Abdominoplasty

Here is a visual and schematic representation of the abdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty removes the apron of skin and fat from the abdomen, tightens the skin, and improves a loosening of the abdominal wall. Its limitations: it is not a weight-loss method, the scars are permanent, and a perfectly flat or perfectly symmetrical abdomen cannot be guaranteed. The alternatives depend on the main problem: no procedure, weight stabilisation and lifestyle and diet measures, liposuction alone when the excess is mainly fat and the skin is of good quality, or a mini-abdominoplasty in some limited situations. Liposuction alone does not properly treat either significant excess skin or loosening of the abdominal wall.

Before an abdominoplasty, Dr Manon Belhoste and the anaesthetist must be told about all treatments, medicines and supplements you take. Aspirin, antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory medicines are stopped only on the advice of the prescriber, Dr Manon Belhoste or the anaesthetist: a prescribed treatment is never stopped alone. Stopping smoking and all nicotine is required, because nicotine increases the risk of poor healing and of necrosis of the skin. Fasting, hygiene and blood clot prevention instructions apply as given, and arrangements for getting home and for help during the first days are made in advance. Postponing the procedure is generally preferable if a pregnancy or a significant weight change is planned in the short term.

Walking with short steps from the first days, slightly bent forward at first, reduces the risk of blood clots without straining the scar. Swelling, bruising, tightness and reduced sensation in the lower abdomen are usual at first. The skin there is often numb or less sensitive, and recovers over several weeks to months, sometimes incompletely. The scar is permanent: the horizontal scar is placed as low as possible above the pubis, so underwear hides it, and may extend towards the hips. A scar also surrounds the navel when it is repositioned. Scars are red and firm for the first months, then soften and fade; maturation takes 12 to 18 months, sometimes longer. No direct sun exposure is advised for 1 year, then SPF 50+ once the scars have closed.

An abdominoplasty removes excess skin and abdominal fatty tissue. It is not a weight-loss method. Your weight should ideally be stable for several months before the procedure.

A later pregnancy remains possible. It can stretch the skin and abdominal wall again and alter the result. Postponing the procedure is generally preferable if a pregnancy is planned in the short term.

An abdominoplasty is often performed for aesthetic reasons and is then not covered by the French National Health Insurance. In certain situations that meet the medical and administrative criteria, coverage can be discussed and may require a request for prior approval.

The price of an abdominoplasty includes Dr Manon Belhoste's fees, follow-up consultations after the operation, anaesthesia and clinic fees at Polyclinique La Phocéanne or Clinique Phénicia.