Tummy tuck – Abdominoplasty

As part of your consultation at our Clinic for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery in Munich you tell us your wishes and expectations for the tummy tuck.

We do not look at the abdomen without also reviewing the adjoining regions: typical female curves with waist and harmonious hips are also crucial for a beautiful figure. Frequently, a flabby belly is accompanied by stubborn fat deposits on the flanks and hips. If a harmonious body image is to be achieved, this must be considered and a multimodal approach planned. No two bodies are the same, and only through an individually adapted approach, will we achieve an aesthetically excellent result for you.

After the photo documentation we will examine your stomach. In addition to the skin and fat surplus, our particular attention is paid to diverged abdominal wall structures or possibly existing navel or scar hernias. If you have lost a significant amount of weight, it may be that the skin excess on the back or buttocks continues. In this case, we would preferably advise you to undergo a lower bodylift, as this achieves a more harmonious figure. After this detailed analysis, we can recommend the appropriate surgical method for achieving the desired result.

In order not to unnecessarily increase the risk of postoperative bleeding, the use of aspirin should be avoided in the two weeks prior to the operation. The consumption of alcohol and nicotine should also be reduced to a minimum.

In the days and nights shortly after the operation, you should have as much support as possible at home for everyday activities. For the period of six weeks after surgery, you should not expose yourself to severe physical stress. When scheduling, consider the necessary recovery phase after the procedure.

For an optimal result, you should definitely wear compression underwear following surgery. A selection of different models and sizes are available in our Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Clinic. If necessary, we can order other models and sizes at short notice.

As a rule, patients are hospitalized on the day of the operation at the highly specialized Dritter Orden Clinic in Munich. In the days before you will have had an appointment with the anesthetists and been asked in detail about your medical history, such as pre-existing conditions, allergies and intolerances, and the anesthesia will be discussed with you. In most cases, one to two nights at the clinic are sufficient.

On the morning of the operation, we will clarify any final questions and draw the markings that are important for the operation with you in a standing position.

After administering anesthesia, the operating area is sterilised and covered per hygiene protocol. As a prophylactic measure, you will receive a single dose of broad-spectrum antibiotics. These measures have been proven to reduce postoperative infections.

If additional liposuction, for example on the flanks is necessary, this is performed at this stage. After preparation of the abdominal wall, any possible gaps in the abdominal wall are reconstructed and the diastasis recti is corrected. Wrinkles in the hip determine the final extent of the skin to be removed. The belly button is now inserted in its correct position back into the drawn down abdominal skin. As a rule, two drainage devices are inserted to drain the wound fluid. The skin closure is done with self-dissolving stitches, so no stitch removal will be necessary. After applying the sterile bandage, an elastic abdominal bandage is applied. This is removed the next day and the compression garments are applied.

After being discharged, you will need to present at regular intervals at our office hours. The success of the operation is documented by photographs.

As a rule, pain is limited. With cooling and painkillers, e.g., ibuprofen existing pain should ease off within a few days. Prolonged “tweaking” or “weather sensitivity” are normal and no cause for alarm.

Immediately after the tummy tuck, you may notice an uncomfortable tautness of the abdomen. After a few weeks, however, the tissue will relax again.

It is very important to consistently wear your compression garments at this time. Initial swelling will disappear within six weeks.

Sports and activities involving stress on the abdomen should be avoided for six weeks. Full exersion of the muscle is allowed from 3 months after the procedure.

For scar therapy silicone gel is recommended. In the case of unsightly scarring, silicone patches may also be required.

In the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon, the tummy tuck is associated with a very low rate of complication but high levels of satisfaction. As with any other surgery, there are general and specific complications that can occur due to the nature of the procedure.

Swelling and bruising of the skin are normal and regress within two to three weeks.

In rare cases, even after the drainage has been removed, accumulation of blood (hematoma) or fluid (seroma) may occur. The liquid can be detected by ultrasound and punctured under controlled conditions. In rare cases, it may be necessary to reopen the surgical site and remove the fluid (hematoma removal), otherwise wound healing or hardened scars may occur.

A postoperative sensory disturbance of the abdominal skin is normal. In most cases, the feeling normalises within a few months. However, persistent sensory disturbances can occur.

In the middle area of ??the lower abdominal seam in particular, wound healing disorders can occur. This risk is significantly increased among smokers. A surgical procedure to correct this is necessary only in rare cases.

How scars develop is often unpredictable. By avoiding unnecessary tension in the skin and care however, the scarring can be positively influenced.

An initial firmness of the abdomen can lead to asubjective difficulty in breathing. This settles within a very short time after the operation.

Studies have found an increased rate of thrombosis in tummy tucks compared to other surgeries. This is why we attach great importance to a sufficient thrombosis prophylaxis and rapid mobilization.