15 2021 May
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)

A taut abdomen and a slim waist - this is how many wish for their ideal appearance. However, sports and a healthy diet do not always help to achieve one's desired figure. After extreme weight loss or pregnancy, the body often does not form back the strongly expanded abdominal wall. The reason for this is sagging or torn connective tissue structures in the subcutaneous tissue that previously gave the abdominal skin support and firmness. The result is wrinkled, hanging skin flaps ("fat aprons") and visible overstretching of the subcutis ("stretch marks").

Sagging of the abdominal muscles can also be the result of many years of overweight or pregnancy. In particular, a drifting apart of the vertically running straight abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis) leads to a wider waist. Even intensive training cannot reverse this sagging.

An abdominoplasty can help improve the abdominal region. Sagging tissue is tightened downward and excess skin flaps are removed. The belly button is moved accordingly. A joining of the straight abdominal muscles is additionally possible.

Abdominoplasty is not a means to lose excess weight. It is often performed in addition to liposuction. The best results are achieved in slim, healthy patients whose flabby abdominal tissue does not respond to exercise and diet. During surgery, a long horizontal scar is created over the intimate area, which fades over time but does not become completely invisible. The doctor will discuss the placement of the scar with you. A small scar will also remain on the belly button. Sometimes another vertical scar is also required. The abdominal wall is flatter and more even after the procedure.

The operation

Depending on the extent of skin sagging, the surgical method can vary greatly. The ideal technique depends largely on your physical conditions and individual expectations. Basically, in every abdominoplasty a long horizontal or differently curved, possibly also an anchor-shaped incision is made above the pubic area. The belly button is separated from the skin tissue with a round incision. In order to tighten the abdominal skin, the skin tissue is detached from the abdominal wall between the abdominal incision and the ribs. As needed, the plastic surgeon tightens the straight abdominal muscles by rejoining and fixing them. This is to make the abdominal wall firmer and the waist narrower.

The plastic surgeon now pulls the detached skin tissue down. Excess skin is removed and the skin flap is sutured in place. To reposition the navel, a new incision is cut into the skin and the navel is sutured back in place. At the end of the procedure, drains are usually placed to facilitate the drainage of wound secretions and blood. Depending on the extent, the operation lasts between 1.5 and 3 hours.