Abdominoplasty in Sokoto: Scar and Results

No, it doesn't help with weight loss — its goal is different: removing excess stretched skin and the fat apron and restoring the abdominal muscle wall. Surgery is done at a stable weight; if your weight is still changing, see a dietitian or endocrinologist first.

Yes, you will have a scar; it is the unavoidable price of taking away excess skin. The classic tummy tuck incision runs from hip to hip across the lower abdomen, under the underwear or swimsuit line, while a mini tummy tuck's is much shorter. With 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's no pain in the procedure: with general anaesthesia for a tummy tuck, nothing is felt. The first days bring tightness and soreness that painkillers prescribed by the doctor relieve, and the discomfort eases noticeably 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 difference lies in how extensive the surgery is. A mini tummy tuck is done when there is a small excess of skin below the navel: shorter incision, no moving of the navel, faster recovery. The classic one removes the skin-and-fat apron over the whole abdomen, includes moving the navel and allows repair of diastasis 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 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 a must. Stop smoking, drinking alcohol and taking medicines that affect blood clotting 7–10 days before a tummy tuck. The pre-surgery check-up covers blood tests, ECG, leg vein ultrasound and consultations with a GP and anaesthetist. Get it done in advance, not the day before.

It is the same for everyone. When the main swelling subsides, 2 weeks after surgery, the first changes are visible; then there are two checkpoints, 1.5–2 months for an interim result and 3–6 months for the final contours.

Yes, it is needed: a classic tummy tuck requires 1–2 days in hospital under medical supervision, while one day is usually enough after a mini tummy tuck. You recover further at home, and the surgeon monitors progress 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 a repair — it is done only when the rectus abdominis muscles are actually separated. The surgeon sees diastasis at the examination and, if in doubt, confirms it by ultrasound. The separated muscles are brought together during the same surgery, with no separate procedure needed.

After a tummy tuck, pregnancy is not forbidden, but keep the order: childbirth first, then surgery. Otherwise skin and muscles stretch again, losing part of the result. Surgeons give one piece of advice: if you are planning 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.