The quality of the connective tissue is genetically predetermined. The ability of the skin to contract again after strong stretching is therefore different for every person. If the connective tissue is overstrained, neither exercise nor a healthy diet will help to return it to its natural state.
This is especially the case after pregnancies, when the skin in the abdominal area is stretched by significant weight gain. But major weight loss also often brings a deformed abdominal shape with overstretching and slackening of the abdominal muscles and connective tissue. The excess kilos may then be gone, but flaps of skin and slackened tissue remain.
Many women suffer when the abdomen does not look firm and aesthetic. They limit their choice of clothing and feel their quality of life is impaired. In these cases, plastic-aesthetic surgery can provide relief with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), in which excess tissue is surgically removed and, if necessary, the abdominal muscles are tightened.
What options for a tummy tuck are there?
To smooth a slackened abdomen again and improve the abdominal contour, a tummy tuck in Vienna removes excess skin and tightens the slackened abdominal muscles. This creates an inner corset that forms the basis for restoring the contours of the abdomen and waist. In addition, excess fatty tissue is frequently removed during the procedure, and the sunken navel region is repositioned.
Dr. Özdemir attaches great importance to a natural result. With a natural-looking firm abdomen and a more accentuated body silhouette overall, he wants to help his patients to a new body feeling.
The procedure is not intended to reduce weight, but to contour the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat. The procedure should therefore only be carried out once the patient has reached a stable target weight. Likewise, family planning should be complete before a tummy tuck and no further pregnancies should be planned.
Why choose Dr. Özdemir?
Many years of experience in plastic surgery make Dr. Özdemir a proven expert in abdominoplasty. He has already successfully carried out numerous such procedures. Above all, it is important to him to use methods that are as gentle as possible, in order to keep his patients' recovery time as short as possible and achieve a perfect result.
Before the procedure, a detailed conversation takes place in which you are competently and comprehensively advised about your tummy tuck. Every body is different, which is why it is important to create a treatment concept specially tailored to your needs.
Dr. Özdemir discusses your expectations and ideas with you and explains the possibilities and various techniques of a tummy tuck. He informs you about the entire course of the treatment, including pre- and post-operative preparation as well as possible complications and risks. A cost estimate is also prepared for you as part of this conversation. Once all your questions have been answered in detail, you can make a decision at your leisure.
Course of the tummy tuck in Vienna
A tummy tuck is an extensive and complex procedure and is carried out under general anaesthesia. The exact course depends, among other things, on how much excess skin is present. As a rule, the operating time is about 2 hours.
Classic abdominoplasty
The classic abdominoplasty is the most frequently performed surgical method and is always used when there is a large excess of skin in the middle and lower abdominal area. It is very effective and brings the patient a substantial improvement.
The incision is made in an arc shape above the pubic hairline. The skin is then lifted from the lower abdomen to the costal arch, excess skin and soft tissue are removed, and the abdomen is carefully modelled and tightened up to the costal arch.
The navel is cut out beforehand and, after removal of the excess skin, refitted at the same height into the tightened abdominal skin.
Mini abdominoplasty
If there is only little excess tissue, a mini tummy tuck is often sufficient. Here, only the lower abdomen is tightened. Dr. Özdemir makes a short incision on the lower abdomen and then removes the excess skin between the navel and the bikini zone. The navel is not repositioned in this case. In addition, a correction of the caesarean scar is frequently carried out during this procedure. The mini abdominoplasty can also be performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia or twilight sleep.
Abdominal muscle tightening
Frequently, patients not only have an excess of skin and tissue, but also a separation of the straight abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis). This is often the case after pregnancies. During the tummy tuck surgery, the inner edges of the two straight abdominal muscles can then additionally be reconnected with special sutures.
Liposuction
If, in addition to the excess skin, there are also bothersome fat deposits, these can additionally be removed during the tummy tuck by means of liposuction, in order to achieve an optimal overall result.
After the abdominoplasty, the wound is closed in layered sutures. The scar runs horizontally above the pubic mound and can therefore be hidden well in a bikini. At the end of the surgery, wound drains are placed for faster healing, ensuring that residual blood and tissue fluid can drain away. These are removed after 2–3 days. In addition, a compression bandage is applied.
The length of the hospital stay depends on the healing process; you should allow at least 2 days. With an additional muscle tightening, a further day should be planned.
How should I behave after a tummy tuck in Vienna?
After the procedure, several check-up examinations are carried out. Sutures do not have to be removed, as Dr. Özdemir uses self-dissolving material.
In the first few weeks after the surgery, you should sleep with your upper body raised and your legs slightly bent, so that the wound edges can heal free of tension. You receive a compression garment that you have to wear for 6–12 weeks. It helps to minimise swelling and supports wound healing. It also has a slightly shaping effect and thus optimises the long-term result.
You should generally take it easy after the procedure so as not to jeopardise the healing process. Above all, you must not lift anything heavy. Light professional activities carried out while sitting can be resumed after just 1 week. If you work in a job that is physically demanding, the downtime can increase by several weeks.
You should avoid exercise for 6–8 weeks, especially exercise that involves tensing the abdominal muscles. For just as long, you should avoid the sauna, swimming pool and solarium, as otherwise the wound could become infected and unattractive scar healing could occur. The consumption of alcohol and nicotine can also have a negative effect on wound healing.
What risks are there with a tummy tuck?
As with any operation, in addition to the general anaesthesia risks, post-operative bleeding and wound-healing disorders can occur. Redness, swelling and bruising frequently occur. These symptoms are normal and subside on their own after some time. In addition, asymmetrical or bulging scars can form. In general, however, medical complications are very rare with an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Özdemir.
