon reconstructs the abdominal wall by stretching healthy skin downwards. An incision in the lowered skin makes it possible to put back the navel in place.

Prior to surgery

A preoperative examination is carried out in the course of which the patient tells the surgeon of his or her medical and surgical history and informs the surgeon of any treatment taken.

The anaesthetist will be seen 48 hours prior to surgery at the latest.

General anaesthesia is usually used for abdominoplasty.

Medication containing aspirin should not be taken for 10 days prior to surgery.

The patient stays in hospital for 2 to 5 days.

The operation

You should be aware that the length of the scar depends on the amount of skin to be removed.

Excess skin and subcutaneous fat are removed and the muscle are tightened.

Excess fat is extracted by liposuction and the distended muscles are tightened. A dressing is applied after surgery to keep the protect the wound.

The tome taken to perform this operation depends on how much work there is to do and ranges from 90 minutes to 3 hours.

After the operation

A dressing must be kept on for 15 days. Liposuction pants must be worn day and night for 2 to 4 weeks. Work can be resumed 2 to 4 weeks after the operation.

Sports activities can be resumed from the 6th week postoperatively. Scars must not be exposed to the sun for 3 months.

Result

The full result is seen 1 year after surgery. During this time, you should see the doctor every 3 months.

Possible complications

Abdominoplasty is considered to be one of the most delicate operations in cosmetic surgery. Using a qualified plastic surgeon is a guarantee against such complications or at least gives you the assurance that complications will be treated if need be.

The following are among the possible complications of abdominoplasty:

- thrombo-embolic incidents (phlebitis, pulmonary embolism): wearing anti-thrombosis tights, minimum mobility and anticoagulant treatment help minimise this.

- haematoma: it may be necessary to eliminate accumulated blood matter.

- effusion due to lymph flow from the 8th day: this can sometimes be aspirated but generally dries out without any other intervention.

- very rarely, cutaneous necrosis.

- loss of sensitivity: a return to a normal state takes place after 3 to 12 months.

- delayed healing, resulting in longer operative after-effects.