Tummy tuck

A tummy tuck is a major surgery in which excess skin and, if necessary, excess fat tissue are removed and stretched abdominal muscles are placed together. In a full tummy tuck, the navel is also moved. Unfortunately, the procedure results in scars: across the lower abdomen from one hip to the other and usually also around the navel. The plastic surgeon will try to keep the scars as much as possible below the bikini line.

The total treatment time is approximately 15 days. If you use blood thinning medication, you must stop at least one week in advance. If you smoke, you must quit four weeks before and four weeks after the treatment.

First, the plastic surgeon discusses your health, medical history, and medication use with you. Based on your wishes, he will determine whether a full or partial tummy tuck is suitable for you or whether a combination with another treatment is better. The treatment method that is best for you, the result, the possible risks, and aftercare will be discussed with you in detail. The Smile Partners guide will be present during this discussion. Afterward, you make a final decision whether you want the treatment or not.

A tummy tuck is performed under anesthesia and takes about 2 hours.

When you wake up from anesthesia, your belly will be bandaged. Sometimes drains are placed in the abdomen to drain blood and wound fluid. You must stay in the clinic for some time. You may leave the clinic when the surgeon and anesthesiologist consider it responsible. Of course, Smile Partners will arrange your transportation to your hotel.
You probably won’t have much postoperative pain, but you may have pain when coughing and laughing. You should rest for the first 2 weeks. After that, you can perform light activities again. Avoid heavier physical exertion. This is only allowed after 6 weeks and you can also start exercising again.

The scars look fiery in the first few months but gradually become lighter. The scars may not be exposed to the sun for a year. A numb spot develops at the bottom of the belly. This is temporary, and the feeling will return over time.

Immediately after the procedure, it is already apparent that your belly has become flatter. The final result can only be assessed well after about a year, when the surgical wound and the subcutaneous tissue have fully healed.

Just like any surgery, complications can sometimes occur with a tummy tuck, such as an allergic reaction, poor wound healing, or bleeding, especially if you smoke, or despite sterile working an infection. There is a very small chance of thrombosis or risks from anesthesia.