Abdominoplasty in Nansana: a Flat Stomach

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, there will be a scar — the unavoidable cost of removing excess skin. In a classic tummy tuck the incision runs across the lower abdomen from hip to hip, below the underwear or swimsuit line; in a mini tummy tuck it is much shorter. Over time the scar fades and becomes thin.

That is exactly the purpose of the surgery: sagging skin and the fat apron are removed entirely, along with stretch marks below the navel. The upper abdominal skin is pulled downward by the surgeon, leaving a smooth tummy with no extra lift needed.

No, there is no pain during the procedure, because a tummy tuck is performed under general anaesthesia and you feel nothing. In the first days there is tightness and soreness, relieved with painkillers the doctor prescribes; by the end of the first week the discomfort is noticeably less.

The same restrictions apply to everyone after a tummy tuck. For 2–3 weeks, avoid physical exertion, heavy lifting and sudden movements. For at least a month, sauna, steam bath, pool, tanning beds, alcohol and smoking are ruled out. Sport resumes step by step, with the surgeon's approval only. Compression garments are worn for another 4–8 weeks.

The minimum age is 18 and contraindications must be absent. There is no upper limit: every case at our clinic is considered individually, after an examination and health assessment.

The difference comes down to the scope of surgery. A mini tummy tuck is done for a small excess of skin below the navel: the incision is shorter, the navel is not moved and recovery is faster. A classic one removes the skin-and-fat apron across the whole abdomen, involves moving the navel and allows diastasis repair along the full length of the muscles.

Think of recovery in three milestones: office work is possible after 2–3 weeks, swelling and tightness go by 1.5–2 months, and the final result and scar are evaluated at 6–12 months after the tissues have fully adapted.

Removed skin does not grow back, so that part of the result is permanent. The abdomen will stretch again only with significant weight gain, so keep your weight stable. Pregnancy after a tummy tuck is possible, but it stretches the repaired muscles, which is why surgery is planned once your family is complete.

Yes, it is required. 7–10 days ahead of a tummy tuck, give up smoking, alcohol and medicines that affect blood clotting. You'll need a pre-surgery check-up: blood tests, ECG, leg vein ultrasound, plus GP and anaesthetist consultations. Complete it early, not on the day before.

The answer is identical for all: first changes can be seen 2 weeks after surgery, when the main swelling subsides. There are then two checkpoints — interim result at 1.5–2 months and final contours at 3–6 months.

Yes, a stay in hospital is needed. A classic tummy tuck means 1–2 days under medical supervision; for a mini tummy tuck, one day is usually enough. At home recovery continues, and the surgeon monitors it at scheduled check-ups.

Everyone has the same tests 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. The surgeon gives you the exact list at the consultation; results 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.

Pregnancy after a tummy tuck is not forbidden, but the order matters: childbirth first, then surgery. Otherwise skin and muscles stretch again and part of the result is lost. Surgeons give one piece of advice: if you plan a child, wait at least a year after the procedure.

Yes, it's a requirement: recovery is worse without the garment because it supports the tissues and reduces swelling. The first 3–4 weeks it stays on around the clock, then during the daytime for roughly a month more. Your operating surgeon will name the exact period.