Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Abdominoplasty at EsteticUsti removes excess abdominal skin and tightens the underlying rectus abdominis muscles, creating a flatter and more defined abdominal contour. The 2–3 hour procedure under general anaesthesia is particularly beneficial for patients with post-pregnancy rectus diastasis (muscle separation) or significant skin excess after major weight loss. A low horizontal incision, concealed beneath the underwear line, is used to lift and excise the excess skin while the muscles are repaired at the midline. An on-site recovery stay of 1–2 nights is available, followed by six weeks in a compression garment with restricted activity.

Abdominoplasty addresses two anatomical problems that cannot be resolved by exercise: excess skin (pannus) hanging over the lower abdomen, and rectus diastasis (separation of the two rectus abdominis muscle bellies at the linea alba). Both are common sequelae of pregnancy, significant weight loss, or both. Exercise can strengthen individual muscles but cannot reduce skin excess or close the midline diastasis that widens during pregnancy under the influence of relaxin. At EsteticUsti, the full abdominoplasty technique begins with a low transverse incision from hip to hip, positioned at or below the bikini line for maximum concealment by undergarments or swimwear. The abdominal flap (skin and subcutaneous fat) is elevated from the underlying fascia up to the costal margins, exposing the rectus fascia. The diastasis is then repaired with a running suture plication along the full vertical length of the midline — restoring the structural integrity of the abdominal wall and eliminating the protruding 'pouch' that persists despite normal BMI. The umbilicus is preserved on its vascular pedicle during skin elevation and re-inset through a new opening in the repositioned flap at the correct anatomical level. The mini abdominoplasty addresses only the lower abdominal zone (below the umbilicus), using a shorter incision without umbilical repositioning — appropriate for patients with isolated lower abdominal skin excess and no significant upper abdominal laxity or diastasis. Combination with liposuction addresses co-existing fat deposits in the flanks, lateral abdomen, or thighs; EsteticUsti prices this as a combined procedure. Post-operatively, patients remain on-site for 1–2 nights. Sutures are removed at 2–3 weeks. A compression garment is worn for 6 weeks with restricted lifting, bending, and exercise. Final results are assessed at 3–6 months as scar maturation continues.