Tummy Tuck with Diastasis Repair in Kaduna

No, a tummy tuck is not for losing weight. It serves another goal — removing surplus stretched skin and the fat apron and restoring the abdominal muscle wall. Surgery requires a stable weight; if yours is still changing, first consult a dietitian or endocrinologist.

Yes, there will be a scar, since removing excess skin always has that price. A classic tummy tuck leaves an incision across the lower abdomen from hip to hip, below the underwear or swimsuit line; a mini tummy tuck leaves a much shorter one. Over time it fades and thins.

This is exactly what the surgery is for — the sagging skin and fat apron are removed completely, and stretch marks below the navel go along with them. The surgeon pulls the upper abdominal skin down so the tummy ends up smooth, no extra lift required.

No, you won't feel pain during the procedure — a tummy tuck takes place under general anaesthesia. In the first days, tightness and soreness appear; painkillers prescribed by the doctor relieve them, and by the end of week one the discomfort eases noticeably.

Restrictions after a tummy tuck don't differ from patient to patient. No physical exertion, heavy lifting or sudden movements for the first 2–3 weeks; no sauna, steam bath, pool, tanning beds, alcohol or smoking for at least a month. Sport is resumed gradually and only with the surgeon's approval. Compression garments are worn for another 4–8 weeks.

The lowest age is 18, provided there are no contraindications. There's no upper limit whatsoever: each case at our clinic is reviewed individually following an examination and health assessment.

Scope of surgery is the whole difference. A mini tummy tuck is for small excess skin below the navel — shorter incision, navel left in place, faster recovery. A classic one removes the skin-and-fat apron across the entire abdomen, involves moving the navel and allows diastasis repair along the full length of the muscles.

There are three recovery milestones: back to office work after 2–3 weeks, swelling and tightness gone by 1.5–2 months, and the final result and scar assessed at 6–12 months when the tissues have fully adapted.

Skin that has been removed doesn't regrow, which makes that part of the result permanent. The abdomen will only stretch again with significant weight gain, so maintain a stable weight. A pregnancy after a tummy tuck is possible, but it stretches the repaired muscles — surgery is therefore planned once your family is complete.

Yes, preparation is required. 7–10 days before a tummy tuck, stop smoking, alcohol and medicines that affect blood clotting. A pre-surgery check-up is needed: blood tests, ECG, leg vein ultrasound, and GP and anaesthetist consultations. Complete it in advance, not the day before.

The answer doesn't vary: first changes are seen 2 weeks after surgery, after the main swelling subsides. Next, two checkpoints — 1.5–2 months for the interim result, 3–6 months for the final contours.

Yes, you will stay in hospital: 1–2 days under medical supervision after a classic tummy tuck, and usually one day after a mini tummy tuck. Recovery then continues at home, monitored by the surgeon at scheduled check-ups.

The list of tests before a tummy tuck doesn't differ: blood and urine tests, coagulation panel, biochemistry, infection tests, ECG, chest X-ray, leg vein ultrasound and a GP's report. You get the exact list from the surgeon at the consultation; tests usually remain valid for 10–14 days.

No, not all patients need a repair. It is done only when there is actual separation of the rectus abdominis muscles. The surgeon sees diastasis at the examination, and if in doubt, it is confirmed by ultrasound. The separated muscles are brought together in the same surgery, so no separate procedure is needed.

Pregnancy following a tummy tuck isn't forbidden; what matters is the order: childbirth first, then surgery. Otherwise the skin and muscles stretch again and some of the result is lost. Surgeons offer one piece of advice — if you plan a child, wait at least a year after the procedure.

Yes, it is mandatory: recovery is worse without the garment, which supports the tissues and reduces swelling. It is worn around the clock for the first 3–4 weeks, then for about another month during the day. The exact period is named by the operating surgeon.