Age, pregnancy and childbirth, significant weight changes can lead to excess abdominal skin and rectus abdominis muscle separation (diastasis recti). In some cases, these changes can no longer be corrected with physical exercises alone.
To restore abdominal wall anatomy and aesthetic appearance, abdominoplasty remains one of the most definitive surgical options for restoring abdominal wall contour.
Tummy tuck (also referred to as abdominoplasty) is a surgical operation during which excess abdominal skin and fatty tissue are removed and rectus abdominis muscle separation (diastasis) is corrected. Procedure helps restore abdominal wall anatomy and improve aesthetic appearance. When necessary, abdominoplasty can be combined with liposuction to further improve body contours. In certain cases, removed fatty tissue can be used for shaping other body areas, but this is performed individually.
Abdominoplasty is most commonly performed on women after pregnancy and childbirth when stretched skin and abdominal muscles cannot be corrected with physical exercises. Procedure can also be performed on men and women after significant weight loss. Abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss procedure and is generally recommended once a stable, healthy weight has been achieved.
Depending on individual situation, full abdominoplasty or mini tummy tuck can be performed, mini abdominoplasty focuses on the lower abdomen below the navel and typically does not require repositioning of the umbilicus.
First of all, before correction, patient is scheduled for consultation with plastic surgeon during which patient's expectations are clarified. After consultation, general health check is performed, tests are prescribed. Abdominal wall ultrasound may also be performed, during which patient's tissue condition is assessed for rectus abdominis muscle separation. After everything, individual treatment plan is prepared and insights are provided.
Nicotine causes blood vessel constriction and worsens tissue blood flow, so it can slow wound healing and increase complication risk. After quitting smoking and alcohol, more favorable conditions for smooth healing process are created. It is also important to prepare in advance for postoperative period: arranging transportation after surgery, easier household tasks, help at home or childcare if needed.
Abdominal correction is performed under general anesthesia, lasts about 2–5 hours, depending on condition complexity. Correction can be combined with liposuction, liposuction may be performed to address localized fat deposits in the upper abdomen and flanks. During surgery, crescent-shaped incision is made in lower abdomen, usually along bikini line. Then abdominal skin and subcutaneous tissue are gradually lifted to upper abdomen, exposing abdominal wall. When there is rectus abdominis muscle separation (diastasis), muscles are brought together and sutured, restoring abdominal wall firmness.
Later, soft tissues (skin and subcutaneous tissue) are tightened, and their excess is removed. The umbilicus is preserved and repositioned to an anatomically appropriate location. Skin sutures are usually performed with dissolving sutures to achieve aesthetic healing. In selected cases, fat harvested during liposuction may be processed and used for autologous fat grafting to other areas, depending on patient suitability.
Immediately after surgery, patients are advised to wear special compression garment that supports abdomen and promotes faster wound healing. Compression garment reduces tissue swelling, helps avoid fluid accumulation, and helps skin contract faster. This garment typically worn for 6–8 weeks, according to the surgeon’s postoperative protocol.
During recovery period, swelling, bruising, pulling sensation, and postoperative pain often occur. These body reactions are normal and gradually weaken over several weeks. Possible postoperative complications such as bleeding, wound infection, or scar hypertrophy occur rarely and are usually successfully managed when following plastic surgeon’s guidelines.
Depending on patient's condition and surgery scope, observation in clinic usually lasts about 1–2 days. After surgery, it is important to avoid lifting heavy objects, sleep on back keeping legs slightly bent at knees to reduce tension in abdominal wall.
Initial wound and soft tissue healing usually lasts about 2–3 weeks, and swelling gradually decreases over several months. Most patients return to light daily activities within 2–3 weeks, depending on the extent of surgery and occupational demands. Intense physical exertion and sports should be avoided for at least 2–3 months.
Abdominal wall plastic surgery does not require complex or specific preparation, but before surgery, standard health check, doctor prescribed tests, and adherence to individual recommendations are necessary. It is important to assess patient's general health condition, abdominal wall anatomy, and possible risks.
If patient's body mass index is increased or weight is not stable, before planning tummy tuck surgery, stable body weight should first be achieved and maintained. This helps reduce complication risk and ensure long-term surgery results.
Abdominal wall correction is surgical, invasive procedure, so scar inevitably remains after surgery. Most commonly, it is formed in lower abdomen, in bikini area, so it is easily hidden under underwear.
Considering patient's condition and needs, tummy tuck can be performed together with liposuction. Amount of fatty tissue removed is not fixed and in each case is determined individually, assessing tissue blood flow, patient's general health condition, and procedure safety. Volume of fatty tissue removed depends on several factors, including body mass index, fatty tissue distribution, skin elasticity, and planned surgery scope.
After tummy tuck surgery, complication risk depends on many individual factors. Greatest influence has patient's general health condition, concomitant diseases, smoking, overweight, previous surgical interventions (not only plastic), and existing scars in abdominal area. Internal scars and altered tissues can reduce skin and subcutaneous tissue elasticity, worsen blood flow, and slow healing process. Because of this, risk of postoperative complications such as prolonged wound healing or wound edge separation can increase.
Like most plastic surgery procedures, abdominal wall correction does not provide absolute guarantee that abdomen after surgery will be completely smooth or that all excess skin will be removed. Surgery goal is to significantly improve abdominal wall shape and proportions, but final result also depends on individual patient body characteristics. Skin smoothness and firmness after surgery can be affected by such factors as skin elasticity, genetics, age, lifestyle, and weight fluctuations after procedure.
