Abdominoplasty — Tummy Tuck

The sagging of the abdominal skin, the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, and the accumulation of abdominal fat cause a problem that is corrected by abdominoplasty.

Reasons for these changes include:

• pregnancies
• aging
• significant fluctuations in weight
• major weight loss
• genetics

Changes in the muscles

Pregnancies and fluctuations in weight may cause changes in the rectus abdominis muscles. The rectus abdominis muscles may permanently separate from each other. Despite sports activities and dietary changes, the abdomen may protrude. During sit-ups, the abdomen arches strongly. There is a gap between the rectus abdominis muscles that can accommodate fingers. This condition often accompanies lower back pain, sometimes even a umbilical hernia.

Muscle separation cannot be treated without surgery. In abdominoplasty, the muscles are stitched back together from the bottom to the top.

Changes in the skin of the abdomen

During pregnancy and weight fluctuations, the skin stretches. Not all stretched skin returns to its original state. It can become loose and form “rolls.”

Changes in the amount of fat

Over the years, the amount of fat in the abdomen may increase. If excess fat is the only issue in the abdominal area, liposuction alone may suffice. However, it is important to note that liposuction is only suitable for removing subcutaneous fat. Visceral fat, or internal organ fat, cannot be removed with liposuction.

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) improves the appearance of a protruding abdomen. During the procedure, both the skin and muscles are tightened. Additionally, stubborn fat deposits in the abdomen are removed (liposuction).

Abdominoplasty patients are often women who have given birth and suffer from post-pregnancy tissue damage as well as age-related changes in the abdominal area. On the other hand, tummy tuck surgeries are also performed after significant weight loss of tens of kilograms.

Abdominoplasty is tailored to each patient individually. However, almost always the procedure includes the following elements:

• tightening of the abdominal muscles
• suturing of separated abdominal muscles
• removal of excess skin
• removal of excess fat by liposuction

If there are hernias in the abdomen, they can also be repaired during the surgery.

• For a physically and mentally well individual,
• of normal weight or 25-30% heavier/lighter than normal,
• non-smoking,
• someone whose expectations and desires are realistic.

If the patient maintains a normal weight after the surgery and does not become pregnant again post-surgery, the surgical results are permanent. Aging naturally affects the operated tissues.

If you are still planning pregnancies, it is advisable to postpone the surgery.

In traditional abdominoplasty and modified abdominoplasty, there are many similarities. Both procedures involve tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin and fat.

Modified abdominoplasty (miniabdominoplasty) focuses only on the lower abdomen, below the navel.

Traditional abdominoplasty targets both the upper and lower areas of the abdomen.

Abdominoplasty is thus a more extensive surgery than modified abdominoplasty.

A circumferential abdominoplasty, or body lift, extends circumferentially around the entire body. During the surgery, excess skin and fat are removed, abdominal muscles are tightened, and separated abdominal muscles are sutured together. In addition, the procedure targets the back as well. Excess skin is removed from the lower back, and at the same time, the buttocks are lifted.

Circumferential abdominoplasty is suitable for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and whose tissues have not rebounded after weight loss.

The recovery time depends on how extensive the abdominoplasty procedure was. The longer the incisions and the more extensive the procedure, the longer the recovery time should be anticipated. Individual factors should also be taken into account: the recovery time for each patient may vary slightly.

Often, abdominoplasty patients experience mild to moderate pain in the days following surgery, but pain can be managed quite easily with pain medication.

After surgery, it’s important to start moving as soon as possible. Gentle walks in fresh air promote healing.

Many abdominoplasty patients can return to their normal activities about a week after surgery. Returning to office work is possible within 1–2 weeks after surgery. Physical sports, physical labor, and lifting heavy objects should be avoided for 6–8 weeks.

After surgery, drains are left in place for about a week. Nearly all patients experience bruising and swelling, which gradually subside over the following weeks.

Since abdominoplasty involves repositioning the skin, some degree of numbness is almost always expected. Sensory disturbances gradually resolve over the course of months.

The scars are located very low on the abdomen, often at the upper edge of the pubic area. Therefore, scar concealment is quite easy.