A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is one of the most well-known body contouring procedures performed around the world. While the results can be transformative, there is far more to the procedure than simply removing excess skin. A tummy tuck is carefully planned to restore shape, improve abdominal support, and help patients feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies.

Tummy Tuck with Dr Filipe

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck removes excess skin, tightens weakened abdominal muscles, and can be combined with liposuction to reduce stubborn pockets of fat.

The goal is to restore a firmer, flatter abdomen while improving body proportion, confidence, and overall quality of life.

The incision is carefully positioned low along the bikini line, where it can be concealed beneath underwear or swimwear. Modern scar management techniques can significantly improve the appearance of scars over time.

Every tummy tuck is tailored to your anatomy, goals, and the result you hope to achieve.

When Should I Consider an Abdominoplasty?

If you’re self-conscious about loose or excess abdominal skin, or have weakened abdominal muscles following pregnancy, a Caesarean section, significant weight loss, or bariatric surgery, a tummy tuck may be worth considering.

It is one of the most effective procedures for restoring a firmer abdominal contour when diet and exercise alone cannot address excess skin or weakened muscles.

There are several types of tummy tuck procedures, each designed to address different concerns and body types.

Are You a Candidate for Abdominoplasty?

This is a deeply personal choice and something that deserves a great deal of thought. It’s crucial to remember that you must have realistic expectations.

Choosing to have surgery is a personal decision that deserves careful thought. It is equally important to have realistic expectations about the results.

You may be a candidate if:

• You are physically healthy.
• Carry excess weight in the midsection.
• Have loose or droopy abdominal skin.
• Are committed to maintaining your results through a healthy lifestyle.

Spend time looking at tummy tuck photos and understand what is expected during recovery. The more insight you have, the better you’ll recover and your expectations will be more realistic.

Candidates should not:

• Have any serious medical conditions which could be compromised by surgery.
• Plan to become pregnant.
• Expect to lose a significant amount of weight.

Following major weight loss, body contouring procedures such as an arm lift, thigh lift, or lower body lift may also be considered. Liposuction can often be combined with a tummy tuck to refine body contours, and in some cases, the removed fat can be used for fat grafting in other areas.

What Are Your Goals?

Your consultation is an opportunity to discuss exactly what you’d like to achieve.

Together with your surgeon, you’ll discuss the degree of correction required, incision placement, your overall health, and the most appropriate treatment plan for your body and goals.

Discuss Your Goals with Dr Filipe

Different Types of Tummy Tucks

Several tummy tuck techniques are available, depending on your anatomy and the result you hope to achieve.

1. Traditional Tummy Tuck

A traditional tummy tuck involves an incision from hip to hip, as well as one around the belly button. The navel is repositioned to create a natural-looking result and the procedure is commonly combined with abdominal liposuction.

2. Mini Tummy Tucks

A mini tummy tuck is best suited to patients who are within 10 percent of their ideal body weight and have concerns limited to the area below the navel. It requires a smaller incision and, in most cases, the belly button does not need to be repositioned.

3. Extended tummy tucks

An extended tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen as well as the flanks (love handles). The incision extends further than a traditional tummy tuck, allowing a larger treatment area while remaining low enough to be concealed beneath clothing.

4. Circumferential tummy tucks

A circumferential tummy tuck addresses the entire lower body, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks and upper thighs. It is commonly performed after significant weight loss when there has been a substantial loss of skin elasticity.

In some cases, medical aids may contribute towards the cost if excess skin is causing ongoing health problems such as recurrent skin infections.

Tummy Tuck and Anaesthesia

A tummy tuck is usually performed under general anaesthesia and takes between 90 minutes and five hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

Mini tummy tucks may sometimes be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, as they are shorter and less invasive. 

Muscle Tightening

During surgery your cosmetic surgeon will tighten sagging abdominal muscle and remove pockets of excess fat and skin. The skin is separated from the abdominal walls through the incision, and the muscles are pulled closer together to give a more toned appearance and narrow the waistline.

Skin Removal with a Tummy Tuck 

Once the abdominal muscles have been tightened, the remaining skin is gently stretched downward, and the excess is removed. Liposuction may also be used to further refine the abdominal contour where necessary.

Does a Tummy Tuck Remove Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks located on the skin that is removed, usually below the belly button, are often eliminated during the procedure.

Stretch marks that remain may become less noticeable as the skin is tightened and flattened.

Tummy Tuck Incisions 

The incisions are sutured together using surgical stitches to help the skin cells to coalesce. A surgical drain is inserted at the site of at the same time. The surgical drain is usually removed before the stitches, about a week after surgery, and then stitches will normally be removed in stages over a period of two weeks.

Tummy Tuck Scarring

Scarring is an unavoidable part of surgery, but every effort is made to position scars where they can be easily concealed beneath underwear or swimwear.

Following your surgeon’s pre- and post-operative instructions, together with appropriate scar management, can significantly improve the appearance of your scars as they mature.

Interested in Getting a Tummy Tuck? 

Whether you’re considering a tummy tuck following pregnancy or weight loss, or simply want to improve your abdominal contour, the first step is a consultation.

Together, in your consultation with Dr Filipe you’ll discuss your goals, understand the available options, and determine the approach best suited to your body.

Book a Consultation with Dr Filipe