Belly Liposuction in Paris

Tummy tuck: how to get rid of rolls of fat?

Liposuction of the abdomen, also known as abdominal liposuction, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that permanently removes excess fat from the abdomen.

These fatty deposits are hereditary in origin. They can also be the result of pregnancy, dieting, hormonal changes or age. Liposuction is sometimes the only solution, as this type of fat can resist dieting andexercise.

Liposuction solves this problem. Cannulas are inserted under the skin to draw out localized fat.

Effective and easy to perform, this procedure is performed by Dr. Alexis Delobaux, a Paris-based plastic surgeon, qualified and recognized by the French Medical Association (Ordre des Médecins).

The risks associated with this operation are very limited.

Liposuction of the abdomen and hips (love handles and saddlebags)

Liposuction of the abdomen aims to refine the waistline, but it can also be combined with liposuction of the hips(saddlebags) or flanks(love handles) to achieve a better result.

Liposuction of the buoy (flanks and subumbilical region) in men

From the age of 40, fat tends to settle below the navel and on the flanks. This phenomenon is much more noticeable in men. Liposuction makes it easy to remove this excess fat.

Liposuction of the abdomen during menopause in women

Menopause leads to fat storage localized on the abdomen. Liposuction helps to get rid of this for good.

Procedure

On the day of the operation, Dr. Alexis Delobaux first makes drawings of the areas to be treated. This gives you the opportunity to ask him any final questions you may have about the procedure.

The operation takes 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the case.

Then, the medical (anesthetist) and paramedical team will take charge of you and install you in the operating room. The procedure takes place under general anaesthetic, or an epidural-like anaesthetic, depending on your choice, the anaesthetist's assessment and the areas to be treated.

After anaesthesia, small incisions of just a few millimetres are made in the abdominal skin. The surgeon then starts the infiltration of a saline solution containing adrenaline and a local anesthetic. This infiltration reduces bleeding and increases your comfort on awakening.

Dr. Alexis Delobaux first passes an ultrasound probe under the skin. This liquefies deep and superficial fat, making it easier to remove. It also helps to re-tension the fat cells in your abdomen.

The fat is then aspirated using a conventional cannula. Removal is gentle and non-traumatizing, since the fat has been liquefied beforehand. This technique offers a significant reduction in oedema, bruising and bleeding compared to conventional liposuction.

When you return home, you should rest completely and effortlessly. It is advisable to take 7 to 10 days off work.

You can resume sporting activities after 4 weeks and avoid smoking and sun exposure during this time.

You will see your surgeon several times for follow-up consultations.

A compression garment should be worn for 6 to 8 weeks after the operation.

Pain may persist for a few days, but you'll have all the prescriptions you need for your comfort.

The result is definitive and visible between the third and sixth months.

Any variation in weight will lead to a variation in results. It's up to you to take care of your lifestyle to avoid significant weight variations.

What happens at the pre-operative consultation?

During the initial consultation, the Delobaux surgeon assesses the condition of the patient's abdomen: abdominal wall, skin surface, fat volume. He presents any contraindications, and explains the procedure and any resulting pain.

A pre-operative blood test is carried out as prescribed, at least 15 days before the operation. The anaesthetist must be consulted at least 48 hours before the operation.

The plastic surgeon asks the patient to get as close as possible to his or her normal weight.

How long is the hospital stay?

Hospitalization is often on an outpatient basis (same-day admission and discharge).

Some major liposuction procedures require a 24-hour hospital stay.

Local or general anesthesia?

The type of anaesthesia to be used depends on the amount ofexcess fat cells to be removed, and on consultation between the plastic surgeon, anaesthetist and patient.

For liposuction on small areas,local anesthesia or neuroleptanalgesia can be used.

When the areas to be treated are numerous or extensive, tummy tuck liposuction is performed under general anesthesia for the patient's comfort.

How long does liposuction take?

The procedure lasts between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on the amount of fat to be removed and the number of areas to be treated. In rare cases, it can last up to 2 hours.

What is the post-operative course after tummy tuck liposuction?

The post-operative period is more uncomfortable than painful. Treatment with analgesics is sufficient to relieve discomfort.

• Edema (swelling) and ecchymosis (bruising) gradually subside (5 to 15 days).
• A compression bandage (Velpeau or Elastoplast) is applied to the operated area for 24 hours.
• A small amount of blood may leak from the incisions during the first 24 hours.
• Showers are permitted from the following day.
• It is advisable to drink plenty of water in the days following liposuction.
• The compression garment must be worn for a minimum of 6 weeks.
• Dr. Delobaux may, if he deems it necessary, prescribe iron and folic acid treatment to avoid any anemia following the operation.

Results are gradually visible as the swelling melts away. After about 6 weeks, they are clearly visible and will improve further. Manual lymphatic drainage speeds up the post-operative period.

The time required for convalescence depends on the amount of fat removed. Depending on the extent of the abdominal liposuction and your professional activity, you will need to take a short break from work. Resumption of sport will be gradual, depending on the type of exercise envisaged.

Are the after-effects painful?

The pain is moderate and more akin to cramps or aches. They are relieved by simple analgesics. Fatigue is the most common symptom, particularly in the case of major liposuction.

How long should I wear a compression girdle?

We recommend that you wear a compression girdle or "panty" for 6 to 8 weeks (day and night at first) after the operation. The length of time the girdle is worn depends on the amount of fat removed and the quality of the initial skin.

It is important to remove it when showering to avoid maceration of the scars. This support girdle or panty helps optimize liposuction results by limiting edema and promoting skin retraction.

Are liposuction scars visible?

Incision scars are minimal, and sutures are absorbable. Scar dressings fall off spontaneously after a few days (no need to replace them).

Scars are pinkish in the first few days. They are usually invisible after 1 year.

Do I need to take time off work?

Work can be resumed a few days after the operation, if the occupation is sedentary or of moderate intensity.

After a few days, you can gradually resume gentle sports activities.

What are the risks and complications of tummy tuck liposuction?

Whatever the type of surgery, cosmetic or otherwise, there are risks. Complications, however, are exceptional.

Medical risks

Thromboembolic accidents, such as phlebitis and pulmonary embolism, are medical risks associated with anesthesia and surgery. They are extremely rare, thanks in particular to the systematic use of compression stockings, coagulation treatment and early rising on the evening of the operation.

Pre-operative consultations with the plastic surgeon and then the anaesthetist are designed to monitor and prevent the risk of complications as far as possible.

Hematomas (internal bleeding) are virtually impossible, as there are no areas of detachment (as in abdominoplasty) likely to bleed. On the other hand, bruising is systematic. These resolve within a few weeks.

Infection may require surgical drainage and antibiotic treatment.

Initial metabolic disturbances, even anemia, may occur after the removal of a large amount of fat. Anemia is usually rapidly resolved with folic acid treatment. It is prevented by taking iron for 10 days before the operation.

Sensory disturbances may be experienced. These fade after a few weeks. The delayed appearance of a lymphocele (a pocket of lymphatic fluid behind the skin of the lower abdomen) is an exceptional complication. It can be treated by drainage during a consultation.

Imperfect results

A non-smooth appearance or asymmetry may be observed, but this remains fairly rare. These imperfections are most often linked to the technique used (cannula not fine enough and non-homogeneous fat removal) and the indication (poor skin quality with inelastic skin).

If the patient has excess skin following tummy tuck liposuction, repeat surgery is essential. These are usually performed under local anaesthetic using simple procedures.

The limits of this surgical procedure

Liposuction of the abdomen does not correct excess weight. It is in no way a means of losing weight or treating obesity.

The aim of tummy liposuction is to reshape an unsightly tummy with excess fat. This surgical procedure does not dispense with a healthier lifestyle.

Liposuction is not abdominoplasty. It does not treat sagging skin or distension of the abdominal muscles (diastasis of the rectus abdominis).

The result: a flat stomach!

The first results are visible immediately after tummy tuck liposuction. Your figure is visibly more harmonious.

However, it takes three months for the results to fully take hold. This is the time needed for the swelling and bruising to subside. The skin adapts to the new volume of the abdomen and then gradually retracts.

You will need to see your surgeon again for regular check-ups to assess the progress of your tummy tuck results. If any imperfections are noted, the surgeon will be able to make a few adjustments, which require only simple outpatient procedures. There should be a three-month waiting period between your abdominal liposuction and the corrective procedure.

It will take around 12 months for your scars to fade and for you to appreciate the overall result. Today, liposuction of the abdomen offers optimal results. The tummy is flatter and more contoured.

Liposuction of the abdomen delivers long-lasting, definitive and satisfying results. This is because fat cells, or adipocytes, are unable to multiply. The result is entirely satisfying and radical.

Nevertheless, a healthy lifestyle is essential. Fat cells can move around the body, and weight gain after liposuction is unattractive.

The quality of the liposuction result depends on the elasticity and tone of your skin. If the quality of your skin is optimal, it will tighten naturally after the procedure.

Price of tummy tuck liposuction

The cost of liposuction in Paris depends on the number of areas to be treated.

The results offered by Dr Delobaux's technique are far superior to those obtained after conventional liposuction.

In fact, the technology used enables greater removal of fat from all layers. Ultrasonic technologies are expensive and require special maintenance due to their fragility.

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Can it be reimbursed by Social Security?

Liposuction of the abdomen is not covered by Social Security.

How can I find out the price of tummy tuck liposuction?

To find out more about pricing conditions, please contact our assistant on 07 59 59 86 82.