Tummy tuck / abdominoplasty

Associated terms:
Abdominoplasty, fat apron, tummy tuck, abdominoplasty

Basics of a tummy tuck

After pregnancies or weight loss, the prolonged stretching of the tissue can result in a sagging, sometimes even drooping abdominal wall.

The fact that the overstretched skin no longer recedes is extremely frustrating, especially after weight loss, which is often a painstaking process. Even with a lot of sport, targeted muscle training and discipline, the appearance of the stomach can only be improved to a limited extent.

Many women no longer dare to go to the beach in a bikini, and male patients are bothered by the constant slipping of the waistband. In addition, the straight abdominal muscles (= rectus diastasis) may be stretched out or the skin may show stretch marks, so-called striae.

Brief overview of abdominoplasty:

Treatment duration:
1.5-3 hours

Anaesthesia:
General anaesthesia

Follow-up treatment:
Compression girdle 6 weeks day and night

Load restrictions:
2 weeks, sports restriction 4-6 weeks

When is a tummy tuck / abdominoplasty performed?

In addition to figure problems, typical symptoms include a tendency to sweat, reddening of the skin and inflammation underneath these skin folds. However, excess weight in combination with decreasing skin firmness can also lead to a sagging of the abdominal wall tissue, which is then referred to as a fat apron.

A tummy tuck can help with these problems. During this operation, excess skin and fatty tissue is removed from the lower abdomen and the usually smooth skin of the upper abdomen is tightened over the entire abdomen. If rectus diastasis is present, the underlying abdominal muscles are also tightened.

The aim is to restore and model a harmonious, natural-looking abdominal contour. A prerequisite for a good result is the quality of the skin. In smokers, the skin is often inelastic and blood circulation is restricted. This can often lead to wound healing disorders.

When is a good time for a tummy tuck?

For women, the Best time for a tummy tuck usually after family planning has been completed.

Are there different surgical methods?

Depending on the findings Different surgical methods used:

With the pure Fat apron removal only the excess skin and fat in the area of the lower abdomen is removed.
A so-called Mini abdominoplasty (mini lower abdominoplasty) is possible for a mild form of sagging abdominal wall. The procedure is limited to the lower abdomen with the removal of excess fatty skin tissue. The scar can be easily concealed underneath bikini bottoms/swimming trunks. The operation can be performed under twilight sleep or general anaesthetic.
Otherwise a Complete abdominoplasty / abdominoplasty is required. The sagging skin, fatty tissue and any existing stretch marks and scars are removed via an arched incision in the lower abdomen in the area of the pubic hair. The remaining skin is tightened. An incision is also required around the navel to reposition it at an appropriate height.
The so-called champagne channel can be Anchoring the navel on the abdominal wall and by removing some fatty tissue.
If the Abdominal wall muscles If the rectus fascia separates, it can be sutured back into its original position (rectus fascia duplication). This results in a flatter and firmer abdominal wall postoperatively with contouring and narrowing of the waistline.
A troublesome umbilical hernia can be repaired at the same time.

If desired, a tummy tuck can be combined with liposuction. This can be used to reshape neighbouring areas of the body or to further thin out remaining fat deposits in the abdominal wall after weight loss.

What is the healing process?

To increase safety in the post-operative phase and to support low-tension healing, you will remain in our inpatient treatment centre for 2 days. You can then gradually resume your normal everyday activities. You should refrain from strenuous physical activity and sports for a period of 6 weeks. Lifting heavy loads (>5 kg) should be avoided for this period, especially if the abdominal muscles have been tightened.

To avoid rare but serious complications, we always carry out thrombosis and antibiotic prophylaxis. The wound drains inserted during the operation ensure the drainage of wound secretions and can usually be removed after 1-2 days. The compression girdle applied immediately after the operation should be worn day and night for approx. 6 weeks to support the body contour. The stitches are usually removed 2 weeks after the operation.

The final result can be seen after 3-6 months.

I am at your disposal for a personal and individual consultation.

What are the disadvantages/risks of a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is an effective procedure, but it does harbour risks. Common side effects are

Long-term scars in the lower abdominal area
Scar proliferation: hypertrophic scars or keloids possible
Wound infections and the resulting prolonged healing times
Temporary numbness in the abdominal area
Delayed healing with risk factors such as diabetes or smoking
Temporary swelling and bruising
Treatment costs for complications/follow-up treatment usually not covered by health insurance
Future weight gain or pregnancy will affect the result

How many kilos do you lose with a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) does not usually involve the loss of significant body weight. The aim of the operation is to remove excess skin and fatty tissue in order to improve the appearance of the abdomen and make it appear firmer and flatter. The exact amount of tissue removed varies from person to person. It depends on the patient's individual needs and condition. Sometimes it is necessary to combine a tummy tuck with liposuction.

Typically, between 1 and 3 kilograms of tissue are removed during a tummy tuck, but this varies depending on the extent of the operation and the amount of excess tissue. It is important to emphasise that the procedure is primarily for cosmetic purposes and is not primarily intended as a weight loss method.

What should you look out for when choosing a doctor / clinic?

When choosing a specialist, make sure that you use the term Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery. Other designations such as beauty doctor, cosmetic surgeon, etc. are unprotected and not a sign of qualification (more on "What should you consider when choosing a specialist?„.

Make sure that you receive a comprehensive preliminary examination and information about the course of treatment, possible risks and the healing process.

Why should you come to us?

Extensive experience, maximum hygiene and infection protection, continuous further training and maximum care are the basis of our practice. This is also reflected in the large number of positive patient reviews, our seals and awards.

Benefit from our many years of experience. Dr Michaela Montanari has been a member of the board of the German Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (DGÄPC) since 2021.

Do you have any questions?

Dr Michaela Montanari and Dr Anna Maria Bugariu will be happy to answer all your questions about your tummy tuck. Arrange your personal consultation.