Abdominoplasty in Yaoundé: a Flat Stomach

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.

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, 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.

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 only if there are no contraindications. There is no upper limit at all: our clinic considers each case individually after an examination and health assessment.

It all comes down to the scope of surgery. A mini tummy tuck treats a small excess of skin below the navel, with a shorter incision, no navel repositioning and faster recovery. A classic tummy tuck removes the skin-and-fat apron over the entire 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.

That part of the result is permanent: removed skin does not grow back. Significant weight gain is the only thing that will stretch the abdomen again, so keep your weight stable. Pregnancy is possible after a tummy tuck, but it stretches the repaired muscles, so surgery is planned after your family is complete.

Yes, preparation is required. 7–10 days before a tummy tuck, smoking, alcohol and medicines that affect blood clotting must stop. You also need a pre-surgery check-up with blood tests, ECG, leg vein ultrasound and GP and anaesthetist consultations — completed in advance, not the day before.

For everyone the answer is the same. The first changes appear 2 weeks after surgery as the main swelling subsides, followed by two checkpoints: the interim result at 1.5–2 months and the final contours at 3–6 months.

Yes, hospital stay is required — 1–2 days under medical supervision after a classic tummy tuck, while a mini tummy tuck usually needs only one day. You continue recovering at home, and the surgeon follows up at scheduled check-ups.

For a tummy tuck, everyone needs the same list: blood and urine tests, coagulation panel, biochemistry, tests for infections, ECG, chest X-ray, leg vein ultrasound and a report from a GP. The surgeon gives the precise list at the consultation, and tests are usually valid for 10–14 days.

No, repair is needed only when the rectus abdominis muscles are actually separated, not for everyone. The surgeon identifies diastasis at the examination; if in doubt, it is confirmed by ultrasound. Separated muscles are brought together during the same surgery, without a separate procedure.

Pregnancy after a tummy tuck is allowed, but the order matters — childbirth first and surgery afterwards. Otherwise the skin and muscles will stretch again and part of the result will be lost. Surgeons give a single piece of advice: planning 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.