BODY CONTOURING
Abdominoplasty removes excess skin, fat and stretch marks from the tummy and, where needed, tightens the abdominal muscles — often after pregnancy or weight change — for a flatter, firmer profile.
THE PROMISE
Abdominoplasty surgery, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is an operation to remove extra skin, scars, stretch marks and fat from the tummy, and sometimes to tighten the tummy muscles.
FROM INSTAGRAM
Short videos Dr Karatzias has shared on Instagram.
Before and after — 1 month post-op
Before and after — full abdominoplasty
Before and after
Dr Karatzias on recovery after abdominoplasty
Before and after
Before and after — 2 months
Full abdominoplasty with breast fat transfer — pre-op marking
Back in the OR — first case of the week: abdominoplasty
Recovery in the compression garment
Dr Karatzias explains the procedure on an anatomical model
Consultation — before and after
Before and after — 3 months post-op
Before and after
Before and after
Before and after
Before and after
Before, in theatre, and the result 14 days after
People have this surgery to take away extra skin and fat, or get a flatter tummy, often after pregnancy or gaining and losing weight. It can help rejoin the muscles of the abdominal wall if they have been pulled apart in the middle. Stretch marks can sometimes be cut away or tightened to make them less obvious. Ideally, your weight will be normal before the surgery. A tummy tuck is not for people who are overweight, or carried out in order to lose weight. For the right person, a tummy tuck can make a big difference to their confidence and quality of life.
Be as healthy as possible. It is important to keep your weight steady with a good diet and regular exercise. If you smoke, stopping at least six weeks before the operation will help to reduce the risk of complications. Do not worry about removing hair near where cuts will be made, but do have a bath or shower during the 24 hours before your operation to make sure that the area is as clean as possible.
As with all operations, there are risks involved in having a tummy tuck. Although the risks are unlikely, it is important to weigh them up against the potential benefit of the surgery. Discuss each of them with Dr Karatzias to make sure you understand the potential complications and consequences.
Tummy tucks are usually carried out under a general anaesthetic (so you would be asleep). The operation usually takes about two hours, and you would usually spend up to two days in hospital. When you wake up from your operation you may have a drip to give you fluid while you are not drinking. You might be given antibiotics to keep the wound clean. Also, you may have drainage tubes in your lower tummy to drain away any fluid or blood. These tubes will be taken out when the fluid or blood has stopped draining, usually before you go home. Your tummy will feel tight and sore. Simple painkillers should be enough to keep you comfortable.
AT A GLANCE
PROCEDURE TIME
2 hours
ANAESTHESIA
General anaesthesia
DISCOMFORT
High in the first days
RECOVERY TIME
2 to 4 weeks
FINAL RESULT
Immediate
HOW LONG IT LASTS
Permanent
BEFORE & AFTER CASES
Results vary from person to person.
Where is the scar, and will it be visible?
The main scar runs low across the lower tummy, positioned so it usually sits below the bikini or underwear line. It is permanent but fades and settles over time, and its exact length and position are planned with you beforehand. If your belly button is repositioned there may also be a small scar around it.
Does it hurt, and what will recovery feel like?
Your tummy will feel tight and sore for the first week or two, but most people find simple painkillers are enough to keep them comfortable. You would usually spend up to two days in hospital, and you may have drainage tubes in the lower tummy that are removed before you go home. Moving gently and standing slightly bent at first is normal early on.
How much time off work and downtime should I plan for?
Most people take a couple of weeks off and avoid lifting, strenuous activity and core exercise for around six weeks while everything heals. Desk-based work is often resumed sooner than physical work. The exact timeline depends on how extensive your surgery is and how you heal, and it is discussed at your consultation.
How long do the results last?
The results are long-lasting, since the excess skin and fat that are removed do not come back. Keeping your weight stable and avoiding further pregnancies protects the outcome, as significant weight change or another pregnancy can stretch the area again. The fully-settled result takes some months to appear as swelling resolves.
Can a tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?
Often, yes. It is frequently considered together with procedures such as liposuction, VASER 3D Lipo or fat grafting to refine the overall result. Whether combining is safe and suitable for you depends on your health and goals, and is planned with Dr. Karatzias at your consultation.
Will I need a second operation?
Most people need only one. As with any surgery there are risks, and occasionally a minor revision is needed — for example if healing leaves a small irregularity. Dr. Karatzias will talk through the risks and what to expect honestly before you decide.
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Book a consultation with Dr. Karatzias to discuss whether a tummy tuck is right for you. In-person in Cyprus.
CALL +357 22 275522
Staying at the forefront of medical advancement. Dr. Karatzias is proudly accredited by leading global organizations in both Plastic Surgery and Wound Management.
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