Tummy Tuck with Diastasis Repair in Riga

No, it is not a way to lose weight. The goal is to remove excess stretched skin and the fat apron and restore the abdominal muscle wall. Surgery is performed at a stable weight, so if your weight is still changing, first see a dietitian or endocrinologist.

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.

Exactly this is what the surgery does: sagging skin and the fat apron are removed completely, and stretch marks below the navel disappear with them. The surgeon brings the upper abdominal skin downward, so the tummy is smooth without an extra lift.

No, the procedure itself doesn't hurt — a tummy tuck is performed under general anaesthesia, so you feel nothing. Tightness and soreness appear over the first days and are relieved with the painkillers your doctor prescribes; by the end of the first week the discomfort noticeably eases.

Restrictions after a tummy tuck are the same for everyone. For the first 2–3 weeks: no physical exertion, heavy lifting or sudden movements. Sauna, steam bath, pool, tanning beds, alcohol and smoking are off-limits for at least a month. Sport resumes gradually and only with the surgeon's approval. Compression garments are worn for another 4–8 weeks.

Minimum age — 18, and only with no contraindications. There is no upper limit; each case at our clinic is considered individually after an examination and assessment of health.

It is a question of scope. With a small excess of skin below the navel, a mini tummy tuck is enough: the incision is shorter, the navel is not moved and recovery is quicker. The classic operation removes the skin-and-fat apron across the entire abdomen, moves the navel and allows diastasis repair along the full length of the muscles.

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

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.

It's the same for all patients: the first changes show 2 weeks after surgery, when the main swelling goes down. After that there are two checkpoints — an interim result at 1.5–2 months and the final contours at 3–6 months.

Yes, you need to stay in hospital: 1–2 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 pre-tummy-tuck list is the same for everyone: blood and urine tests, coagulation panel, biochemistry, infection tests, ECG, chest X-ray, leg vein ultrasound and a GP's report. Tests are usually valid for 10–14 days, and the surgeon gives the exact list at the consultation.

No, not every patient needs a repair — only those whose rectus abdominis muscles are actually separated. The surgeon sees diastasis when examining you, and if unsure confirms it with ultrasound. The separated muscles are joined in the same surgery; a separate procedure isn't 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 required; recovery without the garment is worse, since it supports the tissues and reduces swelling. For 3–4 weeks it is worn around the clock, and then during the day for about another month. The exact period is given by the operating surgeon.