Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck and body lift

After pregnancy or substantial weight loss, the abdominal skin and skin in other areas may lose elasticity. Pronounced excess skin often cannot be substantially corrected with exercise or further weight loss.

Surgical tightening may be considered, sometimes in combination with liposuction. Whether skin removal is necessary depends on the amount of excess tissue and its ability to retract.

What happens during surgery?

Excess skin and, where appropriate, underlying fat are carefully assessed, removed and the remaining tissue repositioned. Incisions are planned to place scars in less conspicuous areas where feasible.

The final scar length depends on the amount of tissue requiring removal; this trade-off is discussed before surgery.

What results are possible?

Surgery may improve contours when large folds and skin excess cannot be corrected by liposuction alone. The potential improvement is balanced against longer permanent scars.

The realistic outcome depends on anatomy and the extent of the planned operation.

Anaesthesia and clinic stay

Larger tummy tucks and body-lifting procedures are generally carried out under general anaesthesia with an inpatient stay.

The existing clinic guidance gives approximately three to five days for extensive operations. Smaller procedures may require a shorter stay or be planned differently. Early mobilisation and prevention of blood clots are important parts of care.

Preparing for surgery

A stable body weight is advisable before the operation; it is not a substitute for a substantial planned weight reduction. Skin inflammation and other health conditions should be assessed or treated beforehand.

Current medications, nicotine use, previous thrombosis and other risk factors must be discussed with the clinical team.

How the operation is performed

The areas to be treated are marked while standing. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining skin is tightened. Liposuction of adjacent areas may be included where appropriate.

During a larger abdominoplasty, the midline abdominal wall may also be tightened and the navel may need to be brought through the reshaped skin. Upper-arm and thigh lifts require their own incision plans.

The early postoperative period

Pain management, early monitored movement and measures to prevent thrombosis are especially important after more extensive surgery.

Surface wound healing and reduction in swelling take days to weeks, while deeper tissue recovery continues considerably longer.

Factors that increase risk

Blood vessel problems, previous blood clots or pulmonary embolism, venous disorders, allergies and regular medications should be reported before surgery.

Additional examinations or preventive measures may be needed depending on the medical history and scope of surgery.

Risks and potential complications

Possible complications include bleeding, fluid collections, infection, delayed wound healing, changes in skin sensation or lymphatic drainage, and noticeable scarring.

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are uncommon but serious complications of extensive surgery. Some problems may require additional treatment or correction.

Aftercare

Appropriate compression garments support tissues during healing. The clinic's existing guidance describes approximately six weeks of compression, with details adapted to the procedure.

Follow-up appointments, wound care and removal of any non-dissolving sutures are planned according to the healing progress.

Return to everyday activities and sport

Avoid sudden movements and strong tension on scars in the first weeks. How quickly patients can work again depends on the extent of surgery and their job.

The existing clinic guidance describes return to work after a few weeks in many cases, followed by a gradual return to exercise as advised by the surgeon.

Frequently asked questions