Tummy-Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Abdominoplasty can very succesfully remove loose and sagging skin and excess of fat in the abdominal area, making a flat tummy again.

This operation is especially suitable for women after pregnancy and for patients after weight loss (with remaining excess of the skin).

Tummy tuck surgery options:

• Abdominoplasty (full abdominoplasty) with incisions between hip bones above the pubic mound and around the navel. Excess skin is removed and the elevation of the abdominal wall proceeds to ribcage. Afterwards the abdominal wall is moved downwards to enable the closure of the wound. This procedure can be also combined with liposuction of the abdominal wall.
• Miniabdominoplasty uses incisions only in the pubic region to remove and advance just a limited amount of skin.
• Extended abdominoplasty to deal with more excess skin - with incisions in the mid-line (Fleur-de-lis) or elongated incisions towards the hips or performing a circumferential body lift.
• Rectus fascia plication - sometimes the front muscles (recti muscles) of the abdominal wall are separated (recti diastase), then their edges are sutured together. 

Abdominoplasty is a more severe operation with postoperative recovery about 2 - 3 weeks.

• Absorbable sutures are used, so there is no stitch removal
• Drains (plastic tubes with negative pressure) are used to flow blood and fluids from the wound - they are removed after a few days.
• A compression garment (elastic underwear) is worn for 6 weeks.

For the best results of this procedure, the patient's weight should be stabile for 6 months before the surgery.