Body contouring surgery - abdominoplasty
Or abdominoplasty. It is a cosmetic surgery aimed at recovering a flat and harmonious stomach following weight variations or pregnancies in women.
Principles of abdominoplasty
The surgery consists in tightening the abdomen by removing the damaged skin (distended or stretch marks) below the navel.
There are 2 types of tummy tucks:
- a tummy tuck without transposition of the umbilicus or mini-abdominoplasty
- abdominoplasty with transposition of the umbilicus, possibly associated with re-tensioning of the abdominal muscles (diastasis cure)
I almost systematically combine liposuction of the abdomen with my tummy tucks
In Practice
An abdominal CT scan may be requested prior to the procedure to assess the presence of any hernia.
It is necessary to order, before the operation, an abdominal support girdle as well as
The procedure is most often performed under general anesthesia, but can also be performed under epidural anesthesia. This requires a pre-anesthetic consultation at least 48 hours before the operation.
A mini-abdominal surgery can be considered in ambulatory surgery.
In other cases, a conventional hospitalization of 2 to 4 days is necessary.
Questions / Answers about abdominoplasty
Is a tummy tuck a painful procedure?
It all depends on whether abdominoplasty affects the abdominal muscles.
If this is not the case, the pain is equivalent to that of a liposuction, and can therefore be tolerated with light painkillers.
If the abdominal muscles are brought closer together (diastasis cure), the pain is much stronger, requires morphine derivatives and lasts about 15 days.
What are the possible complications of a tummy tuck?
Mini-abdominoplasty is a quick procedure with rare complications.
Abdominoplasty with transposition of the umbilicus is a heavier procedure that requires careful care.
The most feared complication is the occurrence of thrombo-embolic accidents (phlebitis and pulmonary embolism). This requires preventive measures such as getting up early, wearing support stockings and using subcutaneous injections of heparin during the 10 days following the operation.
A hematoma (blood clot) may occur in the 2 days following the operation and may lead to a return to the operating room.
An effusion of lymph occurs in about 10% of cases. If it is important, it may require a puncture which is not painful.
Finally, sensitivity problems of the abdominal skin under the umbilicus are almost systematic after the operation. They decrease in the year following the operation.
What is the post-operative care after a tummy tuck?
Care must be rigorous after an abdominoplasty.
A nurse will renew the dressing every 1 to 2 days. At the same time, she will give you a subcutaneous injection of heparin.
Two blood tests will be necessary in the 10 days following the operation in order to control your hemoglobin and platelet levels.
Can a tummy tuck be covered by social security?
Yes, but in very specific cases. The following criteria must be met:
- that your abdomen falls on your pubic bone when you are standing (mandatory criterion)
- you have recently lost weight
The fact of having had 3 children or a caesarean section does not imply that the abdominoplasty is covered by social security.
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
In the context of cosmetic surgery, prices vary from 3600 € for a mini-abdominoplasty to more than 5000€ for a complete abdominoplasty.
If there is social security coverage, I charge an additional fee of 2300 € which may be covered by your health insurance.
Have a question? Please contact us!
The firm
Docteur Yaël Berdah et Docteur Marc-David Benjoar
Chirurgiens esthétiques à Paris France