Abdominoplasty

Normal body weight patients can also develop a „belly“ that sticks out or becomes lax, sometimes with extra skin (apron of excess skin and fat). As a typical sign of aging, after pregnancy, trauma and abdominal operations and important changes in body weight there is a relaxation of the abdominal wall.

With a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) the extra fat and skin can be removed, and the lax musculature of the abdominal wall can be tightened (rectus diastasis, rectus plication/repair). A more harmonious body profile with tighter skin around the abdomen and waist can be obtained.

If the amount of excess skin and fat is important it can be necessary to include the sides and back (circumferential abdominoplasty, lower body lift, belt lipectomy) in the treatment plan. With this procedure, the flanks, lateral thighs and buttock are also tightened. On the other hand, if the soft tissue excess is only minimal, a less invasive mini-abdominoplasty or a periumbilical tightening procedure can be indicated.

Medical Term: Abdominoplasty

Type of Anesthesia: General Anesthesia

Surgery time: 2 to 3 hours

Length of hospital stay: Outpatient or 1 overnight stay (depending upon extent of surgery)

Aftercare: Compression garments for 6 weeks

Back to public: After 1 week

Back to work: After 2 weeks (depending upon physical strain)

Time of recovery: 6-8 weeks

Fees: Mini abdominoplasty starting at 7.000 CHF, abdominoplasty starting at 14.000 CHF

Abdominoplasties are usually performed with a short hospitalization (1-2 nights) and under a light general anesthesia. Whenever possible, the scar is placed in the lower abdomen where it can easily be concealed in the bikini or underwear. Excess fat and skin are detached from the abdominal wall and are removed. If there is a diastasis of the abdominal muscles (increased distance from the midline of the rectus abdominis muscle), the muscle fascia can be plicated to reposition the muscle in its original location and thereby strengthen the abdominal wall. This also helps to tailor the waist.  In a regular abdominoplasty, the umbilicus is also repositioned. If there is a less important skin excess, mainly below the umbilicus, a so-called mini-abdominoplasty or a periumbilical tightening procedure can be performed, without repositioning of the umbilicus. This can be performed on an outpatient basis.

A sensation of numbness in the lower abdomen is frequent and mostly recovers within 6-8 weeks. In rare cases, complications such as bleeding, fluid accumulation under the skin (seroma) and infections can occur. These require immediate action to prevent any potential negative influence on the final outcome. Small wound healing complications can occur but most frequently heal uneventfully.

You can expect to return to your regular daily activities within 14-21 days after the operation. During the first 4-6 weeks, it is recommended to wear a compression garment (waist belt) to stabilize the abdomen and improve healing. Physical activities and sports should be restricted for 4-6 weeks, as long as the compression garment is worn. In the case of an unsightly or thick scar or swelling, a small revision may be indicated and can be performed after a minimal period of 6 months after the operation.

The mons pubis is the zone of the pubic area above the vulva, which can change drastically after massive weight changes and pregnancies. Excess sagging skin can cover part or all of the vulva and take up much more space on the sides. A correction of the pubis is thus often performed at the time of a lower body lift or an abdominoplasty. Depending on the extent of the excess skin and volume, skin is removed and the volume of the mons veneris is additionally reduced by liposuction.

In rare cases the mons veneris, which consists of a fatty tissue cushion above the pubic bone, can be very prominent and disturb even at normal weight, especially in tight trousers or in a bikini. In these cases a reduction by liposuction without removal of skin is the solution of choice.

The situation after a C-section is somewhat more complex. Here, the mons veneris may appear enlarged due to a retracted scar. A precise analysis of the anatomy is important to ensure that the problem is treated correctly.

As with any cosmetic procedure, costs for an abdominoplasty can vary widely and depend on the extend of the planned procedure, the skin quality, age and so forth. Our fees are based on the exact type and extent of the surgical procedure planned and the chosen form of anesthesia, i.e. general- or local anesthesia.

The fees are preoperatively discussed and agreed with you and can be considered as a flat rate including the surgeons and anesthesia fees, the operation room cost, compression garments and the follow-up consultations. The fees are due before surgery.

In general, most health insurances do not cover cosmetic surgery and abdominoplasty. In selected cases health insurances cover the procedure.  With a demand letter for cost reimbursement to your health insurance company we can clarify this for you.

Price for abdominoplasty: from 14.000 CHF (Mini abdominoplasty: from 7.000 CHF)