Aesthetic and plastic surgeon Doctor Roman Merle performs tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) in Antibes. This procedure aims to tighten the skin in the abdominal area and to remove any that is damaged.

When is an abdominoplasty appropriate?

An abdominoplasty aims to correct certain defects in the abdominal area, like:
– excess fat
– skin issues (significant stretch marks, distended skin that may hang down over the pubic area)
– muscular issues (slackening of the abdominal wall muscles known as diastasis recti that can occur after pregnancy)

This procedure is intended for people who have some skin issues in the abdominal area: for example, as a result of excessive weight gain or too many consecutive diets. An abdominoplasty can be performed from the age of 18 years.

Abdominoplasty procedure

An abdominoplasty procedure or tummy tuck involves removing any damaged skin (distended, over-stretched or scarred) and tightening the surrounding healthy skin to form a flat tummy. Before surgery, Dr Merle will first draw on the abdomen where the incisions will need to be made. The specific marks he makes will depend on where and how much skin is going to be removed. He will then proceed to remove a section of skin between the tummy button and the pubis following the lines he drew prior to the operation. Generally speaking, part of the scar will be hidden in the pubic hair and will extend more or less into the creases of the groin. When a full tummy tuck is performed, the scars will inevitably be more extensive: please do not hesitate to discuss potential scarring with Dr Merle prior to the operation, in order to be fully aware of the aesthetic results that may be achievable or obtained.

In addition to removing the section of skin (as described above), Dr Merle can also remove excess fat using liposuction and treat any damage to the underlying abdominal muscles. Healthy skin will be tightened downwards. The tummy button is re-positioned to look normal. An abdominoplasty can be performed in 2 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of the area to be treated. It is carried out under a general anaesthetic.

After surgery, you will need to stay in hospital for 24 hours.
The cost of an abdominoplasty procedure performed in Antibes by aesthetic and plastic surgeon Doctor Roman Merle, starts at €2300 and can, in certain cases, be reimbursed by Social Security.

What to expect following an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

Soit directement derrière la glande, en avant des muscles pectoraux
(positionnement prémusculaire)

Soit plus profondément, en arrière des muscles pectoraux
(positionnement rétromusculaire)

After surgery, some moderate discomfort may be experienced: swelling and bruising often occur. Doctor Merle will be able to prescribe appropriate medication to help reduce any discomfort.

An elasticated support garment is worn for around 15 days after the procedure, then, a special corset, which must be worn for several weeks. Practicing sport is not advised for a month.

The final result will be visible 3 to 6 months after the procedure, once the swelling has totally disappeared. Any scars will gradually fade over 1 to 3 years.

Case n°1 — Before/after

Case n°3 —Before/after

Case n°2 —Before/after