Abdominoplasty

What is Abdomnioplasty?

Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a specialized cosmetic surgery designed to restore a flat, toned abdomen by tightening the skin and muscles while removing excess fat. This procedure addresses multiple concerns:

• Excess fat removal from the lower abdomen using liposuction.
• Muscle tightening to correct laxity, creating a slimmer, more defined silhouette.
• Excess skin removal followed by careful redraping for a smooth, contoured abdomen.
• Pubic lift for a more youthful, elevated appearance.
• Navel repositioning for optimal proportion and symmetry.

The goal is to strengthen the abdominal wall and create a firm, flat contour that integrates naturally with your body’s proportions.

Why Consider Abdomnioplasty? 

Abdominoplasty is suitable for both women and men seeking a flatter, firmer abdomen.

• For women: often performed after multiple pregnancies, which can cause a rounder abdomen, skin laxity, and weakened muscles, or after significant weight loss.
• For men: indicated when skin laxity and fat accumulation persist after weight loss or when the abdomen protrudes despite exercise.

It is also ideal for those with stretch marks, sagging skin, or stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise.

Type of Anesthesia and Procedure Duration

Abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring complete comfort and safety throughout the procedure. At Guess Clinic, anesthesia is administered by an experienced anesthesiologist who monitors you continuously from start to finish.

For patients undergoing a mini abdominoplasty or combined treatments with limited dissection, a lighter anesthetic protocol may be considered — still providing full comfort while promoting a smoother recovery.

The full procedure typically lasts around 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and whether liposuction is performed in combination. A mini abdominoplasty is generally shorter, taking 90 minutes or less.

How The Procedure is Performed

For a full abdominoplasty, a discreet horizontal incision is placed low across the lower abdomen, typically within the bikini line, making it easy to conceal under clothing or swimwear. Through this incision, excess skin is removed, underlying muscles are tightened, and the navel is repositioned to a natural location.

For patients with minimal skin laxity and no muscle separation above the navel, a mini abdominoplasty may be performed. This technique uses a shorter incision, does not require navel repositioning, and involves less dissection — offering a shorter procedure time and faster recovery.

If a patient has an existing C-section scar, it is replaced with a finer, more aesthetically pleasing scar during closure.

Hospital Stay & Recovery

For a full abdominoplasty, patients typically remain at Guess Clinic for 1 to 2 days in a private recovery suite, ensuring close monitoring, attentive nursing care, and personalized post-operative support. During your stay, pain is well-managed, circulation is encouraged through gentle mobilization, and garment placement is guided by your care team.

For a mini abdominoplasty, most patients return home the same day if medically appropriate, with clear recovery instructions and follow-up support.

Early Recovery Timeline

• Immediately after surgery: A compression garment is applied to minimize swelling and support the new contours.
• Day 5: First dressing change and start of manual lymphatic drainage (10 consecutive daily sessions recommended).
• Day 8: Dressings are removed permanently; continue wearing the compression garment for 3–4 weeks.
• First month: Avoid sports, sun exposure, and heavy lifting.
• Week 1–2: Swelling and a “firm” feeling in the abdomen are normal, peaking around day 15 before gradually subsiding over 4–6 weeks.
• 1–2 months: Residual swelling resolves; gradual return to physical activities.

Mild discomfort is easily managed with prescribed pain relief, and anticoagulants are given to prevent venous thrombosis. A temporary reduction in sensation in the lower abdomen is common and improves with lymphatic massage.