Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) – Restore Your Flat and Firm Abdomen

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as Tummy Tuck, is an advanced surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat and sagging skin from the abdominal area. It is especially effective for both men and women who struggle with loose abdominal skin—commonly seen after pregnancy or significant weight loss. This surgery tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess skin, helping patients achieve a flatter, more toned belly and improved body contour.

How Is Abdominoplasty Performed?

The surgery duration ranges from 2 to 5 hours depending on the patient’s condition. An incision is made low on the abdomen, approximately 8–10 cm below the belly button and above the pubic area, allowing the scar to be hidden under underwear. This incision resembles an extended cesarean section scar. After excess skin removal and muscle tightening, the incision is carefully sutured beneath the skin, and surgical drains are inserted to eliminate excess fluid. Patients begin wearing a compression corset immediately after surgery to support healing and contouring.

Types of Abdominoplasty

• Mini Abdominoplasty:
  Suitable for patients with mild skin sagging and no need for belly button repositioning or muscle repair. The procedure removes excess skin from the lower abdomen, resulting in a smooth and flat belly. The incision scar is small, about 3–4 cm, similar to a cesarean scar. This surgery typically lasts about 2 hours under general anesthesia.

• Full Abdominoplasty:
  Ideal for patients with significant excess skin and muscle laxity, often following pregnancy or weight fluctuations. This operation removes excess skin from both the upper and lower abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles. The belly button is repositioned as necessary. Liposuction can be combined to remove additional fat. The resulting scar is approximately 10 to 15 cm in length. Surgery takes around 3 hours under general anesthesia.

• Circular Abdominoplasty (Belt Lipectomy):
  Designed for patients with sagging skin around the abdomen, back, and waist—often after massive weight loss or bariatric surgery. This comprehensive procedure removes excess skin and fat from the front and back, tightens abdominal muscles, and contours the waist for a complete body transformation. It typically lasts 3 to 4 hours under general anesthesia.

Recovery After Abdominoplasty

Patients usually stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days post-surgery. Wearing a compression corset continuously for 1 month is highly recommended to shape the abdomen and support optimal healing. Patients can begin slow walking within hours of surgery, initially with assistance, and walk independently the following day. Mild pain and discomfort are normal and will be managed with prescribed medication.

Bathing is generally allowed 3 days after surgery, and patients can resume daily activities shortly thereafter. It is important to avoid coughing or sneezing vigorously during the first week to prevent strain on stitches. Recovery for mini abdominoplasty is faster, with patients often returning to normal activities within 3 to 4 days.