Tummy Tuck
Tummy Tuck Surgery in Cyprus, Greece and Malta
Tummy tuck surgery is an effective cosmetic procedure that targets excess fat and flabby skin in the waist and tummy area. Tightening of the abdominal muscles achieves a tighter and flatter look.
Weight loss, aging, pregnancy and C-sections often leave people with surplus, loose skin and weakened stomach muscles. In these cases, people would consider undergoing a tummy tuck procedure to improve sagging skin, restore the body’s youthful appearance and get back their confidence.
Also known as abdominoplasty, this plastic surgery is very popular in Cyprus, Greece and Malta. It is one of the safest plastic surgery types that offers impressive and immediate results. The tummy tuck is often combined with other plastic surgeries, such as liposuction, body contouring, breast augmentation or breast lift.
What is a Tummy Tuck Procedure?
Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty plastic surgery can reform the shape of the abdomen after weight loss, pregnancy or a C-section. It involves removing the excess skin and abdominal fat, and tightening loose abdominal muscles. It also helps rejoin the abdominal muscles if they have pulled apart in the middle.
Shaping our abdomen with gymnastics or diets gets more challenging as we age. In addition, the body produces less collagen causing the skin to lose its elasticity. Even a moderate amount of weight loss can leave behind wrinkled, slack and sagging skin. This happens because excess abdominal fat stretches the skin, and after weight loss, the skin cannot recover its firm and smooth appearance.
Abdominoplasty plastic surgery is suitable for both women and men and offers long-term results. Patients should take care of their new, toned and flatter tummy and maintain a stable weight to ensure the longevity of the tummy tuck benefits.
For women who want to have another pregnancy in the near future, the surgeon advises waiting until they have given birth.
Abdominoplasty is not suitable for people who are overweight as it is not a substitute for weight loss. Patients should do it to restore their confidence and feel good about their appearance – but not to fit the ‘ideal image’ promoted on social media.
Tummy tuck patients usually have one or all of the below features:
- Excess skin and sagging skin in the waist and abdominal area
- Elasticity loss, scars and stretch marks
Weak stomach muscle - Uneven fat distribution in the tummy area
What are the types of
Tummy Tucks?
What Are the Types of Tummy Tucks?
There are several types of abdominoplasty surgeries. A consultation with the surgeon will help the patient understand what the tummy tuck procedure is and how they will get the best results to fit the rest of their body.
The two main types of abdominoplasty plastic surgery are:
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini abdominoplasty can be sufficient for treating moderate bulging on the central abdomen. The surgeon performs a small skin incision above the pubic area without moving the belly button (umbilicus). In this case, the final result can be perfected by the technique of liposuction in areas of the body where we avoid performing skin incisions, such as the flanks. A mini tummy tuck leaves only a subtle scar across the lower abdomen. The scar resembles the caesarian section scar and can be easily hidden. Mini abdominoplasty cosmetic surgery is quite popular among younger people as it is not as invasive as the full tummy tuck procedure. It is also suitable for women who have had a C-section and got a skin fold above the scar.Full Abdominoplasty
A full abdominoplasty is the most traditional type of tummy tuck. People with laxity or excess skin and sagging due to pregnancy and significant weight loss can undergo a cosmetic surgery of full abdominoplasty. During a full tummy tuck, all the fat of the abdominal wall is removed. The beneath muscles are tightened, while the skin of the upper abdomen is freed up until the ribs and then pulled down and stitched. The surgeon repositions the freed-up belly button. The cosmetic surgery of full abdominoplasty may require several nights in the clinic.What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck offers several aesthetic and medical benefits to both men and women.
- Achieves a flatter and a more toned stomach
- Removes excess skin
- Tightens abdominal muscles
- Reduces and sculpts excess fat
- Slimmer silhouette
- Boosts physical & psychological wellbeing
- Reduces back pain
- Prevents ventral hernia of stomach muscles
- Improves posture
- Improves bladder control & relieves Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
- Increases motivation to exercise
Duration
2 hours
Anaesthesia Used
General Anaesthetic
Hospital Stay
1 night
Pre Admission Tests
Blood Tests and Electrocardiogram
Downtime
10 days
Driving
1 week
Exercise
1 month
Final Result
3-4 months
Recovery after Tummy Tuck Procedure
After the tummy tuck surgery, the patient will find it difficult to stand straight and will experience a swollen abdomen and tightness. Painkillers prescribed by the surgeon can alleviate pain and discomfort. However, patients should start walking in the hospital as soon as possible to maintain good blood circulation in the area. An overnight stay might be needed.
If the incision is considerable, antibiotics might help keep the wound clean. In the full abdominoplasty, the patient will have drainage tubes in the lower tummy area that help drain away blood or fluid. These tubes are removed at the hospital before the patient goes home.
The surgeon recommends the use of a light compression belt to help reduce swelling and other possible complications after a tummy tuck. The post-surgical garment should be worn day and night for up to six weeks.
Recovery depends on the extent of the procedure. Return to everyday activities starts gradually from the first post-op day. It usually takes at least two weeks for a patient to feel better and to be involved in more energetic activities. Before the patient leaves the hospital, Dr. Stavrou will provide you with sufficient and precise information on how to speed up healing.
The results of abdominoplasty can be long-term, although changes in body weight and pregnancy might alter the appearance.
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What does Abdominoplasty Cosmetic Surgery Involve?
On the day of the procedure, the patient should arrive on time at the clinic. For a smooth admission process, the nurses measure the patient’s vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate. Then, the anesthesiologist meets the patient for a pre-op airway assessment. Finally, the surgeon performs a detailed mark-up of the abdominal area. The team prepares the patient for this procedure in a sterile, safe and well-controlled operation room.
Step 1 Anesthesia
The first procedural step is general anesthesia performed by a certified anesthesiologist.
The shape and length of the incision depend on the chosen abdominoplasty type.
For a mini-abdominoplasty, the surgeon performs an incision across the underwear line to make scarring as inconspicuous as possible. If the patient had a C-section before, the surgeon uses and extends the same incision for the tummy tuck. The abdominal skin is lifted to tighten the weakened muscles underneath. Excess skin is removed and then the skin is pulled back down over the wall. The belly button (navel) is not ‘released.’ Thus, there is no tightening of skin above in that area.
For full abdominoplasty, the surgeon performs a horizontal incision between the navel and pubic hairline. An additional incision is performed to remove the tummy button from the surrounding skin. Excess skin and tissue are removed from the abdominal wall and the weakened abdominal muscles are tightened with stitches. Afterward, the surgeon creates a small hole for the belly button.
The skin is sutured together in a way to ensure minimal scarring.
Temporary drains might be inserted in order to filter off fluids and blood from the surgical site.
Where Will Tummy Tuck Procedure Take Place?
Dr. Stavrou performs abdominoplasty surgery in accredited medical centers in Cyprus, Greece and Malta.
The tummy tuck surgery takes place in a safe and sterile operation room. The surgeon uses only state-of-the-art medical equipment. The staff involved is thoroughly trained and specialized in cosmetic surgery. Dr. Stavrou wants to ensure a safe, well-controlled and comfortable surgical experience for his patient.
After the procedure, the patient is transferred to the recovery suite and is closely monitored by the medical staff.
The European Institute of Plastic Surgery (EIPS) offers premium health care and meets the high standards of safety and care set by European laws. EIPS clinics in Cyprus, Greece and Malta provide individualized health care in a beautiful, exclusive and luxurious environment.
Tummy Tuck Surgeon,
Dr. Demetris Stavrou
Dr. Stavrou is a board-certified Plastic Surgeon leading the European Institute of Plastic Surgery since 2012. He was trained in top Medical Institutions in Greece, London, Melbourne and Israel.
He has extensive experience in all types of abdominoplasty surgery and an artistic eye. He is compassionate and always by the side of his patients to make them feel comfortable, secure and confident. For Dr. Stavrou, paying attention to the details is what makes the difference in abdominoplasty procedures.
“Excellence is in the details. Give attention to the details and excellence will come.”
Dr. Demetris Stavrou
Am I a Good Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
People who have excess skin in the abdominal area and weakened or pulled-apart stomach muscles are good candidates for abdominoplasty.
Smokers will have to quit smoking at least six weeks before the surgery. Smoking decreases blood flow and decelerates recovery.
People who are obese or pregnant should not undergo a tummy tuck. If a patient plans to get pregnant, she should postpone this procedure until the family is complete.
In general, tummy tuck candidates should have a healthy and stable weight and maintain it post-surgery as well.
If you have excess fat but not sagging skin, you may benefit from liposuction alone.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Demetris Stavrou in Cyprus, Greece or Malta, please contact his office today.
FAQs for Abdominoplasty
What to expect after a tummy tuck procedure?
The tummy tuck procedure results in a firmer and flatter abdominal contour. Your abdominal area will be more proportionate with your weight and body type. In addition, a tummy tuck cosmetic surgery can make a big difference to a person’s quality of life and boosts confidence.
Do you have any tummy tuck recovery tips?
For a speedy tummy tuck recovery, follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions and the below tips:
- Walk for 20 to 30 minutes every day to boost circulation
- Follow a well-balanced diet and eat a lot of nutritious, high in protein foods
- Wear the post-op garment given by the surgeon
- Body pillows might help you sleep in the proper position
- Drink plenty of water to help your body flush out toxins
- Receive a lymphatic drainage massage
Is tummy tuck safe?
Tummy tuck surgery is safe when done by an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon. The patient should follow the surgeon’s custom pre-operation and post-operation instructions to ensure successful results and a speedy recovery.
How long does a tummy tuck last?
A tummy tuck procedure may last from two to three hours, depending on the cosmetic surgery type. A full abdominoplasty lasts longer than a mini abdominoplasty. The surgeon will let you know all about the specifics of the operation and how long it will take during the pre-op consultations.
What exercises can help maintain tummy tuck results?
A well-rounded workout is generally the most suitable exercise for tummy tuck patients. For people who are not used to working out, a 30 to 60-minute walk will help make exercise part of their daily lives. As time goes on, exercise intensity can increase depending on each person’s comfort level. Follow your surgeon’s custom instructions on when to start exercising after the tummy tuck procedure.
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