After heavy weight loss or pregnancy, the skin on the abdomen may be sagging and drooping. The presence of a so-called fat apron is also possible. If targeted training and dieting do not achieve further success, a tummy tuck – also called abdominoplasty – can smooth, tighten and flatten the abdomen.
What happens during the abdominoplasty procedure?
An abdominoplasty requires inpatient treatment and is performed under general anesthesia. At the beginning of the treatment, the planned incision is marked on the patient’s abdomen. The tummy tuck requires an incision that runs from pelvic bone to pelvic bone just above the pubic hairline, as well as a circular incision around the belly button. Once the incisions have been made, the abdominal wall can be detached from the underlying tissue up to the ribs. The straight abdominal muscles are tightened and special suturing techniques are used to reshape the abdominal wall. Most often, abdominoplasty is combined with liposuction in specific areas. The skin of the abdominal wall is then pulled down so that it appears smooth and taut. Since the belly button should remain in the same position, a small opening must be cut for it in the new location of the abdominal wall. Excess skin and fatty tissue in the lower part of the abdomen are removed, wound drains are placed, and all incisions are sutured in several layers using a special suturing technique. A compression bandage is then applied.
What should be taken into consideration after an abdominoplasty?
After the abdominoplasty, a hospital stay of 1 to 2 days is recommended. The drains are usually pulled out the day after the operation. In the weeks following the treatment, the abdomen should be spared as much as possible and physical stress should be approached gradually. We will advise you intensively in this regard. A special abdominal girdle that supports healing should be worn for 4-6 weeks. To avoid excessive scarring, we recommend conscientious scar care. Since the scars are located in the lower abdominal area, they can be well concealed by underwear.