When is a tummy tuck advisable?
We recommend a tummy tuck when there is clearly visible excess skin or a severely slackened abdominal wall, for example after pregnancy or weight loss.
Not an operation for weight loss
A surgical tummy tuck is not suitable for weight reduction. Small fat deposits are not an indication either. In such cases, liposuction, for example, may be the more suitable treatment.
Skin, fatty tissue and abdominal muscles
Before every procedure, we examine the distribution of fat, the elasticity of the tissue and the stability of the abdominal wall.
After pregnancy, a so-called diastasis recti is sometimes present: the two straight abdominal muscles have moved slightly apart. The abdominal wall can be tightened by suturing the muscle fascia.
What does the procedure involve?
In a classic tummy tuck, the incision is made horizontally in the lower abdomen. The excess skin is removed and the tissue is re-tensioned. If there is excess skin above the navel, the navel can be repositioned in the tightened abdominal skin.
If there is only limited excess skin below the navel, a mini abdominoplasty may be sufficient. Less skin is removed and the navel stays in its position.
Is additional liposuction advisable?
If there are local fat deposits on the abdomen or at the transitions to the sides, liposuction may also be possible. This allows the transitions to the waist and flanks to be contoured. What makes sense is always decided on a case-by-case basis.
Will there be visible scars?
A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure. Like all operations, it leaves scars. As a rule, we plan the procedure so that the scar lies in the area covered by underwear or swimwear.
At first, the scar is more noticeable. It changes over the months following the procedure and gradually fades. How inconspicuous a scar ultimately becomes also depends on individual wound healing.
After the tummy tuck: a little patience
Swelling, a feeling of tightness and restricted mobility are normal after the operation. During the first few days, you should avoid putting too much tension on the fresh suture.
In most cases, we recommend wearing compression garments for a certain period. These support the abdominal wall during healing. Avoid sport for several weeks. We will discuss exactly how long during your consultation at the Swiss Derma Clinic in Zurich.
When will the final result be visible?
You can see the changed contour immediately after the operation, although swelling is still present at this stage. In the weeks and months after the tummy tuck, the abdominal wall becomes softer and the initial swelling subsides. Once everything has healed, we assess the overall result.
The removed skin does not grow back. However, major fluctuations in weight or another pregnancy can stretch the skin and abdominal wall again and change the result. Keeping your body weight as stable as possible is decisive for the long-term success of the procedure.
What are the alternatives to a tummy tuck if the skin is only slightly lax?
At the Swiss Derma Clinic in Zurich, we also offer non-surgical procedures. With Sofwave or Genius radiofrequency microneedling, slightly lax skin can be firmed and skin quality improved. However, these methods are not sufficient for excess skin.
Your specialist for tummy tucks at the Swiss Derma Clinic
At the Swiss Derma Clinic, tummy tucks are performed by Dr. med. (I) Nunzioluca Chianese, Specialist FMH for Plastic Surgery and an expert in aesthetic body surgery.
