Abdominoplasty is performed to correct sagging of the abdomen and abdominal wall, as observed after pregnancy, for example. The procedure is always combined with liposuction-liposculpture, in order to achieve an aesthetically superior result. At the same time, the abdominal wall muscles are tightened and a possible hernia is corrected if present.
At a glance
Abdominoplasty is performed to correct sagging of the abdomen and abdominal wall, as observed after pregnancy, for example. The procedure is always combined with liposuction-liposculpture, in order to achieve an aesthetically superior result. At the same time, the abdominal wall muscles are tightened and a possible hernia is corrected if present.
Severity
Light
Type of Anaesthetic
Local / General
Clinic Stay
Same Day Discharge
Stitch removal
No
Recovery
4 - 6 weeks
Tummy Tuck Cost
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The term abdominoplasty is very broad, as it is a body surgery that varies significantly depending on the case. The abdominal wall and the skin of the abdomen undergo serious and often irreversible changes when there is fluctuation in fat or abdominal volume.
For example, after pregnancy, and when it is not accompanied by excessive weight gain, the abdomen and abdominal wall can return almost completely to their original appearance. However, there are cases of more significant changes that damage the architecture of the connective tissue fibers of the subcutaneous layer, causing issues to the skin and abdominal wall. These are the cases in which the plastic surgeon recommends abdominoplasty as the solution. These are the cases in which the plastic surgeon suggests abdominoplasty as the treatment.
Guided by the dual plane technique, we offer you rapid recovery, without pain and scars.
The damages that a tummy tuck will correct
How well a belly can withstand these changes depends on the age, size, and duration of the fluctuation, anatomical and hereditary factors, as well as hormonal, nutritional, and other factors.
The damage that a tummy tuck aims to correct is the loosening of the skin and fat of the abdomen as well as the abdominal wall (e.g., stretch marks, umbilical hernias). Abdominoplasty is very often combined with liposuction and liposculpture, firstly to significantly reduce the fat present in the abdomen and mainly to better shape the abdomen and the sides of the torso.
Show off your torso with confidence and harmony.
Abdominoplasty restores firmness and a flat image to the abdomen, with respect for your physiology.
What are the indications for abdominoplasty?
The most common indications for abdominoplasty are after pregnancy, after weight loss, and when the abdomen is disproportionately large, creating aesthetic and functional problems. For women who wish to restore their abdomen after pregnancy, it is preferable that they have completed their family planning and that at least 6 months have passed since the last childbirth.
For individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight, abdominoplasty is recommended when the body weight has stabilized for a period of 6–12 months. Finally, in cases of a large abdomen, the overall body weight is assessed, and either initial recommendation for weight loss is made, or the surgery is performed together with extensive liposuction.
Tummy Tuck Techniques
The techniques of abdominoplasty, as mentioned, vary and the procedure is always adapted to the needs and desires of each patient.
Below we will refer to the main abdominoplasty techniques and the capabilities and indications of each one.
The abdominoplasty techniques are as follows:
- Mini abdominoplasty
- Classic abdominoplasty
- Extended or circumferential abdominoplasty
- Abdominoplasty with a midline incision
Mini abdominoplasty
In the first case, that of the mini abdominoplasty, a simple removal of a portion of the skin located below the navel is performed. This procedure mainly concerns cases of very mild laxity in the lower part of the abdomen and can be combined with liposuction/liposculpture to maximize the result across the entire abdomen and torso.
It is a relatively minor procedure with a simpler recovery and it can even be performed under local anesthesia. The navel and the abdominal wall are not affected in this case, and the incision is placed as low as possible in the pubic area so that it is not visible, usually slightly longer than a C-section scar.
Classic abdominoplasty
The second case is the classic abdominoplasty. This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and has a longer recovery time compared to mini abdominoplasty. The incision is again relatively low, below the underwear line, and typically extends from one iliac crest to the other. There are three variations of this procedure, depending on how the navel is handled.
In one variation, the navel is simply detached from the abdominal wall and moved 1–3 cm lower (floating tummy tuck). In the second variation, the navel remains attached to the abdominal wall in its original position and is brought out through a new opening. In the third variation, a new navel is created.
In all these cases we are able to correct any defect of the abdominal wall, such as diastasis recti, hernias, or muscle laxity. Abdominoplasty may and is usually combined with small or large-scale liposuction, to better contour the flanks and the upper abdomen. It is the most common procedure performed in women after pregnancy.
Extended or circumferential abdominoplasty
The third case, the extended abdominoplasty, is technically similar to classic abdominoplasty, but differs in the extent of the incision, which extends beyond the limits of the iliac crests of the pelvis, or may take the form of a circumferential abdominoplasty, meaning the incision continues to the back of the trunk and forms a belt-like shape around the body.
The main indication for this procedure is after significant weight loss. This is when the greatest laxity of skin fibers is observed, resulting in an aesthetic outcome that often reduces the patient’s self-confidence.
Κοιλιοπλαστική με τομή στη μέση γραμμή Abdominoplasty with a midline incision
Finally, the abdominoplasty with a midline incision, known as Fleur de Lis, is a variation of the extended abdominoplasty and is mainly indicated when there is significant weight loss and pronounced laxity on the sides of the abdomen. In this case, an inverted T-shaped incision is made, meaning an ellipse of skin is removed from the lower abdomen and a triangle from the middle of the abdomen, which are then sutured together in a T shape.
In addition to the above abdominoplasty techniques, in some cases special techniques are required for the complete restoration of the abdomen and the abdominal wall. As we can see, abdominal plastic surgery is multifaceted and it is crucial to evaluate each case individually in order to determine exactly what is necessary.
Before and after: a more sculpted body
With FaceTouchUp you can see for free what your body will look like after a tummy tuck, simply by uploading a photo. Explore the before-and-after, easily and quickly, before making any decisions.
After the surgery
Mini abdominoplasty can be performed either under general or local anesthesia with sedation and is a less extensive procedure. Postoperative pain is not intense and subsides very quickly. Recovery is also relatively fast, as the abdominal wall is not affected, meaning that after 2–3 weeks one can return to physical activities and exercise.
Classic abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and usually requires one overnight stay in the clinic. The procedure lasts less than two hours. After surgery, physical activity should be avoided for 4–6 weeks and a compression garment should be worn for 3–4 weeks. Other than that, no further special recovery is needed.
The main concern for most women is the scars. With proper planning, the incision is placed low on the abdomen, similar to a C-section scar, below the underwear line, which means that the scar remains hidden even at the beach. It usually takes 5–6 months for the scar to thin and fade. After that, it remains as a fine line.
It's not just aesthetics, it's restoration.
Removal of excess skin and strengthening of the abdominal wall, with scientific precision and care.
Tummy tuck results
After a mini abdominoplasty, the result is immediately visible, although swelling may persist for up to 3 months, depending largely on the extent of liposuction performed. The scar is placed very low at the level of the pubic area and becomes almost invisible after a few months. An important advantage of this procedure is that a significant portion of stretch marks located in the lower abdomen can be removed. In both classic abdominoplasty and extended techniques, it typically takes around 3–6 months for all swelling to fully subside and for the final result to become apparent. The abdomen gains a more youthful appearance with a more defined contour of the abdominal muscles.
The incision becomes almost invisible and is always placed low, hidden beneath the underwear or swimsuit line. After the procedure, regular physical exercise and a balanced diet are recommended to avoid significant fluctuations in body weight. Under these conditions, the result will last for many years.
Can one somehow avoid surgery?
What can I do to avoid sagging belly during pregnancy?
How long should I stay away from work after a tummy tuck?
Are there any risks when having a tummy tuck?
Does smoking play a role in the outcome of surgery?
What is the cost of a tummy tuck?
Dr. Prodromos Papaioannou
He completed his plastic surgery specialization in Germany, at the Pirmasens Hospital, the Asklepios Wandsbek Hospitals in Hamburg, the University Hospital in Magdeburg and the Braunschweig Clinic. He worked as a specialist-deputy director at the Braunschweig Clinic (specializing in breast reconstruction after cancer and cosmetic surgery). He also participated in scientific research and completed his doctoral thesis (Dr. Med.) at the Magdeburg Clinic.