A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is an operation that removes excess abdominal skin and reshapes the abdomen. Depending on your needs, it may also involve tightening of separated abdominal muscles and removing some excess fat. The aim is a smoother, firmer abdominal contour.
Pregnancy, significant weight changes and ageing can leave loose skin or a protruding abdomen that does not improve as much as you would like with exercise. A tummy tuck may be suitable if you want to address loose skin, separation of the abdominal muscles, or changes in the shape of your abdomen. It is a body-contouring procedure rather than a weight-loss treatment.
A full tummy tuck usually involves an incision low across the abdomen. Excess skin is removed, the remaining skin is brought down, and the belly button is brought through a new opening and separated abdominal muscles are repaired.
A mini tummy tuck treats a smaller amount of loose skin below the belly button and does not usually require an incision around the belly button. Other techniques may be considered when loose skin extends further around the waist or in more than one direction. Your consultation will establish which approach fits your goals.
Repairs diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles) to rebuild core strength and create a significantly flatter stomach.
Removes the excess, inelastic skin that often remains following pregnancy or significant weight loss.
Eliminates localized, stubborn fat deposits across the midsection for a leaner, more sculpted profile.
Allows swimwear, fitted jeans, and tailored dresses to lay flat and feel comfortable against your waistline.
Strengthening your core foundation can help alleviate lower back discomfort and improve your overall posture.
By removing excess skin and tightening muscles, a tummy tuck creates a flatter, more toned midsection, boosting your confidence in fitted clothing.
It’s hard to explain how much better daily life feels after abdominoplasty. Your wardrobe choices expand, allowing you to try out new clothes (or bring back old favorites).
In some cases, weakened abdominal muscles can contribute to back pain or difficulty with certain activities. A tummy tuck can address this issue, leading to improved core strength and function.
Each stage is designed around your comfort, safety, and outcome. Dr. Gus walks every patient through this process in detail during your fully private consultation.
Dr Gus will discuss what you would like to change and examine your skin, abdominal contour, muscle separation and any existing scars. Together, you will discuss the appropriate procedure, likely scar position, expected result, recovery time and possible risks. This is also the time to discuss whether liposuction or another procedure has a place in your treatment plan.
Before surgery, all relevant medical information is reviewed and factors that could influence your procedure and recovery are optimised. You will receive clear pre and post operative instructions and what to expect during your recovery.
A tummy tuck is performed under anaesthesia. For a full tummy tuck, an incision is made low on the abdomen. The abdominal tissue is lifted, muscle separation is repaired if indicated, and excess skin is removed. The remaining skin is positioned and the incisions are closed. The belly button is repositioned when required. Dressings and a support garment may be applied, and drains may be used temporarily. The exact steps depend on your surgical plan.
A tummy tuck requires a dedicated recovery period, as the repaired abdominal muscles need time to heal securely.
Expect swelling, tightness, fatigue and soreness, particularly when getting out of bed or standing upright. Rest with your abdomen supported as instructed, but take short, frequent walks from the first day. You may initially walk slightly bent at the hips to avoid pulling on the incision. You will need help with household tasks and should avoid lifting, straining and exercise. Wear your garment and care for any drains as directed.
Discomfort usually begins to ease, although swelling and a feeling of tightness remain common. Gradually increase your walking and light activities at home. Some people can return to desk work if they feel well enough; others need longer, especially after a more extensive procedure. Drive only when you can move comfortably, perform an emergency stop and are no longer taking medicines that impair driving.
You may feel more independent and be able to manage most gentle daily activities. Continue walking, but avoid heavy lifting, vigorous exercise and movements that place strain on the abdomen. Swelling can increase later in the day or after doing too much.
Stamina and posture generally continue to improve. Many people can return to routine work if it is not physically demanding. Continue to build up walking at a comfortable pace. Avoid abdominal workouts and strenuous activity until Dr Gus has reviewed your healing and cleared you to progress.
You can usually do more normal daily activities, but the tissues are still healing. Continue following any restrictions on lifting and exercise. The abdomen may still feel firm or numb, and swelling may fluctuate.
Activity is usually increased gradually. Abdominal training may need to wait longer, particularly if muscle repair was performed. Residual swelling and scar maturation continue for months after the first six weeks.
The ideal tummy tuck candidate has excess abdominal skin and weakened muscles that do not respond to exercise.
You may be a candidate if you:
Breast Augmentation
To increase the perceived size, restoring structural tone and vitality to the upper torso for a fuller, more balanced feminine form.
“For years, I felt that my silhouette didn’t quite match my active lifestyle. I wanted a change, but I was terrified of looking ‘overdone’ or artificial. Dr. Gus set my mind to rest. His approach turned out to be so considered the recovery was smoother than I anticipated, but the real impact was the confidence. For the first time, I feel completely at home in my own skin. I am just about the surgery. It was about the care and the precision behind it.”
— Dana S, Zurich
Breast Augmentation
To increase the perceived size, restoring structural tone and vitality to the upper torso for a fuller, more balanced feminine form.
“For years, I felt that my silhouette didn’t quite match my active lifestyle. I wanted a change, but I was terrified of looking ‘overdone’ or artificial. Dr. Gus set my mind to rest. His approach turned out to be so considered the recovery was smoother than I anticipated, but the real impact was the confidence. For the first time, I feel completely at home in my own skin. I am just about the surgery. It was about the care and the precision behind it.”
— Dana S, Zurich
Breast Augmentation
To increase the perceived size, restoring structural tone and vitality to the upper torso for a fuller, more balanced feminine form.
“For years, I felt that my silhouette didn’t quite match my active lifestyle. I wanted a change, but I was terrified of looking ‘overdone’ or artificial. Dr. Gus set my mind to rest. His approach turned out to be so considered the recovery was smoother than I anticipated, but the real impact was the confidence. For the first time, I feel completely at home in my own skin. I am just about the surgery. It was about the care and the precision behind it.”
— Dana S, Zurich
A tummy tuck removes excess skin and some fat, but it is not designed as a weight-loss procedure.
Yes. A full tummy tuck leaves a scar low across the abdomen and usually a scar around the belly button. Scar length depends on how much skin must be removed. Scars generally change and fade over many months, but they remain permanent.
Stretch marks on the skin removed during surgery will also be removed. Stretch marks outside that area usually remain, although their position may change.
A mini tummy tuck treats limited loose skin below the belly button. A full tummy tuck addresses a larger area and can treat loose skin above the belly button and more extensive muscle separation. The best choice depends on your anatomy.
The removed skin does not return, but ageing, significant weight changes and pregnancy can alter the abdominal contour over time. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve the result.
A private, no-obligation consultation with Dr. Gus is the first step. Come with questions, leave with clarity. We keep availability limited to ensure every patient receives undivided attention.
