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Important note<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis or advice. If you are unsure, or if you require a personalised treatment plan, it is essential that you consult a qualified specialist.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
What is a tummy tuck and when is it advisable?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure designed to improve the shape of the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and tightening slack abdominal muscles. This operation is often considered when the skin\u2019s natural elasticity has diminished due to significant weight loss or pregnancy, and the abdominal area cannot be tightened through exercise or diet alone. As well as following weight loss and pregnancy, a tummy tuck is frequently performed after gastric bypass surgery or, in particular, after caesarean sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, a tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure \u2013 in cases of general excess weight, dietary changes and exercise are the recommended first steps. Liposuction can be carried out as a complementary procedure as part of a tummy tuck, particularly if stubborn pockets of fat are hindering the desired result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Who is this procedure suitable for, and who is it not suitable for?<\/h2>\n\n For women who wish to have more children, it is advisable to postpone the procedure until they have finished planning their family, as further stretching of the muscles caused by pregnancy following a tummy tuck could compromise the results. Many patients therefore opt for a tummy tuck after their pregnancy. This also makes it possible to correct the mons pubis as part of the tummy tuck procedure.<\/p>\n\n
Generally speaking, people who are in good physical condition, are close to their ideal weight, do not smoke and have excess skin or fat on their abdomen are good candidates for a tummy tuck.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Why people opt for a tummy tuck: causes and reasons for excess abdominal skin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Excess abdominal skin often develops following significant weight loss or pregnancy. In such cases, the skin has stretched over a period of months or even years and is often unable to retract completely. This often leaves behind sagging folds of skin, known as \u201efat aprons\u201c, which can affect one\u2019s physical well-being. At the same time, the overstretching can cause visible tears in the subcutaneous tissue \u2013 the well-known \u201estretch marks\u201c.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For many people, this visible excess skin is also accompanied by psychological distress. Feeling more comfortable in one\u2019s own body again and developing greater self-confidence can therefore be a key motivation for the procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to aesthetic considerations, medical or practical reasons may also make a tummy tuck a sensible option. For example, the procedure can be used to correct scars resulting from previous operations or a caesarean section. Scars in the lower abdomen, such as those from an appendectomy, can also be smoothed out and incorporated into the tummy tuck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Methods for a flat tummy: an overview of the techniques<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Depending on individual circumstances and personal goals, there are various procedures available for a tummy tuck. Which method is suitable depends primarily on the condition of the skin, fatty tissue and abdominal muscles, and on the desired results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tummy tucks are usually carried out as an inpatient procedure under general anaesthesia to ensure that medical care is available after the operation. To ensure you are fully prepared, there are a few points you should bear in mind beforehand:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\nMedicines<\/strong>: You should not take any painkillers containing acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. aspirin) for 14 days prior to the operation, as these can delay blood clotting and cause post-operative bleeding. You should also avoid taking hormone-based medicines, such as the contraceptive pill.<\/li>\n\n\n\nNicotine and alcohol<\/strong>: Nicotine and alcohol can impair the healing process, which is why minimal consumption is recommended prior to the procedure. Ideally, you should stop smoking three to four weeks beforehand.<\/li>\n\n\n\nRecovery phase<\/strong>: Following abdominal surgery, you will be unable to work for a period of time, usually around 1\u20132 weeks. So make sure you allow enough time to rest after your operation and, if necessary, take some time off work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>Traditional abdominoplasty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Traditional abdominoplasty is a tried-and-tested procedure for removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening the abdominal muscles. This procedure is particularly suitable for patients who suffer from sagging skin or a pronounced abdominal bulge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n