Abdominoplasty
Tummy Tuck Surgery
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is a specialized surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat and redundant, sagging skin from the middle and lower abdomen, while simultaneously tightening and repairing the underlying abdominal wall muscles. This surgery is not a weight loss procedure for obesity. The ideal candidates are individuals close to their target weight who have localized stubborn laxity, excess skin, and separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) resulting from pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations. Patients with excessive intra-abdominal or subcutaneous fat should ideally lose weight prior to the procedure, which minimizes complications and maximizes both aesthetic satisfaction and wound healing.
INDICATIONS FOR SURGERY
A flat, firm abdomen is an essential hallmark of an athletic and balanced physique. The procedure is performed to correct laxity, severe stretch marks, weakened muscle walls, and stubborn localized fat deposits caused by aging, multiple pregnancies, or dramatic weight changes.
SURGICAL TECHNIQUES
Abdominal contouring is tailored based on individual skin elasticity, degree of ptosis, and adipose tissue volume through liposuction (including laser or ultrasonic lipolysis) and abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty can also be combined with breast aesthetic surgeries or 360-degree liposuction (Mommy Makeover).
– Mini Abdominoplasty: Indicated when tissue laxity is strictly confined to the area beneath the umbilicus, with minimal muscle separation. The navel does not require repositioning.
– Full (Complete) Abdominoplasty: Performed when laxity and muscular separation extend across the entire abdominal wall above and below the belly button. Excess skin from the pubic line to the navel is excised, the abdominal rectus muscles are sutured together (fascial plication), and the navel is naturally reconstructed.
ANESTHESIA AND PROCEDURE DURATION
Abdominoplasty is performed in a fully accredited hospital operating theater under general anesthesia. Blood-thinning medications must be discontinued 7–10 days before surgery, and smoking must be ceased at least 4 weeks prior. The operative duration typically ranges from 3 to 4 hours depending on the extent of accompanying liposuction.
RECOVERY TIMELINE
Mild to moderate swelling and discomfort are expected initially, well controlled with prescribed analgesics. Surgical drains are removed within 3–5 days, and skin sutures within 2–3 weeks. Hospital stay is generally 1–3 nights. Patients can return to sedentary office work within 2–4 weeks. A dedicated post-operative medical compression corset must be worn consistently for 6–8 weeks to support the abdominal wall and reduce edema. The incision scar matures gradually over 6 to 12 months, fading significantly over time and strategically placed so it remains discreetly concealed beneath standard swimwear and underwear.
