Did Jaap Reesema have a tummy tuck? Yes, and he shared it himself

What did Jaap Reesema say about his tummy tuck?

In January 2026 the Dutch singer and former X Factor winner announced on Instagram that he had undergone a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and that the operation had gone well. Dutch media quoted his post. Shownieuws reported his words: “Twenty years ago I lost 35 kilos. Last year it felt like the circle was complete when I was on the cover of Men’s Health. And yet… somewhere it stayed open.”

According to Weekend, he added: “I hesitated for a long time about this step. Having a big operation that isn’t necessarily ‘necessary’ felt exciting and also quite confronting.” Twenty years later, he wrote, it felt like the right moment to close the whole weight-loss story — “for myself”. And: “Honestly, I can already see how beautiful this is going to be.”

That is all we rely on here. Reesema did not describe the surgical technique, the length of the incision or other medical details in his post, so this article does not guess at them. Where the text below explains methods and timelines, it describes tummy tucks in general, not his treatment.

Why his words resonate with people who lost a lot of weight

Reesema’s story touches on something many people recognise after major weight loss: the number on the scale changes, but the skin does not always follow. He described the chapter as never quite closed, even after he had reached his goal and appeared on a magazine cover. He also said openly that he doubted for a long time, precisely because the operation was not strictly necessary.

That honesty is useful. Stretched skin after losing a lot of weight does not shrink back with diet or training, and separated abdominal muscles do not come back together on their own. A tummy tuck is not a way to lose weight; it removes what remains after the weight is gone. Deciding on it calmly, after a consultation and without pressure, is exactly the kind of decision he described.

How a tummy tuck is done today

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is surgical tightening of the front abdominal wall. The surgeon removes excess stretched skin and fat and, where needed, repairs separated rectus muscles (diastasis). The operation is performed under general anaesthesia. There are two main options:

• Classic tummy tuck — a horizontal incision above the pubic area, planned so that underwear and swimwear hide the scar. Muscles are repaired, excess skin and fat removed, the navel repositioned and drains placed. It takes 2–4 hours.
• Mini tummy tuck — only the lower abdomen is corrected, the incision is shorter and the navel is not moved. It suits a small amount of excess skin; recovery is shorter.

A tummy tuck can sometimes be combined with liposuction of the flanks and waist in one operation. Which technique fits is decided by the surgeon at an in-person consultation after assessing the skin and muscles — not on the basis of a celebrity story.

Who is a good candidate and how to prepare

Typical reasons people consider a tummy tuck:

• excess abdominal skin and fat after major weight loss or childbirth;
• separation of the rectus muscles (diastasis);
• a sagging lower abdomen or an apron of skin;
• lower abdominal scars, including after a C-section.

Contraindications include age under 18, endocrine obesity, decompensated diabetes, blood clotting disorders, cancer, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and severe heart, kidney or liver disease. Before surgery the clinic orders blood tests, an ECG and a chest X-ray, plus a hormone screening. Medicines that affect blood clotting are stopped two weeks before (with the doctor), alcohol and smoking a week before, and the last meal is eight hours before the operation.

Recovery after a tummy tuck

Reesema wrote that he had to rest and that sitting still was not quite working for him — a feeling many patients will recognise. In general, after the operation the patient stays in hospital for 1–3 days. Drains are usually removed after two days and stitches after seven. A compression binder is worn for 1.5–2 months. Most swelling goes within 30 days, and office work is usually possible after 2–3 weeks. Sports, sauna and heavy lifting are off-limits for 2–3 months. The result is assessed at three months, and by twelve months the scar has matured and faded. The timeline below shows the usual stages.

1. Day of surgeryGeneral anaesthesia; the operation takes 2–4 hours, compression garments are fitted.
2. Days 1–3Hospital stay under medical supervision; drains are usually removed after two days.
3. Day 7Stitches are removed and the first check-up takes place.
4. Weeks 2–3Office work is usually possible again; you keep wearing the compression binder.
5. Month 1Most of the swelling has gone.
6. Months 2–3The binder comes off after 1.5–2 months; sport, sauna and heavy lifting return after 2–3 months, and the result is assessed at 3 months.
7. Month 12The scar has matured, faded and is barely noticeable.

A tummy tuck at City Medical Centre

City Medical Centre in Moscow performs classic and mini tummy tucks, with diastasis repair where needed. The first consultation with the surgeon is free and can be held online for patients from other countries. The price is named at the consultation after the examination and is fixed in the contract with no hidden extra charges. Post-operative check-ups take place after 7 days, 3 months and 6 months. More details are on the tummy tuck page.

To be clear: City Medical Centre has no connection with Jaap Reesema or his treatment. His story is simply a well-known example of someone who talked openly about the procedure.

Frequently asked questions

When did Jaap Reesema have his tummy tuck?

He shared it on Instagram in January 2026 and wrote that the operation had gone well. He did not give further medical details in the post quoted by Dutch media.

Why did Jaap Reesema choose a tummy tuck?

He wrote that he lost 35 kilos twenty years ago and that the chapter never quite felt closed. After long doubt he decided to do it now, in his words, for himself.

Is a tummy tuck a way to lose weight?

No. It removes excess skin and fat and can repair separated abdominal muscles, but it does not replace diet and exercise. It is usually considered once the weight is stable.

How much does a tummy tuck cost at City Medical Centre?

The price is named at the free consultation after the surgeon has examined you, and it is fixed in the contract with no hidden extra charges.

How long is the recovery after a tummy tuck?

Usually 1–3 days in hospital, office work after 2–3 weeks, a compression binder for 1.5–2 months and no sport or heavy lifting for 2–3 months. The result is assessed at three months.