Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty involves removing all of the loose skin from the front of the abdomen and removing most of the fat layer from the abdomen. In addition, the abdominal muscles can be tightened. The best results are achieved in a slim, fit person whose abdominal fat or loose skin does not respond to exercise or diet.

Look in the mirror with love

A smooth, toned abdomen is often a symbol of both good physical shape and self-confidence. Life changes, such as having children and losing weight, are significant achievements, but they can change the shape and feel of your body. If your clothes do not fit right or the mirror reflects something different than how you feel inside, abdominoplasty can offer a solution.

Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, removes excess skin and often corrects abdominal muscle separation that even intense exercise cannot repair. The surgery helps restore the tone and silhouette of the abdominal area. Abdominoplasty helps reduce excess and loose skin, highlighting a trim appearance and improving overall body proportions and quality of life. It is not only an aesthetic choice, but also a functional improvement.

Why choose Health Clinic for abdominoplasty?

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The best specialists 

All body contouring surgeries and procedures are performed only by highly experienced, well-respected and unquestionably the best experts in their field.

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Individual approach 

We aim to provide an understanding and supportive environment, so we pay special attention to each person’s unique aesthetic goals, desires and needs. 

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High customer satisfaction 

Numerous success stories and positive feedback from our patients reflect not only our surgeons’ professionalism but also the empathetic and friendly interaction they experience.

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Safety and quality first 

We prioritise safety and quality, strictly adhering to all standards and safety requirements to ensure that every surgery is carried out with the utmost care and precision. 

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State-of-the-art surgical techniques 

Our surgeons use the latest surgical techniques and medical equipment. This means smaller scars, faster recovery and more natural results. 

Additional information

Procedure overview

Abdominoplasty
SurgeonDr Rein Adamson / dr Siim Simmo / dr Martin Adamson / dr Sven Troost
AnesthesiaGeneral
Surgery duration1,5-2,5 hours
Nights at hospital1-2
Sick leave1-2 weeks
PriceAbdominoplasty – from €4690
+€600 for liposuction on sides (love handles)
Medical loanStarting from €119 per month. Apply here.

WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW?

Additional information on the procedure

What to expect from tummy tuck?

The best possibilities for achieving aesthetically pleasing results are for a slim person in good physical health, whose adipose tissue or floppy skin in the abdominal region does not respond to training or diet.

Once weight loss is planned it is recommended to refrain from surgery until the desired weight is achieved. For women who plan to give birth, the operation should be postponed because the rectus abdominis muscle bundles, which are stretched during the operation, can separate from each other during the course of pregnancy. If there are some scars from previous surgeries, abdominoplasty surgery may be harder to perform.

Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) leaves a relatively long scar in the bikini region, which becomes, over time, softer and unnoticeable. Additionally, the umbilicus gets a new position, also its shape is changed and a little ring-shaped scar forms.
Besides classical tummy tuck, it is possible to perform partial tummy tuck (mini-abdominoplasty), which requires a smaller incision, and the position of the umbilicus remains unchanged. This is especially suitable in the case of problems with the lower part of the abdomen. It may be that, in addition to total or partial tummy tuck, liposuction must be performed in the hip region. These aspects and possibilities are considered during the planning of your individual surgery.

How to prepare for abdominoplasty?

Prior to the planned surgery you should be in as good a health as possible.
Limit your nicotine and alcohol consumption to a minimum. In addition to overall circulation, smoking also harms microcirculation in the surgery area. For this reason, it is recommended that you avoid smoking for a period of two weeks prior to and after the surgery.

The administration of preparations containing hormones (pills, hormonal substitution preparations) must be temporarily suspended.
The use of aspirin or any medicines containing acetylsalicylic acid, for at least 14 days before surgery, is strictly prohibited.
It is recommended that you plan for a postoperative period of 7 to 10 free days because after surgery your physical activity will be limited.

At hospital

As a rule, the operation is performed during a hospital stay for two days. This allows professional medical staff to take care of you during the postoperative period.

Anesthesia

Tummy tuck is mostly performed under general anaesthesia, meaning you will be asleep during the surgery. Before surgery, the anaesthesiologist will perform the necessary research to ensure that you receive the appropriate anaesthesia.

How is the operation performed?

Tummy tuck typically lasts from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. The extent of your surgery depends on your specific anatomy, expectations and also on the surgeon’s recommendations.

Basically, the surgery is performed as follows:

Initially, a long incision is made, which runs above the pubic region until the hipbone. Additionally, the umbilicus is removed with a circular incision.

In the case of partial tummy tuck, the incision is markedly smaller and, if necessary, the umbilical cut may skipped. This may mean that the position of the umbilicus moves downwards.
After that, a large section of the skin is removed until the costae, in order permit access to the abdominal muscles. The rectus abdominis muscle bundles are adducted to each other, stretched and attached to a new location. This helps to achieve a more stretched abdomen with a smaller waist.

Skin that has been set aside is thereafter replaced, with surplus skin being removed. After this the umbilicus is attached in a new location.
Narrow drainage tubes help to evacuate fluids and blood from the wound during the first postoperative period (12 to 24 hours). Finally, incisions are attached and the wound bandage is set.
In the case of partial tummy tuck, only the umbilicus and inter-incision skin is stretched. This section of the skin is stretched down, surplus skin is removed and the wound is then closed.

After surgery – what to pay attention to

  • For the first few days after the operation you will feel pain in the operation area. Therefore, your normal movements will be limited. During this period analgesic preparations are usually prescribed.
  • Drainage tubes inserted during the surgery are removed, as a rule, on the first postoperative day. The bandage is removed during the following days.
  • For the first few days after the operation you should allow yourself as much rest as possible, in order to minimise swelling. Generally, possible oedemas, haematomas and skin numbness will disappear completely during the weeks following the postoperative period.
  • Postoperatively, a previously measured special pressure bandage or tight trousers are applied on the operating table.
  • Surgical sutures are mainly absorbable and only some safety stitches need to be removed. Initially, the wound appears flushed and solid, but within a few months the wound will turn lighter and will resemble the rest of the skin. Special wound healing ointments may be used 3 weeks after the completion of surgery. The wound area must be kept away from sun light for the first 6 months (appropriate clothing, patches).
  • Depending on how you feel, you can start everyday activities after a few days; but during the first postoperative week you should still plan to rest.
  • Exercise is allowed after the sixth week (a special corselet must be worn). Postoperative nicotine and alcohol consumption should be reduced to a minimum, and visits to saunas and steam baths should be avoided for a few months.

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Abdominoplasty and important questions

The most common reason is sagging skin after childbirth or weight loss. The skin also loses its elasticity with ageing. Intense, prolonged stretching of the abdominal skin can lead to muscle laxity and despite intensive exercise, the separation of abdominal muscles (diastasis) may require surgical correction.

There are no direct restrictions for abdominoplasty surgery. You should always consult your surgeon before the procedure and discuss your health condition and medical history. Abdominoplasty is suitable for both men and women who are in good health and at a stable weight. If you want to lose weight, it is advisable to do so before the procedure.

It is important to emphasise that abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure. Abdominoplasty is primarily intended to tighten loose skin, for example after weight loss surgery, significant weight loss or childbirth. If you still want to lose weight, you should first change your lifestyle and physical activity and, if this does not help, you can consider weight loss medication or bariatric surgery.

The abdominoplasty procedure is suitable for all adults who have an indication and are in good general health. There is no upper age limit and the surgeon will thoroughly assesses the patient’s health during a consultation.

It all starts with attitude, that is the most important thing. With the right attitude, it is possible to make lasting lifestyle changes that will help you achieve and maintain your desired weight. You should review your diet and exercise plans and find a balance between work and private life. If needed, we can offer support to patients with nutrition coaching (counselling) or use weight loss medications.

The surgery generally does not affect reproductive system function, but it may be worth postponing the procedure if you plan to have more children. This is because pregnancy can separate the abdominal muscles tightened during abdominoplasty, potentially requiring a repeat procedure.

Abdominoplasty complications and risks

Abdominoplasty is a relatively safe surgery, but every surgery carries certain risks. Rare problems immediately after surgery can include bleeding and infection. Prompt intervention and stopping the bleeding generally helps to avoid complications. The infection also usually responds well to antibiotic treatment. There may also be a build-up of fluid under the skin, which is easily diagnosed and removed.

It is also worth mentioning that the nerves in the abdominal area can be damaged during the procedure, temporarily numbing the skin and tissues. This usually goes away over time, but it can sometimes take up to a year. Scarring is inevitable after the operation, but scars gradually fade and lighten.

Yes, if it becomes clear during the consultation that the surgery is not advisable for medical reasons, or if the patient’s expectations are unrealistic, the surgeon has the right to refuse the procedure.

It is important to understand that surgery can change the shape of the abdomen to a certain extent and if the surgeon believes that it is not possible to carry out the patient’s wishes exactly as they have imagined, then it is necessary to carefully consider whether the surgery is worth pursuing.

Our goal is for people to feel happy and gain confidence after the surgery. Therefore, it is important to clearly express your wishes during the consultation with the surgeon and carefully listen to whether the surgeon believes it is achievable.

Preparing for an abdominoplasty procedure

It is recommended to follow a healthy lifestyle, get plenty of exercise and, if possible, get adequate rest and proper sleep. Nicotine and alcohol should be avoided! Under no circumstances should you use aspirin or similar medications for at least seven days before surgery, as they have a blood-thinning effect. We also recommend avoiding preparations containing omega-3 fatty acids. In general, it is wise to discuss the use of any dietary supplements with your doctor before surgery or simply discontinue them for a while.

Be sure to discuss which medications you are taking during the consultation, as some medications and health conditions make it impossible to perform the surgery. Contraceptives and antidepressants are generally not contraindicated for surgery, but it is recommended not to use contraceptive pills before surgery due to the possible increased risk of blood clots. Some antidepressants, on the other hand, increase the risk of bleeding. Fish oil capsules (omega-3) also increase the risk of bleeding. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking!

Plan for a recovery period of around 10 to 14 days after surgery, as mobility and ability are limited during this time.

Recovery after abdominoplasty

We are always available if the need arises. We provide information during the consultation about what to consider before and after the procedure. The follow-up care instructions include contact details for all of our Patient Coordinators and you can always contact your personal coordinator who has been taking care of you from day one.

For emergency health issues, please go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital and be sure to inform us as well.

Depending on how you feel, you may resume normal daily activities after a few days, but the first week after surgery should be dedicated to rest. We recommend staying home and following a calm regime for two weeks.

Avoid lifting heavy objects (including children) during the initial weeks, as this can strain the abdomen and cause stitches to come apart.

PLEASE NOTE! Recovery takes time, and the final results will only be visible after about six months.

During the immediate post-operative period, it is recommended to eat foods rich in fibre and protein. This helps maintain digestive health and supports wound healing. You should also drink plenty of water (about 1.5 litres a day). In the long term, maintain a diverse diet and moderate portion sizes. Otherwise, weight gain may occur after surgery and the results achieved with the surgery will not be maintained.

This is quite individual and largely depends on the sport, but you can usually resume your usual exercise routine after about four to six weeks. It is worth consulting your doctor for more intensive training.

It depends on the complexity of the procedure and the duration of the flight, but in general, it is recommended to avoid air travel for about a month after surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots. If flying is unavoidable, choose an aisle seat, stretch your legs, and move around frequently during the flight.

No, smoking is not allowed after the surgery. It is necessary to give up nicotine in order to avoid problems that may arise from circulatory disorders, which can directly affect the final result of the surgery. As the damage smoking can do to wound healing can be really significant, we recommend that you take this seriously. It is necessary to abstain from smoking for at least three to four weeks after the surgery, but our recommendation is of course to give up smoking permanently.

We do not recommend using tanning beds, but if necessary, you can use one after two months. Be sure to cover the surgical scars with a garment or bandage while in the tanning bed. UV rays can darken scars, turning them dark pink or even brownish.

It is recommended to wait about six weeks before swimming or engaging in other sports activities. It is important that the stitches have already been removed by the doctor and that the surgeon has been consulted on the matter.      

Yes, abdominoplasty will result in scars (a surgical scar across the bikini line from hip to hip and a circular scar where the navel is repositioned). The time it takes for scars to soften depends on skin elasticity and age, but they typically fade within one to two years.

After surgery, a pre-measured bandage (corset) or compression underwear are provided to support recovery. Wearing special supportive underwear and bandages is necessary to make healing as quick and painless as possible. Wounds covered with a plaster remain under the bandage. If the bandage is uncomfortable or rubs against the skin, you can wear a clean item of clothing (e.g. a tank top, thin shirt) under the bandage.

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