Complete tummy tuck takes about 2-3 hours and is performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes a long incision in the lower abdomen between the hip bones so that the future scar could be covered by underwear. The skin is pulled down, its excess is removed and the surgical incision is closed in several layers with mostly absorbable sutures.

Mini-abdominoplasty, or partial abdominoplasty, is a small-scale procedure that deals with skin excess only in the lower or the upper part of the abdomen. It is appropriate in cases where the skin is loose either under or above the navel, whereas the rest of the belly skin is firm and good. It is also performed under general anaesthesia and lasts about 1 hour. The incision is similar to the general abdominoplasty, but is slightly shorter.

Having loose belly skin after pregnancy

Especially after multiple pregnancies, the skin may lose its elasticity and not return to its original shape. This is the case mainly when loose straight abdominal muscles are separated after delivery.

After childbirth, the muscles and skin of the abdomen should be given at least a year to return to where their characteristics allow. It is also advisable to wait with the plastic surgery until after breastfeeding. Women are advised to undergo abdominoplasty if they are not planning another pregnancy.

Having sagging skin after significant weight loss

If you lose more weight, it is possible that the skin is no longer elastic enough to respond to pressure loss and remains stretched.

In this case, it is good to undergo abdominoplasty only if the patient is not planning on losing significantly more weight. If the weight is maintained, the effect is permanent.

Relaxation of the straight abdominal muscles

Straight abdominal muscles can also be separated from other causes (e.g. injury) – the muscles do not fasten the abdomen and the skin is pulled out.

The abdominal wall can also be operated on separately – by a procedure paid by the insurance company. However, such a procedure does not deal with the excess skin.

Dealing with stretch marks
(in combination with any of the above problems)

Due to rapid stretching of the skin during pregnancy or due to rapid weight gain, the skin often does not handle the resulting tension and cracks, creating various scars. Abdominoplasty can remove stretch marks in the lower abdomen together with the skin.

Of course, it is necessary to consult a plastic surgeon about whether abdominoplasty is suitable for you.