Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Can a tummy tuck be done in obese patients?

A tummy tuck at Park-Klinik Birkenwerder/Berlin can remove excess skin and to a certain extent also excess fatty tissue. In obese patients, it is often not possible to only perform abdominoplasty. In those cases, a liposuction of the abdomen before the tummy tuck can thin out the abdominal wall to such an extent that a tummy tuck can be performed on certain conditions.

Does a tummy tuck eliminate stretch marks?

Stretch marks are ruptures of the dermis (deep skin layer). Only those stretch marks, which are located in the skin area to be removed, will disappear with the tummy tuck.

The tummy tuck procedure

A tummy tuck is usually performed under general anaesthesia. Depending on the type and scope of the excess skin or excess fat depots, different types of incisions are possible.

• A horizontal incision at the upper edge of the pubic hair (mini tummy tuck) is most of the time only possible if the excess skin is mainly located in the middle of the abdomen.
• In patients with more excess skin, in particular in the area of the flanks, it will be necessary to perform a W-shaped incision. In this case, the patient can have a say and decide if the lateral scars should be steeper or flatter. Female patients can choose the scar line, which best fits their swimwear or lingerie. In the scope of a tummy tuck, the belly button is often cut out, moved upwards and reattached.
• In cases of even greater excess skin and fat, the horizontal incision needs to be extended by a vertical incision to allow a result without folds. The scar line thus has the shape of an anchor. Here, too, the belly button is often cut out, moved upwards and reattached.

If, simultaneously, abdominal hernias, a weakness of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti or abdominal separation) or scars on the lower abdomen, are present, these can also be corrected in the scope of the tummy tuck.

What are the complications that can occur in a tummy tuck?

Apart from the general surgical complications such as infection, bleeding and poor wound healing, complications may include – in particular in smokers – inadequate blood flow to the tissue in the area of the belly button and the wound edges. In extreme cases, this could mean that part of the tissue can die and this would usually require a revision. For this reason, we urge smokers to stop smoking 4-6 weeks prior to surgery or to at least reduce smoking significantly, since we might possibly not be able to perform the surgery if the risk is too high.

Important things to know – after tummy tuck

After the surgery at Park-Klinik Birkenwerder/Berlin, you should wear a special compression garment for at least 4 weeks. It stabilizes the tucked straight abdominal muscles and prevents a too strong shear and tensile stress on the scars.

What experiences have the patients had?

I had a tummy tuck 2 weeks ago, everything is still very fresh, but I am completely overwhelmed by the result, it turned out so beautiful...

... A big thank you to *** and the surgical team. I felt very good from the first consultation until after the operation
canceled. The sisters are attentive and very friendly. I can recommend this clinic to everyone.

Ines S.

What are the expected costs of a tummy tuck?

The costs for a tummy tuck (de) depend on the individual scope of services. For average prices, please refer to our price list.