Tummy tuck

What is a tummy tuck?

Anyone suffering from excess abdominal skin after pregnancy, drastic weight loss or getting older can be helped with a tummy tuck. This procedure is also suitable for women whose abdominal wall muscles have become flabby after pregnancy or who have scars or stretch marks on their abdominal wall.

Those who are particularly struggling with fat deposits can be helped with liposuction. Together with our surgeon, we will decide what the best option and method will be for you. We would like to emphasise that a tummy tuck is not a method for losing weight.

Procedure - How is the tummy tuck performed?

• An incision is made around the navel (loosening it from the surrounding tissue) and an incision is made under the bikini line from hip to hip.
• Subsequently, the skin tissue is detached from the underlying muscles up to the rib arch.
• Flaccid abdominal muscles are stitched together. This is also called "reefing".
• The loosened skin is then pulled down to the incision below the bikini line. Excess tissue is removed and the incision is accurately sewn up.
• The navel is repositioned by making a small hole in the skin. The navel is then sutured in place.
• In some cases, a scar around the navel can be avoided.

Advantages

• Your abdomen will once again look tighter, firmer and lifted.
• Excess skin and fat tissue will have disappeared.
• Your skin will look younger and more resilient.
• Your posture will improve considerably.
• Clothing fits better.
• You feel better in your own skin.

Disadvantages or complications

It is important to realise that every surgical procedure has its risks and complications. In principle, plastic surgery involves healthy people and the risks and likelihood of complications are low. Please discuss in detail with our surgeon beforehand your medical history, medication intake, lifestyle etc.

Complications of a tummy tuck may include:

• Hematoma (an accumulation of blood under the skin that may require removal)
• Negative reaction to anaesthetics
• Subsequent bleeding
• Infection
• Necrosis
• Change in sensation
• Permanent visible scars
• Damage to underlying structures
• Unsatisfactory aesthetic result
• Excessive oedema in the abdomen

Recovery - What can you expect after a tummy tuck?

After a tummy tuck, you will stay overnight in the clinic. If the plastic surgeon deems it responsible, you may return home the next day.

Please arrange for transportation, because driving your own car is not an option.

• Your abdomen will be painful and an your skin and muscles will be tight for the first few days. We recommend that you take two tablets of Paracetamol (500 mg) every four to six hours for the pain. If the pain subsides, reduce to 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours.
• Avoid strenuous activity during the first week such as lifting, bending over, sports, etc.
• During the first four weeks you will wear a supportive corset day and night, and the following two weeks only during the day.
• Swelling and bruising will occur and even worsen during the first few days. These usually subside after day 3.
• Scars will be red and swollen. The skin may feel hard for a few weeks. Your scars need a long time to calm down, which can take six months to a year and a half.
• As soon as your wounds have closed and the scabs have disappeared, you can start applying a caring and disinfecting scar cream (twice a day).
• After 6 weeks, you can start practicing sports lightly. Only after 3 months you are allowed to do heavy activities and exercises.

What is a mini-tummy tuck?

A mini-tummy tuck is intended for patients with limited skin elasticity and a portion of excess skin located far below the navel. This procedure is less invasive than a full tummy tuck and leaves less scarring. After all, the incision in this type of tummy tuck is hidden in the bikini line, leaving only an inconspicuous scar in the pubic area and not around the navel. The scar from a mini-tummy tuck may be somewhat red at first, but it is guaranteed to fade in the course of the following months.

Procedure - How is a mini-tummy tuck performed?

• Through a transverse incision in the lower abdomen, the excess skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue is loosened from the abdominal wall up to the navel.
• The two straight abdominal muscles below the navel are tightened and reattached to each other. In addition, the loosened layer is also sutured after it has been pulled down tightly and the excess fatty tissue has been removed.
• This procedure takes 60 to 75 minutes and is performed under general anaesthesia.

Advantages

• A mini-tummy tuck is less invasive than a full tummy tuck and leaves less scarring.
• It is ideal for those with poor skin elasticity, localised fat deposits and less taut straight abdominal wall muscles in the area below the navel (e.g. after pregnancy).
• The scars are less visible and are located in/under the bikini line.

Disadvantages or complications

• Complications of a (mini) tummy tuck may include
• Hematoma (an accumulation of blood under the skin that may require removal)
• Negative reaction to anaesthetics
• Subsequent bleeding
• Infection
• Necrosis
• Change in sensation
• Permanent visible scars
• Damage to underlying structures
• Unsatisfactory aesthetic result
• Excessive oedema in the abdomen

Recovery - How do you prepare for a mini-tummy tuck?

• After a mini-tummy tuck, you can go home the same day.
• Please arrange for transport, because driving your own car is not an option.
• Your abdomen will feel sore and tight for the first few days. We recommend that you take two tablets of Paracetamol (500 mg) every four to six hours to alleviate the pain. If the pain subsides, reduce to 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours.
• Avoid strenuous activity during the first week such as lifting, bending over, sports, etc.
• During the first four weeks you will wear a supportive corset day and night, and the following two weeks only during the day.
• Swelling and bruising will occur and even worsen during the first few days. These usually subside after day 3.
• Scars will be red and swollen. The skin may feel hard for a few weeks. Your scars need a long time to calm down, which can take six months to a year and a half.
• As soon as your wounds have closed and the scabs have disappeared, you can start applying a caring and disinfecting scar cream (twice a day).
• After 6 weeks, you can start playing sports. Only after 3 months, you can exert yourself to the fullest.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the cost of body surgery?

  You can find estimated prices here, after your consultation you will be informed of the exact prices of your operation. Prices are average and may vary depending on: the exact treatment or surgery needed; the exact area you want to have treated; your body type; your expectations and wishes...

  We have a specific procedure to get a quote from the doctor. To receive a personalized quote, please visit the following link to see your different options.

• Is there a payment plan or financing option for a surgery?

  No, payments have to be made following our payment policy. It is not possible to pay for a surgery via monthly/... payments.

• What is the cost of a breast lift?

  You will find all the prices of our treatments and operations here.

• How long does the result of a breast lift last?

  It may take several weeks or even months before you see the final result of your breast uplift. The final result will of course last for several years. If protheses have been used, keep in mind that they have an expiration date.

• What are the risks of a breast lift?

  Any disadvantages or possible complications can be found here.

• Who is a suitable candidate for a breast lift?

  A breast uplift can help if you suffer from drooping or sagging breasts after pregnancy, breast feeding, weight gain or loss, ageing etc.

• What is the cost of a breast reduction?

  You will find all the prices of our treatments and operations here.

• How long does the result of a breast reduction last?

  It can take several weeks or even months before you see the final result of your breast reduction. The final result naturally remains for several years.

• What are the risks of breast reduction?

  All disadvantages or possible complications can be found here.

• Who is a suitable candidate for a breast reduction?

  A breast reduction can help if you suffer from heavy, drooping breasts after pregnancy, breast feeding, weight gain, becoming older, etc. Especially if you suffer from neck, shoulder and back pains, this procedure can bring relief.

• What is the difference between a nipple correction and a nipple-areola correction?

  With a nipple correction, mainly the shape of the nipple is adjusted. The areola correction involves reducing the size of the areola.

• What is the cost of a nipple correction?

  You will find all the prices of our treatments and operations here.

• How long does the result of a nipple correction last?

  Normally the result is permanent, although scars may remain slightly visible.

• What are the risks of a nipple correction?

  Any disadvantages or possible complications can be found here.

• Who is a suitable candidate for a nipple correction?

  A nipple correction aims to restore the proportions between the breast, the nipple and the areola. When a nipple has a deviant shape and is, for example, (too) large or retracted, a nipple correction may be necessary or desirable. Also when the areola (the dark area around the nipple) is too large in proportion, this can be surgically corrected.

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