ABDOMINOPLASTY

When you have excess fat in your belly as well as excess skin (a pot belly), an abdominoplasty can correct the situation.

With the patient’s permission, Tonnard and Verpaele usually perform this procedure together. The advantage of this is that the total duration of the procedure can be reduced by half to barely 1.5 hours. Less time spent under the influence of general anaesthesia will also speed up your recovery.

The technique used by Tonnard and Verpaele is a combination of three different techniques: first, an extensive liposuction is performed on the abdominal wall, the sides and often far into the patient’s back. Next, the weakened abdominal muscles are surgically tightened to ensure the abdominal wall is tight. Finally, the excess skin is removed above the pubic area and the belly button is reattached by making a small hole in the tightened abdominal skin. The procedure concludes by placing two small plastic tubes or drains that come out in the pubic area and are usually removed after 24 hours. These days, Tonnard and Verpaele will also place a pain pump that will make it easier to get through the first two days after the procedure, which are normally the most uncomfortable.

If the abdominal muscles are tightened as part of the procedure, the patient must avoid lifting heavy objects (a full bucket, a child, furniture) at all costs until four weeks after the procedure.

Depending on the type of work you do, you may be entirely unable to work for one or two weeks after the procedure.

This procedure can be performed by itself or be combined with breast surgery (breast reduction, breast lift, breast enlargement), an arm lift, a thigh lift or a facelift. Such combined procedures are performed by two teams (Tonnard and Verpaele), which significantly reduces your time spent on the operating table (see also Mommy Make-over).