Frequently Asked Questions

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

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Surplus skin, which has lost its elasticity, is often considered an aesthetic blemish.

Pregnancy is often the cause, but excessive weight loss and aging also come into play.

Surplus skin can be removed during a tummy tuck in exchange for a scar placed in an inconspicuous area.

Which Areas Can Be Treated?

Commonly, after pregnancy, the stomach area is blemished with stretch marks and becomes so limp, that a tummy tuck becomes necessary. In other cases, after excessive weight loss, the stomach, loins, and back may require aesthetic correction. The stomach muscles can be tightened along with the removal of excess skin to return the area to its former sleek state.
With aging, some people experience extremely limp skin in the upper arms, buttock, and thigh area. This body contouring surgery offers a solution.

What's New?

In the past, body contouring was extensive surgery with high complication risks. The procedure required general anaesthesia with long hospitalisation, and a lengthy recovery period.

With the discovery of tumescent infiltration, traditional narcosis is no longer necessary. With the new technique, the recovery period is drastically reduced.

Since traditional anaesthesia can be avoided, it is possible to undergo a combination of several cosmetic surgeries. This spares the professional and social hindrances often accompanied with multiple surgeries.

Surgical Techniques in Body Contouring

The best results with body contouring are seen if only surplus skin is removed.

Scarring

The scars are placed in areas where they are the least noticeable. Every form of surgery leaves a different scar. The details of this will be discussed between the surgeon and the patient before surgery.
The scar, which accompanies a tummy tuck, is hidden in the pubic area and extends to the groin.

Post-Operative Recovery

One day of hospitalisation is required following surgery. Drainage tubes are removed after a few days; and the sutures are removed approximately twelve days after the procedure. It is advisable to resume light activity within comfortable limits as soon as possible. A support garment is required for a few weeks after the surgery. Depending upon the extent of the surgery, normal daily activity can be resumed in two to six weeks.

Tummy Tuck - Frequently asked Questions

Will the Scar Fade?

As with all scars, within the first three months they are red and lumpy. In a year, they will fade considerably. This maturing process can be accelerated with a special highly concentrated scar improving oil.

How Long does the Surgery Take?

For a mini tummy tuck, the surgery takes approximately 1-2 hours; the full tummy tuck takes around 3-4 hours.

How do I know whether I need a full or a Mini Tummy Tuck?

With a mini Tummy Tuck, the surgeon works below the navel, which means that there will not be a scar around the navel. The straight abdominal muscles can be brought together. A small bag of skin can also be removed. This procedure is ideal for excess skin beneath the navel and for abdominal muscle problems also situated beneath the navel.

In case of excess skin and abdominal muscle problems above the navel, a full Abdominoplasty is recommended. The scar would be underneath the stomach but also around the navel, where it would stay red for a longer period of time but will fade away after complete healing.

What Complications could arise after a Tummy Tuck?

After surgery, there is often a little swelling of the skin around the scar. This is temporary and will disappear after recovery of the Lymphatic system. In case the muscles on your stomach have been stitched, you need to wear a stomach garment for four to six weeks. Smoking, diabetes and obesity heighten the risk of healing problems.

Does the Clinic supply Garments or do I have to arrange for them?

Yes the Clinic will supply you with the necessary garments.

Types of Surgery

Full Tummy Tuck

Below midrift or naval.

Takes place under a General Anaesthetic on an Ambulatory Basis. (Stay one night in Hospital)

Mini Tummy Tuck

Below midrift or naval.

Takes place under a General Anaesthetic on an Ambulatory Basis.