Abdominoplasty – Tummy Tuck for Tightening, Flat Stomach & Sagging Restoration
Abdominoplasty for a flatter, tighter and more harmonious abdomen
Abdominoplasty, also known as tummy tuck, is the surgery performed to remove excess fat and skin from the abdominal area, as well as to restore sagging abdominal muscles.
With abdominoplasty, the size of the abdomen is dramatically reduced, the body acquires a more harmonious image and the abdominal area looks flatter, tighter and more youthful.
What is abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects sagging skin, excess fat, and sagging abdominal muscles.
It is not performed for the purpose of weight loss, but to restore the aesthetic and functional problem in the abdominal area, especially when diet and exercise cannot correct the sagging.
Abdominoplasty: Statistics
The first abdominoplasty was performed in Baltimore in 1899. Since then, the technique has evolved significantly and is now one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures worldwide.
Nowadays, abdominoplasty is considered the fourth most popular plastic surgery procedure worldwide. In Greece, approximately 15,000 plastic surgery procedures are performed annually, with abdominoplasty ranking fifth, accounting for about 8% of the total.
Tummy tuck or liposuction?
Many people wonder whether they need a tummy tuck or liposuction.
Liposuction removes localized fat but cannot correct:
loose skin,
stretch marks,
abdominal muscle relaxation,
excess skin after pregnancy or weight loss.
If there is only localized fat without skin laxity, liposuction may be suitable. However, when there is loose skin and muscle laxity, abdominoplasty is the procedure that offers an effective solution.
In cases of significant excess fat, abdominoplasty can be combined with liposuction for a more comprehensive result.
Who are suitable candidates?
Suitable candidates for abdominoplasty are men and women who:
- They are in good general health.
- They cannot correct abdominal sagging with diet and exercise.
- They have excess skin on their abdomen.
- They have laxity of the abdominal muscles.
- They have undergone bariatric surgery and exhibit significant skin laxity.
- They have lost a lot of weight.
- They are women who have given birth and have stretch marks and skin laxity.
- They have a stable body weight.
- They have realistic expectations.
Tummy tuck for a flatter and firmer abdomen
Abdominoplasty is an effective procedure for those wishing to address skin laxity, excess skin, and the loosening of abdominal muscles.
With proper planning, an experienced plastic surgeon, and adherence to postoperative instructions, it can result in a flatter, firmer, and more harmonious abdomen, significantly improving the overall body contour.
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Advantages of abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty can offer:
Flatter stomach
Removal of excess skin
Local fat reduction
Abdominal wall tightening
Restoration of slackened muscles
Improvement of stretch marks in the area being removed.
Better clothing fit
Silhouette improvement
Boosting self-confidence
Long-term results with stable weight
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How much does a tummy tuck cost?
The cost of a tummy tuck depends on:
- the size of the problem,
- whether it will be a classic or mini abdominoplasty,
- whether it will be combined with liposuction,
- the duration and technique of the procedure.
The exact cost is determined following the examination at the clinic and the assessment by the plastic surgeon.
Possible complications
Complications are rare and are often associated with failure to follow the plastic surgeon's instructions.
Complications are rare and often associated with failure to follow the plastic surgeon's instructions.
Potential complications include:
Hematoma, primarily due to incorrect use or premature removal of the compression garment
Infection
Delayed healing, more common in smokers
Hypertrophic or keloid scars due to genetic predisposition
To ensure better healing, smokers should stop smoking for at least two weeks before and two weeks after the procedure.
Any complication that arises can be managed with appropriate medical intervention.
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Useful information about treatment
| Information | details |
|---|---|
| Type of procedure | Abdominoplasty / Tummy tuck |
| Types | Classic and mini abdominoplasty |
| Anesthesia | General or local with intoxication in the mini |
| Procedure duration | 2–4 hours |
| Hospitalization | 1–2 days for the standard procedure |
| Drains | Removed after approximately 2 days |
| Compression band | 4–6 weeks |
| Light activities | After 4–5 days |
| Return to work | 10–12 days for the classic procedure |
| Return to work at Mini | 5–7 days |
| Pain | Moderate intensity, controlled with analgesics |
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Types of abdominoplasty
Classic abdominoplasty
Classic abdominoplasty is performed when there is a large amount of excess fat and skin.
It is performed under general anesthesia, and in many cases, repositioning the navel is required after the removal of the surrounding skin and fat.
The incision is made low on the abdomen—at the same location as a typical Caesarean section incision—so that it can be concealed by underwear or a swimsuit.
Mini-tummy tuck
A mini-abdominoplasty is performed on individuals with a lesser degree of skin laxity and a body weight that does not deviate significantly from the normal range.
It primarily involves the lower part of the abdomen, below the navel. The incision is smaller, the scar is less conspicuous, and recovery is faster.
A mini-tummy tuck can be performed under local anesthesia and sedation and usually does not require a hospital stay.
frequently asked questions
What is abdominoplasty?
It is the procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and repairs laxity of the abdominal muscles.
Is a tummy tuck a weight-loss method?
No. Abdominoplasty is not performed for weight loss, but to correct sagging, excess skin, and aesthetic issues in the abdominal area.
What is the difference compared to liposuction?
Liposuction removes fat, while abdominoplasty corrects loose skin and abdominal muscles.
When is a mini-tummy tuck needed?
When the laxity is limited and localized primarily below the navel.
How long does the surgery take?
Usually 2 to 4 hours, depending on the problem.
How long have I been wearing the belt?
The compression garment is worn for 4 to 6 weeks.
When do I return to work?
With a standard abdominoplasty, it usually takes 10–12 days, whereas with a mini-abdominoplasty, it takes 5–7 days.
Can it be combined with liposuction?
Yes, when there is a significant excess of fat, it can be combined with liposuction.
Belly
Thighs
Glutes
Arms
Back
Sides
Knees
How is a thigh lift performed?
Step 1: Preoperative planning
The plastic surgeon assesses excess skin, fat, and muscle laxity, and selects the appropriate technique.
Step 2: Low abdominal incision
An incision is made in the lower abdomen, extending laterally. The site is chosen so that the scar is concealed by underwear or swimwear.
Step 3: Incision at the umbilicus, where necessary.
In some cases, an additional incision is made at the level of the navel, especially when repositioning it is required.
Step 4: Removing fat and skin
Excess fat and superfluous skin are removed.
Step 5: Abdominal wall tightening
The plastic surgeon restores and tightens the abdominal wall, improving the stability and appearance of the abdomen.
Step 6: Drains
Two drains are placed to collect fluid; these are usually removed after two days.
advice before and after treatment
Tips before a tummy tuck
- Tell the doctor about your medical history.
- Please list any medication you are taking.
- Quit smoking as directed.
- Complete all necessary exams.
- Maintain a stable body weight.
- Discuss whether a combination with liposuction is necessary.
Advice after abdominoplasty
- Wear the special compression garment for 4–6 weeks.
- Avoid sudden movements during the first few days.
- Do not remove the belt without the doctor's instructions.
- Αποφύγετε έντονη άσκηση μέχρι να σας δοθεί άδεια.
- Follow the instructions for caring for the incisions.
- Maintain a stable weight for long-term results.
