Full Tummy Tuck

What a full tummy tuck is

The classic abdominoplasty rebuilds the whole abdominal wall. Stretched skin does not shrink back after pregnancy or major weight loss, and parted muscles do not meet again on their own; diet and workouts cannot fix either problem. In one operation the surgeon cuts away the surplus tissue and restores the muscle support underneath.

Because the excess covers the entire abdomen, the operation reaches from the low incision up past the navel, which is what separates it from the reduced mini version.

Who a full tummy tuck suits

Typical candidates are women after childbirth and people whose skin sags after major weight loss. The operation also suits patients whose rectus muscles have parted along the midline, which shows as a persistent bulge that exercise does not touch.

The limits follow from the logic of the operation: it is done at a stable weight from the age of 18, it is not performed while breastfeeding, and a pregnancy within the next year would stretch the result, so a child is planned 12 months or more after surgery.

How the operation runs

The surgeon starts with a horizontal incision above the pubic area; its length depends on how much tissue has to go. The line is planned so that underwear and swimwear cover the scar. The rectus muscles are brought together, the surplus skin and fat are removed, the navel is brought out at a new level and drains are placed to keep fluid from collecting.

The operation takes 2 to 4 hours under general anaesthesia. Afterwards you spend 1 to 3 days in hospital under medical supervision before recovery continues at home.

Recovery after a full tummy tuck

• Hospital. One to three days under supervision, depending on the scope.
• Days 2 and 7. Drains usually come out after two days, stitches after seven.
• Weeks 2 to 3. Office work is possible again.
• First month. Sauna, steam bath, pool, tanning beds, alcohol and smoking are off the menu for at least a month.
• 1.5 to 2 months. The binder comes off; most swelling has passed by day 30.

The checkpoints after that: first changes are visible about two weeks after surgery, an interim result comes at 1.5 to 2 months, and the final contours at 3 to 6 months. The final result and the scar are assessed at 6 to 12 months.

Full tummy tuck and extra contouring

The operation combines well with liposuction of the flanks and waist or with diastasis repair in the same session: one anaesthesia and one recovery instead of two. In practice recovery with such a combination is shorter than two separate operations would be. How extensive the combined procedure may be in your case, the surgeon explains at the in-person consultation.

Full tummy tuck price

We do not publish a tariff for abdominoplasty, because the scope differs from patient to patient. The surgeon calculates your figure at the free consultation and that sum is written into the contract, with nothing added afterwards. Send your questions and photos to the coordinators in Telegram or WhatsApp; they reply at any time of day.

Full tummy tuck step by step

1. Free consultationExamination of the skin and muscles, agreement on the scope, the price calculated and written into the contract.
2. Two weeks beforeBlood-thinning medicines are set aside on the doctor's instruction; a week before, no alcohol or smoking.
3. Surgery dayMarking and garment fitting, then 2 to 4 hours of surgery under general anaesthesia.
4. Days 1 to 3In hospital under medical supervision; drains usually out after two days.
5. Day 7Stitches removed; soreness noticeably lighter by the end of the week.
6. Weeks 2 to 3Office work resumes.
7. 3 to 6 monthsFinal contours; the final result and scar are assessed at 6 to 12 months.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a full tummy tuck cost?

There is no published tariff: the scope differs from patient to patient. The surgeon names the exact sum at the free consultation, and it goes into the contract unchanged.

Where will the scar be?

The incision runs horizontally above the pubic area, and its length depends on the amount of excess tissue. The line is planned so that underwear and swimwear hide it. The scar is finally assessed at 6 to 12 months.

How long am I in hospital?

One to three days under medical supervision. Drains are usually removed after two days and stitches after seven, then recovery continues at home.

When will I see the result?

First changes appear about two weeks after surgery, once the main swelling has gone down. An interim result comes at 1.5 to 2 months, and the final contours at 3 to 6 months.

Can liposuction be done at the same time?

Yes. Liposuction of the flanks and waist is often added to a tummy tuck, and after childbirth, repair of the rectus diastasis. One anaesthesia and one recovery period, and recovery with the combination is shorter.

What should I avoid after surgery?

For at least a month: sauna, steam bath, pool, tanning beds, alcohol and smoking. Sport resumes gradually and only with the surgeon's approval, and the compression binder is worn for 1.5 to 2 months.

Related procedures

• Mini tummy tuck for the lower abdomen
• Lipoabdominoplasty with waist contouring
• Tummy tuck: the full guide