Tummy tuck: For a beautiful flat stomach

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that tightens, and flattens the abdomen by removing skin and fat and re-tightening loose abdominal muscles to correct diastasis (splitting) of the muscles.

As we get older, our bodies gradually stop producing collagen and elastin. Without a good supply of collagen and elastin, the abdominal skin weakens and becomes less elastic. Thus, for example, after pregnancy or if you have lost a lot of weight, the skin cannot return to its original shape. In addition, pregnancy can also cause your abdominal muscles to become severely weakened.

This is where an abdominoplasty helps to achieve permanent results.

Abdominoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed in twilight sleep. During this procedure, we separate the tissue from the underlying muscles and reattach the straight abdominal muscles using muscle sutures. This suture holds your restored abdominal muscles in a tightened position. Sagging excess skin is removed before the remaining skin is pulled taut. The belly button is sutured in place in an offset position. Finally, we close the incision in several layers. After an abdominoplasty, you will receive a custom-made compression garment for additional support of the operated region.

For some women, the problem of sagging skin is more in the lower abdomen. For these women, a mini-abdominoplasty may be an excellent option. This abdominoplasty involves removing a smaller ellipse of abdominal skin without navel repositioning to remove less excess skin, which allows for a shorter scar.

Some women develop an umbilical hernia due to pregnancy. You may have noticed that your belly button comes out a little after your children are born. This is likely due to a small hole in the abdominal wall where the internal fat is pushed outward. An umbilical hernia can be easily corrected during muscle repair.

We do not use BMI as the way to determine who is or is not eligible for surgery, because I consider it an inaccurate way to measure weight. BMI does not take into account other factors, such as your bone structure or how muscular you are. Instead, I always take into account your unique body type and listen to what you want.

Liposuction is only used to remove excess fat. It does not sufficiently tighten the skin, despite the claims of some surgeons. To tighten the skin, excision is necessary, and that is what an abdominoplasty is for.

Sagging skin and excess fat are not the only reasons why your abdomen tightens. Rectus diastasis, a term that refers to a vertical separation of the right and left abdominal muscles, can also cause a bulge. An abdominoplasty can be performed to correct this, even if you do not have loose skin or excess fat.

You can get an abdominoplasty where only the skin is removed if your problem is just sagging skin. Having your tummy tightened especially after pregnancy works very well with this method.

Unfortunately, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to tighten the abdominal skin without surgery. There are non-surgical options, but the results are not so predictable. Especially if you want to tighten the abdomen after pregnancy, tummy tuck is the best option.

Usually, the scar after abdominoplasty is placed very low, so they remain hidden by underwear or a bikini. Abdominoplasty without a scar is impossible, but the abdominoplasty scar will be invisible if you wear your clothes.

Results are long lasting, but may change due to weight fluctuations, pregnancy and natural aging. Although results are immediately obvious, they will continue to improve as swelling subsides and your new, tighter silhouette is revealed.

If you gain weight after a tummy tuck, your results may be negatively affected and you may lose your tightened abdomen. Please follow a healthy lifestyle to maintain your results.

Of course, you can have a child. However, as in the case of weight gain, the results of abdominoplasty can be negatively affected if you become pregnant after tummy tuck. We always recommend that women consider a tummy tuck after they have stopped planning to have children. In fact, a tummy tuck is a common surgery after childbirth.

Our patients often ask me if a tummy tuck is enough to remove stretch marks. Usually, stretch marks below the belly button can be removed, but often not in their entirety. Stretch marks that are above the belly button, in the upper part of the abdomen or on the flanks cannot be removed.

Prices for an abdominoplasty start from CHF 9,800 (mini) and CHF 16,500 (full).

At Dr. Kelly®, your well-being and an optimal result are our top priority. Each patient has an individuality whose needs are the focus of our treatments. Therefore, it is not always possible to give a general estimate of the costs. Therefore, please understand that we cannot give generally valid prices for an abdominoplasty. The costs of each surgical treatment also depend on the personal initial situation and your wishes.
Are you interested in a tummy tuck and would like to know more about the prices?

Write us a message and arrange your consultation.