Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Surgical reshaping of the abdominal contour
What is it?
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes skin and fat between the umbilicus and the pubic region, after which the umbilicus is repositioned in its anatomical location. The procedure can:
- Remove folds, wrinkles, scars or stretch marks located within the area of skin that is excised.
- Improve the frontal contour of the abdomen through the removal of skin and fat and, when appropriate, complementary liposuction of the flanks.
- Reduce abdominal projection in profile when it is caused by stretching of the abdominal muscles, often after pregnancy, by means of muscle plication.
- Rejuvenate the pubic region, with a lift effect on the labia majora.
- Create a smoother abdominal contour, with a scar that tends to remain concealed by underwear.
When there is not enough excess skin for the standard technique, a “floating umbilicus” technique may be used. The umbilicus is repositioned slightly lower to allow the scar to be closed without excessive tension. This technique is often used in relatively slim patients who have lost skin elasticity after pregnancy.
The best results are generally not achieved in patients who are obese, but in those who have lost weight or are close to their ideal weight, including after pregnancy or after massive weight loss following bariatric surgery.
In addition to muscle plication, intraoperative techniques may include preservation of the infraumbilical Scarpa’s fascia and the use of Baroudi or “quilting” sutures, with the aim of reducing seroma rates and postoperative drainage volume.
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Procedures that may be combined
Miniabdominoplasty (Lower Tummy Tuck)
Correction focused on the lower abdomen
What is it?
Miniabdominoplasty is used when the aesthetic changes of the abdomen are not sufficient to justify a formal abdominoplasty, but there is still some excess skin and fat below the umbilicus. This tissue can be removed without repositioning the umbilicus.
Complementary liposuction and plication of the abdominal muscles may be added to the procedure. Miniabdominoplasty also rejuvenates the pubic region, with an apparent lift effect on the labia majora. The final result is a smoother abdominal contour, with a scar that tends to remain concealed by underwear.
Procedures that may be combined
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about abdominoplasty and miniabdominoplasty.
What is an abdominoplasty?
It is an operation that removes skin and fat between the umbilicus and the pubic region and repositions the umbilicus in its anatomical location.
Which abdominal changes can it improve?
It can reduce excess skin and fat, folds, wrinkles, scars or stretch marks contained within the removed skin and improve the abdominal contour from the front and in profile.
Is the umbilicus repositioned during abdominoplasty?
Yes. In a standard abdominoplasty, the umbilicus is repositioned and is surrounded by a scar that usually becomes less noticeable over time.
What is the floating umbilicus technique?
When there is not enough excess skin for the standard technique, the umbilicus may be repositioned slightly lower so that the scar can be closed without excessive tension.
Can abdominoplasty be combined with liposuction and muscle plication?
Yes. Liposuction of the flanks and plication of the abdominal muscles may be added to improve the frontal contour and reduce abdominal projection in profile.
Where are the abdominoplasty scars?
The main scar is horizontal and low, usually concealed by underwear. There is also a scar around the umbilicus, which generally becomes less noticeable with time.
How long does the operation take and how long is the hospital stay?
The procedure takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes and usually involves a hospital stay of 1 to 2 days.
What should be expected during recovery, and what are the risks and longevity?
Work may be resumed after 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the activity, and exercise after 6 weeks. Possible problems include pain, swelling, bruising, temporary reduced skin sensitivity, seroma, wound-healing problems, haematoma, infection, excessive scarring and pulmonary thromboembolism. The result is usually definitive if there are no major weight changes.
What is a miniabdominoplasty?
It is an operation that removes excess skin and fat below the umbilicus when the changes are not sufficient to justify a full abdominoplasty.
When may it be chosen instead of a full abdominoplasty?
It may be considered when the aesthetic concerns are limited to the lower abdomen and there is not enough excess tissue to justify a formal abdominoplasty.
Is the umbilicus repositioned during miniabdominoplasty?
No. Skin and fat are removed without repositioning the umbilicus, which may result in a slight lowering of its position.
Can miniabdominoplasty include liposuction and muscle plication?
Yes. Complementary liposuction and plication of the abdominal muscles may be included.
Where is the scar and how long does the procedure take?
The scar is horizontal and low, usually concealed by underwear. The stated procedure time is approximately 1 hour.
What are the hospital stay and recovery times?
The procedure may be performed as day surgery or with a 1-day hospital stay. Work may be resumed after 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the activity, and exercise after 6 weeks.
What are the risks and how long can the result last?
Possible problems include discomfort, swelling, bruising, temporary reduced skin sensitivity, seroma, wound-healing problems, slight lowering of the umbilicus, haematoma, infection, excessive scarring and pulmonary thromboembolism. The procedure is definitive provided there are no significant weight changes or new pregnancies.
This information is general and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
