Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in Mecca

No, it won't make you lose weight. It has a different aim — to take away excess stretched skin and the fat apron and rebuild the abdominal muscle wall. The operation is done at a stable weight; if your weight is still shifting, see a dietitian or endocrinologist first.

Yes, expect a scar — the unavoidable price of removing excess skin. The classic tummy tuck incision runs across the lower abdomen from hip to hip, sitting below the underwear or swimsuit line; the mini tummy tuck incision is much shorter. Gradually the scar fades and becomes thin.

Sagging skin and the fat apron are precisely what the surgery removes — entirely, together with stretch marks below the navel. The surgeon pulls the skin of the upper abdomen down, and the tummy ends up smooth with no extra lift.

No, during the procedure there's no pain: a tummy tuck is under general anaesthesia and nothing is felt. Tightness and soreness show up in the first days and are relieved by painkillers prescribed by the doctor; by the end of the first week, discomfort eases noticeably.

Everyone follows the same restrictions after a tummy tuck. The first 2–3 weeks — no exertion, heavy lifting or sudden movements. At least one month — no sauna, steam bath, pool, tanning beds, alcohol or smoking. Sport returns gradually and only if the surgeon approves. Compression garments — another 4–8 weeks.

You must be at least 18, with no contraindications. No upper limit exists — at our clinic each case is considered individually, after an examination and health assessment.

The difference is the extent of surgery. A mini tummy tuck is performed for a small excess of skin below the navel, with a shorter incision, the navel not moved and faster recovery. A classic tummy tuck removes the whole-abdomen skin-and-fat apron, includes moving the navel and allows full-length diastasis repair of the muscles.

Recovery comes in three milestones: 2–3 weeks until office work is possible, 1.5–2 months until swelling and tightness pass, and 6–12 months until the final result and scar are assessed, once the tissues fully adapt.

The skin that was removed won't grow back — that part of the result is permanent. Only significant weight gain will stretch the abdomen again, so it's important to keep a stable weight. Pregnancy after a tummy tuck is possible but stretches the repaired muscles, so surgery is planned when 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 is the same for everyone: the first changes are visible 2 weeks after surgery, when the main swelling subsides. Then there are two checkpoints: 1.5–2 months — an interim result, 6–12 months — the final contours.

Yes, you need to stay in hospital: 1–3 days under medical supervision for a classic tummy tuck, usually one day for a mini tummy tuck. Recovery goes on at home, with the surgeon checking on it at scheduled check-ups.

The same list applies to everyone before a tummy tuck — blood and urine tests, coagulation panel, biochemistry, infection tests, ECG, chest X-ray, leg vein ultrasound and a GP's report. Your surgeon provides the exact list at the consultation; tests are usually valid for 10–14 days.

No, not everyone needs it. The repair is done only when the rectus abdominis muscles are actually separated. At the examination the surgeon sees diastasis, and in doubtful cases ultrasound confirms it. The muscles are brought together in the same surgery, so no separate procedure is needed.

You can get pregnant after a tummy tuck, but the order matters: childbirth should come first, then surgery. Otherwise, the skin and muscles stretch again and you lose part of the result. Surgeons have one piece of advice: if you plan a child, wait at least a year after the procedure.

Yes, you must wear it — without the garment recovery is worse, as it supports the tissues and reduces swelling. Around the clock for the first 3–4 weeks, then in the daytime for about one more month. The exact period is set by the operating surgeon.