Abdominoplasty

Who Is It For?

After major weight loss or pregnancy, it is normal for the abdominal wall to lose its tightness and for the skin to sag. Additional problems such as stretch marks, old scars or separated abdominal muscles can occur. Abdominoplasty surgery offers a solution by flatting the saggy skin and tightening the muscles of the relaxed tummy wall, and if needed, excess fat tissue can be removed. 

How Is It Done?

A tummy tuck operation is a highly individualised procedure achieved through a variety of incisions and techniques. The appropriate technique for you will be determined during your personal consultation with your cosmetic surgeon in Prague.

The incision is made in the so-called bikini line – from hip to hip in such a way it can be hidden within most underwear or swimsuit. During the tummy tuck operation, the skin and abdominal wall with the fat layer are separated, the navel is separated from the surrounding skin, abdominal muscles are tightened and the skin and subcutaneous tissue are stretched out while their excess is removed. During suturing non-absorbable or absorbable materials can be used. In the case of non-absorbable materials, the sutures must be extracted, while absorbable sutures dissolve in the body on their own and their advantage is also the fact that the scar is finer. 

There are several types of abdominoplasty surgery our surgeons can offer:

Complete abdominoplasty (incl. muscles tightening and belly button transposition) – the belly button is cut from the surrounding skin, stretched muscles are pulled together and stitched, excess fat is removed. The skin is pulled down and the excess cut off. The belly button is repositioned to fit the new shape of the abdomen. 

We also offer FDL abdominoplasty (fleur-de-lis) - is a highly specialized tummy tuck technique (usually used in post-bariatric patients after significant weight loss) to remove skin both horizontally and vertically which creates two separate scars: one horizontal across the lower abdomen and one vertical along the midline, with the final scar resulting in an upside down “T.” 

Floating abdominoplasty - is an abdominoplasty technique that uses a hip-to-hip scar to detach the belly button from its connection with the abdominal wall to allow tightening of the stomach muscles and achieve a more aesthetically pleasing contour in slim patients with minimal skin excess.

Mini tummy tuck – only the skin and fat in the lower abdomen is removed. The scar is along the bikini line.            

Surgery

The abdominoplasty surgery is done under general anaesthetic and takes approximately two to three hours.

After Surgery

This abdominal surgery normally requires a two night stay at the clinic and a five-day period of limited movement and abdominal wall rest. During this time, the client should bend forward slightly when sitting or walking. On the third or fourth day after leaving the clinic, there is a medical check-up by the surgeon. Special compression bandages are worn at least 6 - 8 weeks. You will also get a K-pad for your better comfort after the procedure. Why is post-operative garment so important? Learn more here.

Back To Normal

Following uneventful recovery, it is normally possible to return to work and resume customary activities (excluding exercise) within four to six weeks of the operation, or, in the case of non-strenuous, sedentary jobs, within three weeks.

Result

The scar remains but fades considerably.

Extra

The consultation with the surgeon is of vital importance; the extent of the operation will be recommended, as well as other potential related treatments that can achieve the best possible result. Liposuction can be part of the operation or can be done several months afterwards; it removes remaining excess fat in the lower abdomen and hip area. In some cases, the surgeon may recommend the client to lose weight before the operation – either through a diet and exercise, or a intragastric balloon (available at this clinic), which enables a weight loss by making the stomach feel full more quickly.