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Matilda Lindqvist
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This guide to abdominoplasty has been reviewed and approved by Chief Medical Officer and Aesthetic Surgeon Dr. Ali Bagher on August 14, 2024.
Abdominoplasty, or "tummy tuck" as it is often called in English, is an operation that removes loose skin on the stomach to create a flatter and smoother stomach. The surgery is usually done to improve the appearance of the stomach after, for example, pregnancy or weight loss, when the skin has stretched out and not kept up with the rest of the body as it shrinks in size.
The surgery is common and has helped thousands of patients regain a body they recognize and love, and get rid of health problems caused by loose skin, such as fungal infections in the skin folds or itching when sweating. Our patients often report feeling much more satisfied with life after their surgery, which is exactly why we perform so many tummy tucks at Estetikcentrum here in Malmö.
Abdominoplasty is usually a major operation and should not be underestimated. The procedure is always done while the patient is under anaesthesia, and an overnight stay after the surgery is always included so that we can monitor the patient for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
However, the size of the procedure varies greatly between patients, as the amount of skin to be removed differs between individuals. For some, removing a small amount of skin is enough, while others have very loose skin and may want to combine the procedure with liposuction for a more visible result. It all depends on your body and your wishes, and the surgeons at Estetikcentrum always listen to your voice and make their assessments and recommendations accordingly.
When performing a tummy tuck, the surgeon makes an incision along the lower part of the abdomen - the bikini line - and removes excess skin from there. They can also tighten the abdominal muscles and reshape the remaining skin to create a slimmer silhouette. As the incision is made in the trouser line, the scar is invisible unless you are completely naked.
Sometimes patients also want to combine abdominoplasty with liposuction to remove stubborn fat that won't go away with diet and exercise. This is particularly common after pregnancy, where hormonal changes can also contribute to fat staying in places it didn't before. In a combination procedure, liposuction is usually done first, sometimes at a separate time for the patient's safety, depending on how much fat and skin needs to be removed.
Abdominoplasty is a common surgery that many people who have given birth or lost weight choose to have in order to feel better about their own bodies. The procedure is relatively safe, but it is important that it is performed by an experienced, trained plastic surgeon. You can read more about our surgeons and their experience and specialties here.
It is important to note that no surgical procedure is completely free of risks and complications. A tummy tuck can cause infection and bleeding in the days and weeks following the procedure, and in the long term, scarring and loss of sensation in the operated area can occur.
We always encourage our patients to discuss risks and concerns with their chosen surgeon at the consultation in order to make an informed decision about whether to undergo the surgery. It is also important to follow all instructions from the doctor both before and after the procedure to minimize the risk of complications.
Some women find that their abdominal muscles split during the very last part of their pregnancy and cannot be restored with exercise and physiotherapy. Some choose to have an abdominoplasty to restore the original position of the abdominal muscles.
It is important to check whether this is included in the price of the surgery at the clinic you choose. Sometimes there may be an additional cost. At Estetikcentrum , this feature is always included in your tummy tuck price, as it is an important part of a well-functioning body and high quality of life.
After a tummy tuck, it is important to wear the compression garment given to you on the day of surgery to help with healing and to ensure a good final result. This compression garment helps to protect the wound and hold the displaced skin together. You will receive detailed instructions from your team and can always call or email us if you have any questions.
The initial period after your surgery can be painful and your movement will be limited while you heal. However, your surgeon will give you painkillers after the operation, and many of our patients feel much better after just a few days.
However, it is important to have realistic expectations and let the healing process take its time. Always follow our recommendations and try to take time off if you have a physically demanding job. You always get three weeks of sick leave after surgery, but some people feel they need more time. Listen to your body.
Abdominoplasty is usually performed on patients who are either pregnant and have loose skin after giving birth, or people who have lost a lot of weight and have the same problem, but for a different reason. The way our skin contracts after weight changes is extremely individual, and some people experience a loss of skin elasticity.
To be a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck, your health should be generally good. Some diseases or conditions may make it dangerous to undergo anesthesia, and we will advise you against it at the consultation. To be approved for surgery, you should:
If you have health problems that may affect your ability to recover from surgery, or if you smoke or take certain medications, this may affect your suitability for abdominoplasty. Therefore, it is best to book a consultation with one of our surgeons to discuss your issues in detail. You can book a consultation here.
Abdominoplasty is not a weight loss surgery. Although liposuction is sometimes used as an adjunct, this is solely to address stubborn fat deposits that cannot be trained away. If you want to lose weight, you can instead look at the Allurion program, which uses a gastric balloon to satisfy hunger and help you lose weight. If you have had a gastric bypass or if Allurion is not suitable for you for some other reason, we also have the Saxess program, where an injection treatment is used to control appetite in conjunction with dietary advice.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications that can occur with abdominoplasty. Some of these risks include:
Infection: One of the most common complications after any surgery. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions for wound dressing and hygiene to reduce the risk of infection. After your surgery at Estetikcentrum , you will be given a compression garment to take home and wear around the clock for the first few days. Keep in mind that this garment needs to be washed to maintain good hygiene and you can buy extra compression garments at the clinic or via the webshop to facilitate this.
Bleeding: Another common complication after abdominoplasty. It is important to avoid blood-thinning medications before surgery and to follow your doctor's instructions for post-operative care to minimize the risk of bleeding.
Scarring: Because abdominoplasty involves an incision in the skin, you will have a scar where the incision was made. The visibility of the scar depends both on genetics and how you take care of your wound during the healing period. Many of our patients use Improscar Stick to reduce the visibility of their scars. At Estetikcentrum we place the incision in the panty line, so that the scar is not visible unless you are completely naked.
Loss of sensation: After abdominoplasty, it is common to experience temporary or permanent loss of sensation in the area. This usually improves over time but there is a risk that it may be permanent.
Results that don't meet your expectations: Even if you and your surgeon discuss your expected results in detail, your final result may differ from your target. In some cases, a reoperation may be performed to get closer to your desired result.
Abdominoplasty has improved the lives of many of our patients in different ways. Some feel that the improved physical health is what makes the biggest difference, such as better hygiene and less weight. Others find that the mental side is the best part - the flatter stomach gives them more self-confidence and makes it easier to buy clothes that fit well.
Many people also find that they become more active and that activity is more enjoyable when they feel comfortable in their body. This brings additional benefits and even better well-being. This positive spiral makes it fun for us as a clinic to follow our patients' journey even after surgery.
At the same time, it is important to remember that a tummy tuck does not solve all problems or emotional difficulties. It is important to have realistic expectations and be aware that quality of life is an individual and subjective experience that can be influenced by various factors. Sometimes it can be very helpful to talk to a psychologist or therapist about your body image to gain perspective on your feelings.
Want to know more about abdominoplasty? Contact us here or book a consultation with a surgeon to discuss your options. We are happy to answer your questions.
