Abdominoplasty

December 2024

Abdominoplasty (or “tummy tuck”) is highly effective body contouring surgery in which the plastic surgeon removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, while also tightening weakened muscles through the additional procedure of plumping the abdominal muscles.

The procedure is popular with patients who have given birth, as pre-existing scars (e.g. caesarean section) can be removed during the procedure and post-sarcoma abdominal muscle laxity will be treated.

Who is the procedure recommended for?

This procedure is recommended for patients who:

Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone surgery until they have reached a stable weight. Also, women planning future pregnancies should wait, as the vertical muscles tightened during surgery may separate again during pregnancy, necessitating another procedure.

If your only concern is fat deposits, then liposuction may be a more suitable option. In some cases, liposuction and abdominoplasty can be performed together for more comprehensive results. For example, this combination may be recommended if you want to flatten your tummy and get rid of flank fat for an enviable waistline.

Recovery after surgery

Abdominoplasty is a complex surgery and requires a 1-2 night hospital stay, depending on its extent and your general condition.

Postoperative pain is of medium intensity and will be kept under control with medication prescribed by Dr. Racu.

Full recovery takes 4-6 weeks, but most patients are able to return to work and daily activities gradually within 2-3 weeks.

Bruising (ecchymosis) and swelling (oedema) of the operated areas will subside in 2-3 weeks.

The elastic corset should be worn for a minimum of 6-8 weeks to promote redefinition of the operated areas and correct skin positioning.

The results of the procedure are immediately visible, as the abdominal region is shaped and toned. However, to maintain the results achieved, Dr Racu recommends following a healthy lifestyle, encouraging a balanced diet and daily exercise.