Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures. The desire for a flat, well-formed abdomen is the wish of many. Excess skin and tissue can be removed and the abdomen tightened, e.g. after weight loss or pregnancy. The body regains its harmonized silhouette.

In abdominoplasty, also called tummy tuck, excess skin and tissue is removed through a transverse incision in the area of the lower abdomen and the abdominal wall is pulled down and sutured tightly.

A distinction can be made between a mini abdominoplasty and a abdominoplasty, the main difference being that the navel is moved during the latter operation. In most cases, the navel is incised and moved higher, resulting in a youthful aspect.

Especially after pregnancy, the straight abdominal muscles may have diverged. These can be tightened in the same procedure, which additionally contributes to achieving a beautiful female waistline.

If you are disturbed by excess skin and tissue in the abdominal area, which does not change despite disciplined nutrition and sport, abdominoplasty could lead to the desired result.

Abdominoplasty can give you a flat and firm abdomen with a beautifully contoured female silhouette and waistline.

The incision is placed low so as to hide the scar, which should not be visible in swimwear.

We will first assess your goals and wishes and then thoroughly examine you. By detailed analysis we will decide whether an abdominoplasty is suitable for you or whether alternative treatment options such be considered. Our experience enables us to advise you in detail on the various options for abdominoplasty, but also on alternative options such as liposuction or non-surgical fat reduction with truSculpt (radiofrequency), and to offer the ideal therapy for your needs. It is very important to us to illuminate all sides and consequences of a surgical intervention and to be at your side for all questions and concerns. Our many years of experience help us to understand your goals and set them in relation to the therapeutic options that suit you best.

Depending on the extent of your findings, we will decide which surgical method will lead to the best result for you. The incision of an abdominoplasty is placed low so that the scar should not be visible in swimwear. If necessary, this incision can also tighten the straight abdominal muscles. Often a further incision around the navel is necessary to move it higher.

Of course, we will take photos and ask for your detailed medical history in order to identify possible contraindications for the procedure at an early stage. It is our concern to support you with all your questions, worries and wishes. We take our time for this.

Dr. Winterholer and Dr. Allemann usually perform an abdominoplasty together. This enables us to keep the operation time and thus the anaesthesia short, which is of advantage for the patient. The operation takes 1-2 hours and is performed under general anaesthesia in our certified operating theatre or under inpatient conditions in the hospital. Whether outpatient or inpatient depends on the extent of the findings and the operation and will be discussed with you in detail beforehand.

In order to drain blood and wound secretion, drains are inserted which can be removed in the following days. Immediately after the operation, still in the operating theatre, an abdominal compression belt will be put on, which you should wear for 6 weeks.

As with any surgical procedure, you will feel slight pain in the first few days. We will give you painkillers for this and will be happy to answer any other questions you may have. During the first days you will feel a feeling of tension and should therefore walk in a slightly stooped posture.

The first check-up takes place the day after the operation. We will then usually see you again after 14 days, 6 weeks and 3, 6 and 12 months. You can expect the final result after the swelling has subsided after about 3-6 months.

We recommend to avoid lifting heavy loads over 5 kg for 6 weeks.

Every operation involves surgical and anesthesia-related risks. There is an increased risk of surgical complications, especially for patients who smoke or suffer from obesity or diabetes.

Risks associated with any surgical procedure

• secondary bleeding
• infection
• Unpleasant or excessive scarring
• thrombosis

Risks of abdominoplasty

• wound healing disorders
• Seroma (accumulation of wound secretion)
• Dog Ears
• asymmetry

Rare

• (Part) Death of the offset navel
  death of parts of the skin

If you are interested in an abdominoplasty, we will be happy to assist you as an objective consultant. It is important for us to give you a comprehensive picture of the procedure. In a non-binding consultation, we therefore discuss the possibilities and risks of a procedure with you. This discussion provides you with a serious basis on which to make a fundamental decision for or against an intervention.

Get in touch with us.

Arrange a non-binding appointment online here.