What is our goal?
With abdominoplasty we aim at fixing the abdomen aesthetically but also at improving its muscular function.

What is the preoperative procedure?
The systematic exercise of the abdominal muscles contributes to a good result post surgery, but the weight loss-in case you have excess weight- also helps. Smoking, overconsumption of alcohol, use of aspirin and vitamins two weeks before the surgery should be avoided.

How is abdominoplasty performed (techniques, description of the process)?
As mentioned above, there are two techniques: the classical abdominoplasty with which we also reposition the navel and the mini abdominoplasty with which the navel is not repositioned, the incision is smaller and the operation is shorter. In both operations the incision is made on the upper border of the pubic area. When we perform the mini abdominoplasty the incision is limited to that area. On the contrary, with the maxi abdominoplasty we can get to the border of the thighs. In any case the incisions should be hidden in your underwear or the beachwear. If required, the abdominoplasty can be combined with liposuction on the same and the surrounding areas for better results.

The type of anaesthesia
The mini abdominoplasty can be achieved with epidural anaesthesia, whereas the maxi with general anaesthesia.

How long does the operation take? How long will I stay in the hospital? Is the downtime short? And finally, when will it be safe for me to go swimming without anyone noticing any signs on my body?
It all depends on the operation and the surgeon’s experience. The mini abdominoplasty takes almost 1 hour and the maxi 2 hours. This time is longer if the tummy tuck is combined with liposuction on the affected areas.

When the abdominoplasty is completed the patient goes home the same day. In case of a maxi abdominoplasty, the patient usually stays at the hospital overnight.
After the mini abdominoplasty has finished, the downtime does not last more than 4-5 days. However, after an extended abdominoplasty which has been combined with liposuction, the downtime is longer and lasts almost 2 weeks.

The oedema and the swelling subside within 15 days and if the healing is good you will not see any signs as the incisions will be hidden in your underwear or beachwear. However, we recommend you not to swim earlier than 4 weeks, as this may affect the sutures (both internally and externally). Of course, you may have a quick swim after 2 weeks, but you must be careful: Any abrupt movements can affect the sutures.

After how long can I be exposed to the sun? How long will the result last?
Any limited and careful sun exposure is not considered to be a contraindication. However you must protect the area of the incisions which should never be exposed so early. The result is permanent as long as you maintain a healthy weight and exercise.

Are there any risks and side effects? Who should not undergo such a procedure?
The risks and the complications that may occur are generally common in all surgical procedures but they are also rare. For example they may include haematoma, inflammation, bad healing, asymmetry, accumulation of fluid, skin necrosis and very rarely deep thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Those suffering from serious health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, history of embolism, obesity etc should not undergo the abdominoplasty.

What can I do about love-handles?
We call love handles those areas at the side of the waistline. They respond very well to liposuction and you have a firmer middle.