Tummy tuck or Abdominoplasty

A tummy tuck can be performed on both men and women, whenever the abdomen is burdened by fatty deposits and the skin is too distended to regain its elasticity with simple liposuction.

• In men, the belly appears at an early age, sometimes even before forty. There are genetic reasons for this, as the android model means that adipocytes (fat cells) are more prevalent on the upper body (bust) than on the lower body (buttocks, thighs, legs).
• In women, the menopause has an "androgen-like" effect that also favors fat deposits on the abdomen. The abdomen is all the more sensitive as tissues may have been distended by previous pregnancies. A similar phenomenon can also be seen after a significant weight loss.

Dr Christelle Santini recommends a tummy tuck in Paris in the following cases:

• aesthetic treatment of a paunch with excess fat and skin to restore a flat stomach;
• aesthetic treatment of large stretch marks on the stomach ;
• treatment of skin and/or muscle distension following dieting, Caesarean section or pregnancy (diastasis).

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck removes these imperfections by removing the damaged excess area. Muscular slackening, known as diastasis, can also be corrected if necessary, with these muscles re-tensioned during the same operation to harmonize the result.

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck may be reimbursed by social security (after prior agreement) only in the following cases: "major damage to the anterior abdominal wall with abdominal apron covering the pubis" corresponding to the after-effects of obesity.

An initial consultation with Dr. Santini is imperative, to carry out a clinical and aesthetic analysis. She will then propose the best solutions according to the clinical examination, any contraindications and your objectives.

Medical photos are also taken, to help with surgery and follow-up.

Dr Santini will prescribe a consultation with the anaesthetist, which must take place at least 48 hours before surgery, to enable the anaesthetist to carry out additional tests if necessary.

Dr Santini will also prescribe an abdominal girdle that you will have to wear for 6 weeks.

All medications containing aspirin should be avoided for 10 days prior to surgery.

Oral contraception should be discontinued 1 month before surgery to reduce the risk of thromboembolism.

It is strongly recommended to stop smoking at least 1 month before and 1 month after the tummy tuck, to facilitate healing and avoid post-operative infection.

You must not eat, drink or smoke for 6 hours before the operation.

If social security coverage is not available in your case, you will not be able to take a medical leave: it is therefore important to allow for a period of 10 to 20 days of unavailability after the operation.

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck requires hospitalization for 24 to 48 hours. (1 to 2 nights post-op). The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, during which you are completely asleep.

Dr. Santini first makes the contours to be corrected with a surgical marker.

The first step is tummy tuckThis not only clears the surgical field, but also enables a perfect assessment of the amount of excess skin to be removed.

This skin resection is the second stage. The skin incision is made to lift and tighten the skin. Excess skin is removed, and the umbilicus is trimmed and repositioned to harmonize the result.

The scar is positioned above the pubic area, so it is hidden by the undergarments.
Its length will depend on the amount of skin removed.

A circular scar around the umbilicus may be added depending on the surgical procedure.

The final step involves suturing the muscle plane, if necessary, before closing the skin.

The operating time for a tummy tuck is 2h00 to 3h.

The abdominal lift ends with a dressing and suction drains, which are usually removed after 24 to 48 hours.

To minimize the risk of hematoma, Dr. Christelle Santini uses suction drains which will be removed no later than 48 hours after the operation.

The dressing is removed before discharge. A lighter dressing will be applied in addition, and replaced by an abdominal compression girdle.

To limit the risk of phlebitis, Dr Christelle Santini will prescribe an anticoagulant by subcutaneous injection, and will also encourage you to get up the day after your operation.

When you go out, we strongly recommend that someone escorts you home.

Sutures are usually absorbable, and several post-operative consultations with Dr Christelle Santini at her practice are required.

You can resume sporting activities two months after the operation.
The final result of the tummy tuck for a flat stomach will be obtained between 6 months and 1 year, and the final appearance of the scars between 12 and 18 months.

They should not be exposed to the sun without proper UV protection.

Abdominoplasty restores a slender silhouette, without abdominal apron or paunch.

It is recommended not to become pregnant and to avoid weight changes in the year following the operation to avoid damaging the aesthetic result on the flat stomach.

• 1 night in hospital after abdominoplasty
• 15 to 21 days of professional downtime
• Final result of tummy tuck at 1 year

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) tightens muscles and removes excess skin from the abdomen, creating a more toned figure. Results are visible immediately, but the final result can be appreciated after about 6 months, once swelling has disappeared and healing is complete.

The effects are long-lasting, especially with a healthy lifestyle. Discover the before-and-after results and see how this procedure can transform the abdomen.

If the scar is a source of discomfort, Dr. Santini offers sessions of the UrgoTouch laser laser sessions tosignificantly reducetheir appearance.

What to do before an abdominoplasty?

• 1 to 2 consultations with your plastic surgeon, including the taking of medical photographs
• Delivery and signature of the estimate, respecting the 15-day legal deadline between the first consultation and the tummy tuck (abdominal lift).
• Anesthesia consultation, blood test.

How is the abdominoplasty tummy tuck performed?

• General anesthesia for flat tummy surgery.
• 2h to 3h, depending on the tummy tuck technique used.
• Return home after abdominoplasty the next day.

What is the post-operative course of a tummy tuck?

• Wearing an abdominal girdle for 1? months.
• Anticoagulants 15 days.
• Follow-up visit with your plastic surgeon 7 to 10 days after the procedure.
• Abdominoplasty sutures are absorbable.
• Stop exercising after a tummy tuck for three to six weeks.
• Plan to take 15 to 21 days off work after a tummy tuck.
• Final result of tummy tuck surgery after one year.