Abdominal wall plastic or abdominoplasty
In case of skin defects (numerous stretch-marks, distension...), isolated liposuction is insufficient and an abdominal wall plastic or dermolipectomy is needed.
For instance, an important excess of abdominal skin can appear after a major weight loss or a pregnancy.
The aim of this procedure is to remove the impaired/excess abdominal skin and to tighten the skin.
In some cases, it can be associated with a tightening of the abdominal wall muscles (in case of diastasis affecting the rectus abdominis muscles and/or with a liposuction of some areas of the abdominal wall.
Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure and cannot be reimbursed by health insurance, except in case of obesity sequelae (bariatric surgery) which may, in case of major damages of the anterior abdominal wall with the abdominal apron covering the pubis area, be paid for by health insurance after prior permission.
Before the procedure
A usual preoperative check-up is made following your surgeon’s recommendations.
An anaesthesiologist will see you in consultation at the latest 48 hours before the operation.
Medical photographs are taken.
A support belt is prescribed.
If the operation is not covered by health insurance, you will need to stop working during 2 weeks after surgery and work stoppage cannot be prescribed.
Stop smoking 1 month before the operation: smoking prevents healing and favours thrombo-phlebitis.
No aspirin-based, anti-inflammatory medication or oral anticoagulants should be taken during the 15 days preceding the operation to reduce the risks of bleeding.
No oral contraception 1 month before the operation, to reduce the thrombo-embolic risks.
The procedure
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and lasts between 1h30 and 2 hours.
The admission is made the day before or the morning of the operation. You must fast.
The scar is placed above the pubis area, its length depends on the amount of skin to be removed.
A scar around the ombilic may be necessary depending on the type of plasty.
After the procedure
You will be monitored in the recovery room and in your room.
A suction drainage system is usually placed to reduce the risks for bruises.
It is kept during 1 or 2 days and you can return home with the suction drains.
The bandage is removed the day after the operation. It is maintained by an elastic garment you bought before the operation. It is recommended to wear the pressure garment for about 6 weeks.
In order to reduce risks of phlebitis, you will be asked to rise up soon, on the day after surgery.
You will be administered a subcutaneous anticoagulant treatment.
You can have a shower from the day after the operation.
Hospitalization usually lasts 1 or 2 days.
It is recommended that someone brings you back home.
Stitches will be removed if necessary 2 weeks after the surgery.
A sport activity can be done again within 2 months after surgery.
Several follow-up consultations with Doctor Santini will be planned.
It is only after 6 to 12 months that the final result will appear.
The scars need to be protected from the sun during 1 year.
Pregnancies and major weight variations are highly advised against after an abdominoplasty. They may indeed deteriorate the result.
Page réalisée d'après les fiches d'information de la Société Française de Chirurgie Plastique Reconstructrice et Esthétique
Page created according to the information sheets of the authority of the French Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgery (Société Française de Chirurgie Plastique Reconstructrice et Esthétique - SOFCPRE)
Before the procedure
- Medical exams: 1 or 2 surgical consultations, 1 consultation with the anaesthesiologist.
- Recommendations: stop smoking 1 month before, stop aspirin-based and anti-inflammatory medication 10 days before the surgery.
- Signing of the estimate, informed consent and medical photographies.
- Reflection period: 15 days between the first consultation and the surgery.
The procedure
- Anaesthesia: general.
- Duration of the procedure: 2 to 3 hours.
- Return home: 1 to 2 nights hospitalization.
Follow-up and result
- Special care: support belt during 1.5 month. Anticoagulants during 15 days.
- Removal of the stitches: not necessary, they are dissolvable.
- Desocialisation after the surgery: 7 to 10 days.
- Physical activities: 2 months.
- Professional activities: 15 to 21 days after the surgery, depending on your professional situation.
- Final result: 6 to 12 months.
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