What is abdominoplasty (a tummy tuck)?
Abdominoplasty is an aesthetic-reconstructive operation of the abdomen that removes excess skin and fatty tissue in the lower abdomen while tightening the remaining skin, so that the abdomen becomes flatter and firmer. In many patients the operation also includes tightening the separated rectus abdominis muscles, which often split apart after pregnancy or major weight gain.
Unlike liposuction, which removes only fatty deposits, abdominoplasty addresses precisely the problem of excess skin that cannot be corrected by losing weight or exercising — once stretched, skin does not have the ability to return to its original form on its own. This operation is therefore intended for a condition that diet and training cannot change.
At Medical Time, a detailed assessment of the skin, fatty tissue and muscle wall is carried out before the operation, along with a discussion of wishes and realistic expectations. The aim is a harmonious and natural result — a flatter abdomen, a firmer waist contour and a scar positioned so that it stays hidden beneath underwear.
Who is a tummy tuck for?
Abdominoplasty is intended for people in good general health who have excess loose skin on the abdomen that does not go away despite a healthy diet and exercise. The decision to operate is always made after a consultation, at which the doctor assesses the condition of the skin, the amount of fatty tissue and the muscle wall.
The procedure is most often chosen by people who have one of the following reasons:
- loose and stretched abdominal skin after one or more pregnancies
- excess skin after major weight loss or bariatric surgery
- separated abdominal muscles (diastasis) that give the abdomen a bulging appearance
- stretch marks and lax skin in the lower abdomen that cannot be corrected by exercise
- a wish for a firmer waist contour and a flatter abdomen
- stable body weight and completed family planning
How abdominoplasty is performed
The operation begins with planning and marking, so that the incision and tightening are tailored to your anatomy. The surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen, above the pubic region, positioned so that it stays hidden beneath underwear or a swimsuit; in classic abdominoplasty the navel is also specially reshaped.
Through this approach the doctor removes excess skin and fatty tissue and, if needed, uses sutures to tighten and bring together the separated abdominal muscles, which further slims the waist and strengthens the support of the abdominal wall. The remaining skin is then tightened downwards and sutured, and the navel is brought out into a harmonious position.
The extent of the operation is adapted to the condition — for a smaller amount of excess skin in the lower abdomen a mini-abdominoplasty with a shorter incision is also possible. The procedure is performed under sterile hospital conditions, with continuous monitoring by an anaesthesiologist.
Preparing for the operation
Good preparation contributes to the safety of the operation and to a faster, calmer recovery. Before the procedure there is a consultation with the plastic surgeon, basic laboratory tests and an anaesthesiologist assessment, and additional examinations if needed, depending on your health.
So that the operation is safe and the result is as nice as possible, it is important to follow the advice below:
- stabilise your body weight before the operation and, if you plan a pregnancy, postpone the procedure
- inform the doctor of all medications, especially blood thinners
- report chronic conditions, previous operations and allergies to medications and anaesthetics
- stopping smoking a few weeks before and after the operation significantly speeds up healing
- follow the instruction to fast before an operation under general anaesthesia
- arrange accompaniment and help at home during the first days of recovery
Course of the operation, anaesthesia and duration
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia, so the patient sleeps peacefully throughout the whole operation and feels nothing. The anaesthesiologist continuously monitors the pulse, breathing and oxygen saturation, so the procedure is both safe and calm.
The operation itself usually takes from around two to three and a half hours, depending on the extent — whether a classic or mini-abdominoplasty is performed and whether the muscle wall is tightened. If needed, thin drains are placed to remove excess fluid in the first days.
After a classic abdominoplasty a short stay in hospital for observation is usually recommended, after which recovery continues at home, with clear written instructions and follow-up appointments.
Recovery after a tummy tuck
In the first days, swelling, tightness and tenderness of the abdomen are usual, which is why at first one walks slightly stooped until the tissue relaxes. Wearing an elastic compression garment is recommended; it supports the abdomen, reduces swelling and shapes the contour during healing. Pain is well controlled with the prescribed therapy.
For the nicest possible result and a faster recovery, it is important to follow the doctor's instructions:
- wear the recommended compression garment for as long as the doctor advises
- avoid straining, lifting weights and intense training for a few weeks
- rest in the first days, but move gently for better circulation
- attend follow-up appointments, suture removal and drain removal
- most patients return to lighter activities within two to four weeks, and to full exertion later, as advised by the doctor
- the final appearance of the abdomen is visible once the swelling has fully subsided, over the following months
Possible risks and how we reduce them
Abdominoplasty is a proven and safe procedure when performed by an experienced team under hospital conditions, but, like any larger operation, it carries certain risks. Most patients go through recovery without complications, and careful preparation and monitoring further reduce every risk.
Transient effects are the most common, while more serious complications are rare:
- swelling, bruising and transient tenderness or numbness of the abdominal skin
- fluid collection (seroma), which is easily drained if needed
- slower healing of the scar, especially in smokers
- rarely: infection, bleeding or a widened scar that may require correction
- detailed assessment, sterile conditions, a drain and a compression garment reduce these risks to a minimum
Why entrust your abdominoplasty to the Medical Time hospital
The result of abdominoplasty depends on the surgeon's skill, careful planning and the safe conditions in which the operation is performed. At Medical Time we bring together an experienced team of plastic surgeons and anaesthesiologists, modern equipment and an individual approach to every patient.
Before the operation we take the time for discussion and planning, because the nicest and most natural result is achieved when the procedure is tailored to your anatomy and wishes. After the operation we remain available for follow-ups and monitoring your recovery.
- an experienced team of plastic surgeons and constant anaesthesiologist monitoring
- individual planning of the incision and extent of the procedure according to your anatomy
- a discreetly placed scar, hidden beneath underwear
- hospital conditions, modern equipment and high sterilisation standards
- support and follow-ups throughout recovery
- everything in one place — consultation, operation, laboratory and monitoring
Price
The price of abdominoplasty is determined after a consultation, as it depends on the extent of the procedure (classic or mini-abdominoplasty), whether the muscle wall is tightened and the length of stay. See the plastic surgery services in the price list, and you receive an exact estimate at the examination.
- Consultation with a plastic surgeon
- Mini-abdominoplasty
- Classic abdominoplasty
- Abdominoplasty with muscle wall tightening
For an assessment and appointment, call 062-399-888.
Frequently asked questions about a tummy tuck
Liposuction removes only fatty deposits but does not address loose skin. Abdominoplasty removes excess stretched skin and, if needed, tightens the abdominal muscles, so it is intended for a condition that diet and exercise cannot correct.
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia, so you feel nothing during the procedure. Afterwards, tightness and tenderness of the abdomen are usual and are well controlled with the prescribed therapy.
Most patients return to lighter activities within two to four weeks, while strenuous activities and training are postponed for longer, as advised by the doctor. The final appearance of the abdomen is visible once the swelling has fully subsided.
The scar is placed low, above the pubic region, so that it stays hidden beneath underwear or a swimsuit. It fades over time, and proper care further improves its appearance.
Pregnancy is possible, but it is recommended to have the operation only after you have completed family planning, as a new pregnancy can stretch the skin and muscles again and diminish the result.
Yes. Wearing an elastic compression garment for the period the doctor advises supports the abdomen, reduces swelling and helps the contour take shape more nicely during healing.
You book a consultation and appointment by calling 062-399-888. At the examination you receive a surgical plan and a price estimate tailored to your condition and wishes.