When to have reconstructive surgery after Sleeve? 
published on 13.05.2020 by Dr Djian
24
September
Surgery
Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty?
published on 24.09.2020 by Dr Djian
Summary
- LIPOSUCTION FOR EVERYONE?
- FOR EXCESS SKIN: ABDOMINOPLASTY!
- WHY SUCH A PRICE DIFFERENCE?
- EXAMINATION AND POSSIBLE INTERVENTIONS
In short
- The tummy tuck liposuction eliminates localized excess fat using fine cannulas, but requires a special firm, elastic skin to avoid any sagging after the procedure.
- In case of’significant skin excess (after pregnancy or weight loss), only the’abdominoplasty helps tighten the skin and, if necessary, repair the abdominal muscles (cure of diastasis).
- Theabdominoplasty leaves a low, hidden scar on the pubic area, and may be associated with a additional liposuction to harmonize the silhouette.
- The liposuction is not reimbursed, while the’abdominoplasty can be in the case of an abdominal apron covering the pubis. The latter is more costly, as it is more time-consuming and technical.
- The choice between the two procedures depends on the quality of the skin, the volume of fat to be removed and the patient's history (pregnancies, diets, bariatric surgery), to be determined at the time of the preoperative consultation.
LIPOSUCTION FOR EVERYONE?
Definition of liposuction
The liposuction in Paris is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures. It consists of aspirating the’excess fat with a cannula through small incisions. The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic.
The areas treated by liposuction are :
- The belly ;
- The hips ;
- The back ;
- The thighs...
Liposuction can make saddlebags disappear, excess fat on the stomach and many other parts of the body.
This is an ideal solution, whatever the quantity of fat (fat cells) to be removed. With conventional liposuction, up to 7 liters of fat can be removed. If the patient wishes to remove more than 7 liters of fat, he or she will have to undergo several procedures.
Who should undergo liposuction?
This surgical technique is not for everyone.
Liposuction requires the patient to have good skin quality. In addition, the patient must not have excess skin for the belly skin can reposition itself correctly after liposuction.
What happens if liposuction is performed on a patient with excess skin?
The removal of a large fatty mass from a patient with excess skin will result in a sagging skin. The skin will tend to droop, resulting in the appearance of a fold, called the "abdominal apron. Irregularities and even a crumpled appearance are possible.
«It's better to have a hidden scar in your panties, rather than a belly with loose, wrinkled skin!»
Dr Djian
Dr Djian
FOR EXCESS SKIN: ABDOMINOPLASTY!
What is abdominoplasty?
Theabdominoplastyor tummy tuck, is to remove the’excess skin between the navel and the pubis. It's a kind of tummy tuck.
The skin is re-tensioning, This is offset by a horizontal scar above the pubis.
Abdominoplasty scar: discreet and well-placed
The scar created by the incision is located on the lower part of the abdomen. It is often placed at the level of the pubic hair. It is therefore hidden by the bikini line and undergarments.
Liposuction of the hips and abdomen is also possible to complete the abdominoplasty.
Discover the before and after photos of abdominoplasty performed by Dr. Djian to visualize the possible results of this intervention.
Which patients have excess abdominal skin?
In general, these are patients who have experienced significant weight fluctuation, after a major diet or after several successive diets.
Women who have had one or more pregnancies may also have excess skin if it has not repositioned well after the pregnancies.
It's better to have a hidden scar than a belly with loose, wrinkled skin. Liposuction to avoid abdominoplasty scars is not always a good idea.
WHY SUCH A PRICE DIFFERENCE?
How is the price of surgery calculated?
The price of liposuction can vary from patient to patient.
It depends on the estimated operating time and the quantity of’fatty tissues to be vacuumed and/or amount of skin to cut.
Liposuction with fat localized only on the abdomen will be less expensive than liposuction with fat localized in several areas of the body.
Read the article on plastic surgery awards.
Covered by Social Security
Liposuction is not covered by Social Security.
Abdominoplasty is covered by Social Security when the patient has an abdominal apron.
Why is abdominoplasty a more expensive procedure?
This surgical procedure is more complex and takes longer than the liposuction. The costs of the operating theatre and the’general anesthesia are more important. That's why this procedure is more expensive.
In the course of abdominoplasty, complementary procedures may be combined, such as abdominal diastasis treatment. This involves repairing the abdominal wall by bringing abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis) whose relaxation can give the impression of a bloated or distended belly.
In conclusion, your plastic surgeon is best placed to help you choose between tummy tuck or abdominoplasty !
EXAMINATION AND POSSIBLE INTERVENTIONS
To do this, he must examine your belly during a consultation to assess the quality of your skin and to learn about your history (plans, bariatric surgery sleeve or bypass, pregnancies...). Once this examination is complete, it will help you make the best choice between :
- A gentle liposuction ;
- 360 liposuction (tummy, hip and back); ;
- Abdominoplasty without liposuction; ;
- Abdominoplasty with tummy tuck liposuction ;
- A tummy tuck with diastasis treatment (with or without liposuction); ;
- A Mommy Makeover : abdominoplasty and tummy tuck.
Your Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ABDOMINOPLASTY AND TUMMY TUCK LIPOSUCTION
CAN YOU GET PREGNANT AFTER ABDOMINOPLASTY?
Yes, pregnancy is still possible after abdominoplasty, However, it is advisable to wait at least 6 to 12 months after the operation. Abdominoplasty does not compromise fertility, but a new pregnancy may alter the aesthetic result (sagging skin, diastasis). It is therefore preferable to consider cosmetic tummy tuck surgery once the parental project has been completed.
WHAT PROCEDURE SHOULD BE PERFORMED FOR A SWOLLEN BELLY AFTER PREGNANCY?
A belly that remains swollen after childbirth may require abdominoplasty with diastasis cure., especially if the abdominal muscles have spread. Abdominoplasty tightens the skin and muscles where liposuction alone would be ineffective. A clinical examination confirms the presence of diastasis and guides the appropriate treatment.
IS IT NECESSARY TO LOSE WEIGHT BEFORE UNDERGOING TUMMY LIPOSUCTION?
Yes, it is advisable to have a stable weight that is close to one's goal before undergoing liposuction., This aesthetic tummy tuck is not a weight-loss method. It removes localized fat that is resistant to dieting, but does not replace a balanced diet or physical activity. A change in weight after the operation may alter the result obtained.
DOES LIPOSUCTION LEAVE VISIBLE SCARS?
No, scars from tummy tuck liposuction are extremely discreet, This is because the incisions are small (just a few millimetres) and generally hidden in the natural folds of the skin. Unlike abdominoplasty, which involves a longer scar, liposuction leaves very few visible marks. The quality of healing also depends on the skin and post-operative care.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME AFTER A TUMMY TUCK?
Recovery from abdominoplasty lasts between 2 and 4 weeks, Depending on the extent of the excess skin removed and the associated procedures (tummy tuck, diastasis cure, Mommy Makeover...).
Post-operative pain is moderate and well controlled by analgesics. It is essential to wear an abdominal girdle day and night for 4 to 6 weeks to limit oedema, promote healing and stabilize the result.
During this period, you should avoid any physical activity, carrying loads, long journeys and sudden movements. A work stoppage is generally prescribed. Gradual resumption of activities can be envisaged after post-operative check-up, but this is not always possible. sports and abdominal exercises are forbidden for at least one month, or more, depending on the case. The aesthetic result begins to stabilize after 2 to 3 months.
Dr. Jérémy Djian
Dr Jérémy Djian is a plastic surgeon based at 5 square Thiers, near the Victor Hugo roundabout, in the 16th arrondissement of Paris.
He trained in Paris and remains attached to the hospital in the prestigious department of Pr Laurent Lantieri.
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