Tummy tuck also known as abdominoplasty is one of the commonest cosmetic surgical procedures that aims to get rid of excess fat and saggy skin, as well as restore strength of weak muscles in the abdominal area, which leads to a an improved beautified belly shape.

Many people can develop a belly that protrudes or is loose and sagging.

The most common causes of this include:

  • Aging
  • Heredity
  • Pregnancy
  • Post weight reduction surgeries (sleeves gastrectomy or gastric bypass)
  • Significant fluctuations in weight

Tummy tuck candidates

Women and men who are in good health, as well as women who have given birth several times and suffers from weakness in the abdominal muscles and want to restore their body shape, can undergo tummy tuck.

It is also suitable for men and women who got rid of obesity but are still suffering from some extra fat or skin sagging in the abdominal area.

Yout not a tummy tuck if you’re morbid obese patient  as it may increase the risk of surgical complications.

Before the procedure

We ask our patients to stop smoking, control their diabetes and hypertension and stop any medications not discussed with the doctor.

Also routine labs will be requested and abdominal ultrasound.

Dr Mohamed Ashraf will have you examined and discuss the best suitable technique for your case and the expected results

Tummy Tuck steps

Before the surgery starts, Dr Mohamed Ashraf will take pre-operative photographs and do skin markings to determine the incision line (intended future scar).

Anesthesia in a Tummy Tuck

It can be performed under general anesthesia or epidural anesthesia the upon patient’s request .

The Surgery

  • During the abdominoplasty procedure, the patient is placed under anesthesia
  • The skin will be separated from the abdominal muscles.
  • The umbilicus skin will be separated from the rest of the abdomen skin so it can be left behind after removing all the skin beneath it.
  • Once the muscles are exposed, The surgeon will sew the muscles in abdominal wall together aligning them in the midline back to their normal position if they have become stretched.
  • Draining tubes will be inserted to drain excess fluid and blood.
  • The surgeon will then pull tight the skin over the abdomen, trim off excess skin according to the type of procedure required and then we close the incision with hidden sutures.

Types of Tummy tuck

  • Mini tummy tuck

Only the skin of the lower belly is excised with a slightly smaller scar.

  • Full tummy-tuck

A scar extends from both hip bones in the bikini line are, muscle is sewed tightly and excess skin is removed.

  • Extended tummy tuck

The scar partially extends to the back if the patient has saggy skin in the flanks area

  • Belt-lipectomy

From its name it’s a 360 degrees where saggy skin  and fat are removed from the front and the back of the patient in the same procedure.

  • Lipo-Abdominoplasty

Sometimes known as 4D-VASER Lipo-abdominoplasty is simply VASER liposuction simultaneously coupled with tummy tuck. By performing vaser liposuction prior to the abdominoplasty, the abdominal skin can be selectively thinned and shaped, leading to a more natural shape. It is the procedure of choice in our practice.

Tummy tuck Procedure time

Abdominoplasty procedure takes usually from 2-3 hours, however a belt lipectomy might take 4 hours as we operate in both the abdomen and back of the patients. combining liposuction adds some time to the lipoabdominoplasty procedure

After the procedure

  • Patients with mini-tummy tuck may be discharged the same day of surgery
  • Other Major tummy tuck procedures will stay overnight and be discharged the day following the surgery.

Before and after tummy tuck photos

Tummy tuck before and after

Tummy tuck - Egypt

Risks in a tummy tuck surgery

  • Fluid accumulation under the skin (seroma). Drainage tubes left in place after surgery can help reduce the risk of excess fluid.
  • Poor wound healing.  Smokers, diabetics or any chronic illness may increase the risks of delayed healing or wound infection.
  • Unexpected scarring. The incision scar from a tummy tuck is permanent, but it’s typically placed along the easily hidden bikini line. The length and visibility of the scar varies from person to person.
  • Tissue loss. During a tummy tuck, fatty tissue deep within your skin in the abdominal area might get damaged or die. Smoking increases the risk of tissue damage. Depending on the size of the area, tissue might heal on its own or require a surgical touch-up procedure.
  • Changes in skin sensation. During a tummy tuck, the repositioning of abdominal tissues can affect the nerves in the abdomen and, in rare cases, the thighs. You may experience decreased sensation or numbness. This usually subsides within a few months after the procedure.

Like any other surgical procedure there are also risk in anesthesia and drug medications after surgery.

Recovery from a Tummy tuck

Initially you’ll be asked to walk as soon as the anaesthesia takes off your body to avoid blood clot formation in your body.

Drains may be inserted to clear fluid off your body instead of collecting under your skin. You’ll be taught how to take of the drains by one of our team members and they’ll be removed after a few days in the follow-up visits.

You’ll be told what to eat and how to walk after the surgery for the following few days.

Antibiotics and pain medications will be prescribed.

The wound usually heals within 2 weeks.

You should attend all Follow up visits especially in the first 10 days after the surgery.

Avoid alcohol or nicotine products for the first 3 weeks after surgery.

You’ll also need to avoid positions that strain your incision line. to prevent the reopening of the wound.

Avoid vigorous activities for 2 months.

Compression garment must be worn all the time for 6-12 weeks after surgery.

Cost of Tummy Tuck Cost in Egypt

Cost should be discussed with the Dr Mohamed Ashraf, to determine which type of tummy tuck you’re a candidate for. You can always contact us for a consultation. If you live abroad you can send photos on whatsapp or arrange for a video consultation to have a rough estimate of your surgery quotation.

We have also different payment methods, credit cards and credit cards installments plans with most of the Egyptian banks. Also Valu and premium card payments are accepted.

FAQ in Tummy tuck

here are the answers for some questions that we often encounter in our practice;

Do Tummy tuck scars disappear?

Scars fade by time naturally, yet they never disappear. Scar medications like silicone gels and silicone sheets, vitamin E creams and fractional laser sessions might be useful to make the scar less visible in a shorter period of time.

Is tummy tuck surgery painful?

The pain is usually moderate in the first few days that is tolerable with the analgesics. Most of our patients believes it’s much less painful than their previous cesarean section.

Is it a permanent procedure?

Results should last as long as there are no weight fluctuations. Pregnancy might affect the results so it is advised to postpone your surgery if you’re willing to get pregnant in order to avoid the need for another abdominoplasty procedure.

Is it a risky procedure?

Absolutely not it is one of the most common procedures with a very safe outcome. We do follow all the recommendations of the International society of Aesthetic plastic surgery (ISAPS) for safe practice.

What is a Mommy Make-over?

Mommy make-over is not a procedure on its own. Its any combined breast and abdominal cosmetic surgery. Like breast lift and a tummy tuck or liposuction.