Tummy tuck. Abdominoplasty

The type of tummy tuck depends on the nature of the issue and the degree of abdominal deformity. Each type of abdominoplasty is used to address a specific concern.

According to the surgical technique, abdominoplasty is divided into four main types:

1. Endoscopic abdominoplasty – Mostly recommended for younger patients with muscle diastasis or hernia, and no excess skin or fat. Several small incisions are made in the abdominal wall (around the navel and bikini line), an endoscope is inserted, and the muscles or hernia are sutured if needed.

2. Mini abdominoplasty (minimally invasive) – Used when a minor correction of the abdominal shape is needed, along with a small skin-fat defect. The scar is located along the bikini line, and the navel is not repositioned.

3. Standard (also known as classical or regular) abdominoplasty – Aimed at removing the lower abdominal fold (“abdominal apron”) and restoring proportional abdominal contours. A single horizontal incision is made, all excess tissue is removed (the entire fold), and sometimes the navel is repositioned. After the operation, a compression garment or bandage is worn.

4. Full (wide or total) abdominoplasty – Used to restore both the anatomical and aesthetic appearance of the anterior abdominal wall. It is recommended in cases of large fat deposits and multiple skin folds on the abdomen, back, and sides. Navel repositioning is always performed.

There is also reverse abdominoplasty, which is indicated for patients with excess skin above the navel. Depending on the problem area, the surgeon will make incisions in the appropriate locations.

Additionally, abdominoplasty is often combined with liposuction to achieve the best possible aesthetic result. This combination procedure is called lipoabdominoplasty.

The appearance of the abdominal area can deteriorate for various reasons: sudden weight loss, age-related changes, genetic predisposition, scars, burns, or stretch marks on the abdomen. However, one of the most common reasons is pregnancy and childbirth. A tummy tuck after giving birth is a dream for many women.

During pregnancy, the skin stretches significantly, stretch marks may form, and hormonal changes can lead to excess fat accumulation. Often, things don’t improve much after childbirth. A sagging belly after a C-section may appear even without fat deposits. In such cases, the issue is often a sunken C-section scar, which creates a small skin fold in the lower abdomen. Only a surgeon can remove it.

Thus, surgical abdominal correction is recommended in cases of:

• Loss of skin elasticity and firmness after pregnancy, C-section, age-related changes, or sudden weight loss (skin-fat apron);

• Weakened abdominal wall muscles (diastasis, hernia);

• Damage or defects (stretch marks, burns, scars);

• A bulging abdomen with small fat deposits that cannot be reduced by other means (“fat trap”).

Whether it’s a saggy or simply aesthetically unappealing abdomen, abdominoplasty can solve the issue.

Kyiv is full of advertisements for plastic surgery clinics, but to achieve the best possible result, it’s crucial to make a well-informed choice. ANACOSMA Clinic offers highly qualified specialists and the latest technologies in plastic surgery.

Preparing for an abdominoplasty involves undergoing medical examinations and consultations with a surgeon, a physician, and an anesthesiologist. A consultation with a plastic surgeon is held to determine the scope of the surgery. During the visit, the patient can ask any questions of interest, and the surgeon performs a preliminary body marking, showing what and where will be corrected. If no contraindications are found, a surgery date is scheduled. Plastic surgeons at ANACOSMA Clinic often recommend combining abdominoplasty with vibration-assisted liposuction.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. ANACOSMA is the only clinic where patients can choose therapeutic xenon anesthesia, known for its healing and protective properties. The duration of the procedure depends on its complexity and usually ranges from 2 to 4 hours.

Once the patient is anesthetized, the surgeon begins the procedure according to the pre-defined surgical plan. Sutures are not applied to the incisions—instead, a special skin adhesive is used. This protects the wound from external exposure and infection, and helps the scar heal faster. The patient stays at the clinic for two days post-operation. Compression garments are applied immediately and must be worn for approximately 1.5 months.

The skin adhesive is removed after two weeks. After about a month, the scar becomes barely noticeable. Bruising and swelling typically disappear within the same time frame. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for 2–3 months.

As long as the weight remains stable, abdominoplasty ensures a flat, aesthetically pleasing abdomen in the long term. The cost of the procedure depends on the complexity of the operation and the surgeon’s qualifications.

List of sources used:

1. Jin S, Li F. [Research progress of abdominoplasty]. Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2018 Dec 15;32(12):1611-1614.
2. Matarasso A, Matarasso DM, Matarasso EJ. Abdominoplasty: classic principles and technique. Clin Plast Surg. 2014 Oct;41(4):655-72. 
3. Brower JP, Rubin JP. Abdominoplasty After Massive Weight Loss. Clin Plast Surg. 2020 Jul;47(3):389-396.