Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in Salem

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, 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.

Yes — removing the sagging skin and fat apron is exactly what the surgery is for. They are removed fully, with the stretch marks below the navel. By pulling the upper abdominal skin down, the surgeon leaves the tummy smooth without any extra lift.

No, nothing hurts during the procedure, since a tummy tuck is performed under general anaesthesia. Tightness and soreness come in the first days and are relieved with painkillers prescribed by the doctor; the discomfort noticeably eases by the end of the first week.

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.

The minimum age is 18, and only without contraindications. There is no upper limit at all: at our clinic each case is considered individually, after an examination and health assessment.

The scope of surgery is what differs. A mini tummy tuck deals with a small excess of skin below the navel, so the incision is shorter, the navel stays put and recovery is faster. A classic tummy tuck removes the skin-and-fat apron across the whole abdomen, moves the navel and lets the surgeon repair diastasis along the full length of the muscles.

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

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

Yes, preparation is required. For 7–10 days before a tummy tuck, no smoking, alcohol or medicines that affect blood clotting. The pre-surgery check-up includes blood tests, an ECG, leg vein ultrasound and GP and anaesthetist consultations; finish it in advance rather than the day before.

Everyone gets the same answer: 2 weeks after surgery, when the main swelling subsides, the first changes become visible. Two checkpoints follow: 1.5–2 months — interim result; 3–6 months — final contours.

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, it is not needed by everyone: a repair is done only when the rectus abdominis muscles are really separated. The surgeon notices diastasis at the examination, with ultrasound used to confirm it in case of doubt. Separated muscles are brought together in the same surgery, no separate procedure required.

Pregnancy after a tummy tuck isn't forbidden, but the order matters: childbirth first, then surgery. Otherwise the 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 is required — the garment supports the tissues and reduces swelling, so recovery is worse without it. It is worn around the clock for the first 3–4 weeks and during the day for about another month. The exact period will be named by the operating surgeon.