After pregnancy or heavy weight loss, the abdominal wall does not always form back as desired, so that a sagging abdominal area or even a fat apron can occur. This often leads to the desire to tighten the abdomen. By means of a tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, we give your abdomen back its shape and contour. Excess skin and fatty tissue is removed, the abdomen is tightened and the navel and abdominal muscles are properly positioned. Often, abdominoplasty is also combined with liposuction. The goal of abdominoplasty is always to achieve a taut, contoured abdomen.
In our Clinic for Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery in Basel, women often take advantage of a tummy tuck as part of a mommy makeover. The tummy tuck can also be used to remove stretch marks below the navel. If the excess skin is not very pronounced, a mini-abdominoplasty may be sufficient for correction. As part of a tummy tuck after pregnancy, C-section scars can also be corrected. If the long abdominal muscles become loose after one or more pregnancies, additional rectus diastasis surgery may sometimes be necessary. Dr. Lüdi will be happy to advise you in a personal woman-to-woman consultation.
The consultation
As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Lüdi specializes in body contouring procedures and will be happy to advise you personally on the topic of tummy tuck in her clinic in Basel.
In an initial detailed consultation, Dr. Lüdi will take the time to address your concerns, analyze the findings together with you and advise you on treatment options. Here we will clarify whether abdominoplasty or mini-abdominoplasty is the right choice for you or whether, for example, another treatment method is more suitable for you. Dr. Lüdi will also explain the surgical technique and the exact incision with the help of pictures and drawings and will discuss the aftercare as well as possible risks and complications with you. Dr. Lüdi will also be happy to show you before and after photos of an abdominoplasty.
On the day of surgery
On the day of the operation, Dr. Lüdi prepares a photo documentation before the operation and makes the exact markings on the abdomen. You will then be prepared for the upcoming operation and accompanied to the operating room.
The operation - abdominoplasty with liposuction
The tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis in our clinic's own operating theatre or, depending on the indication, with an overnight stay. The incision is made in such a way that the scar is concealed by the bikini bottoms or underwear.
Classic abdominoplasty
First, liposuction is performed in the upper and lower abdomen. Then excess skin and fatty tissue is detached from the abdominal wall and removed. Subsequently, the abdominal wall is pulled down and tightened. If there is a rectus diastasis, i.e. diverging abdominal muscles, these are re-centered and tightened to strengthen the abdominal wall. In addition, during abdominoplasty, the belly button is moved and repositioned.
Mini Abdominoplasty
If there is only a small amount of excess skin in the lower abdomen, a mini-abdominoplasty can be performed without moving the belly button. In this case, the incision runs horizontally above the pubic hair and is somewhat shorter compared to the classic abdominoplasty. The excess tissue is removed in a spindle shape and the lower abdomen is tightened.
Immediately after surgery
After the operation, you can recover from the procedure in our beautiful patient rooms with a view of the Rhine and will be looked after by our team. After another visit by Dr. Lüdi, you can be picked up by an accompanying person and return home the same day.
Depending on the indication, the operation can also be performed as a short inpatient procedure with an overnight stay.
The aftercare
- The first follow-up visit by Dr. Lüdi takes place the very next day.
- During the first 6 weeks after surgery, you should wear the compression garment (abdominal belt or compression pants) to support the abdomen and promote the healing process.
- We recommend a rest period of 6 weeks to support an optimal healing process. This means that you should refrain from sports and carrying and lifting loads over 5kg during this time.
- Pain intensity after surgery is generally moderate and well controlled with common analgesics.
- Scar care can be started from 3 weeks postoperatively.
Risks and complications
An initial feeling of numbness in the area of the lower abdomen usually disappears within 6 to 8 weeks after the procedure. Minor wound healing problems may also occur, but usually heal without problems. In rare cases, complications such as postoperative bleeding, accumulation of fluid under the skin (seroma) and infection may occur in the first few days after surgery. In the case of slightly widened scars, these can be corrected at the earliest after 6 months in a minor operation under local anesthesia.
Cost tummy tuck
The costs for an abdominoplasty depend on your wishes, the type and extent of the operation and the materials required. During a consultation, Dr. Lüdi will put together a treatment tailored to you personally and provide you with an individual cost estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Read also our Journal article "How does a tummy tuck work?".
Dr. med. Simona Lüdi will be happy to receive you for a personal consultation for an abdominoplasty in our clinic in Basel. We look forward to seeing you.