Abdominoplasty (“Tummy Tuck”) is a name for several types of surgery performed on men and women who want to improve the appearance and function of the abdominal wall. The aim of the procedure is to remove excess skin, subcutaneous tissue and increase tension in the musculo-fascial layer in case of its flaccidity.

In the presence of hernia or separation of abdominal muscles, the surgery is performed for medical reasons.

Mini-abdominoplasty is most often performed in young women with elastic skin after pregnancy and involves surgical removal of excess tissues and increasing the tension of the myofascial layer in the lower abdomen.

The procedure is performed with a 20-30 cm long incision in the suprapubic area and does not require dissection of the middle (navel) and upper parts of  abdominal wall.

Standard abdominoplasty

The most frequent candidates for this surgery are women who have completed procreation and individuals who have undergone significant weight reduction. The procedure involves detachment of the skin/fat flap from the fascial layer from the level of the lower abdomen to the costal arches, dissection of navel on its stalk, removing excess tissue from the lower and middle part of the abdominal wall and increasing the tension in the myofascial layer in the case of its flaccidity. The procedure is performed with an incision in the lower abdomen and inside the navel. The resulting scar is placed low so that it can be easily hidden even by bikini-type underwear.

Lipo-abdominoplasty is a combination of liposuction and standard abdominoplasty. The procedure is performed in people with excess skin, subcutaneous fat and musculo-fascial laxity.

The surgery involves laser or ultrasound liposuction, surgical excision of skin excess, reposition of the navel to anatomical position and increasing tension in the musculo-fascial layer in the case of its flaccidity.

In some cases, after analysis of the local condition and knowing patient’s expectations, Dr. Pietrasik proposes to extend abdominoplasty with liposuction of the lateral areas of the abdomen (“love handles”) in order to better define the waist.

All abdominoplasties are performed under general or epidural anesthesia and require 1-2 days hospitalization.

Return to normal professional activity takes 10-14 days and to physical work 6 weeks. Return to sport activities (jogging, fitness) is possible after 3 months.

In the postoperative period, you should avoid lifting weights over 10 kg and physical exercises involving abdominal muscles. Compression garment should be worn for 8 weeks after the surgery.

The results obtained are long-lasting, although not permanent. Surgery does not stop the natural aging process. Significant changes in body weight, hormones as well as pregnancy can change the originally good result of abdominoplasty.

This short information doesn’t replace medical consultation in the office.