Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
Abdominoplasty — also called tummy tuck — is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance and function of the abdomen. It addresses changes that diet and exercise alone cannot reach: loose skin from pregnancy or significant weight loss, separation of the central abdominal muscles known as divarication, hernias along the midline, and stubborn subcutaneous fat across the lower abdomen and flanks.
Most of our abdominoplasty patients are women who are done having children and find that pregnancy has left them with abdominal changes that have not recovered with diet, exercise, or time. The second large group is men and women who have lost a significant amount of weight, either through lifestyle change or after bariatric surgery, and are now left with skin laxity that no amount of further weight loss will fix.
Two honest notes before the rest of this page. First, abdominoplasty is one of the larger cosmetic procedures we perform. Recovery is more involved than most patients initially imagine. The first ten to fourteen days require walking with a forward bent at the hips, drains stay in for about a week, and full return to gym and heavy lifting takes around six weeks. We will not soft-pedal this during consultation. Second, the procedure cannot reduce visceral fat — the fat that sits around the internal organs inside the abdomen. If a protuberant abdomen is mostly due to deep fat rather than skin laxity or muscle separation, weight loss has to come first; surgery alone will not give a good result.
The rest of this page covers what abdominoplasty addresses, what surgery involves, what to expect during recovery, and the considerations that matter for long-term outcomes.
Most of our abdominoplasty patients are women who are done having children and find that pregnancy has left them with abdominal changes that have not recovered with diet, exercise, or time. The second large group is men and women who have lost a significant amount of weight, either through lifestyle change or after bariatric surgery, and are now left with skin laxity that no amount of further weight loss will fix.
Two honest notes before the rest of this page. First, abdominoplasty is one of the larger cosmetic procedures we perform. Recovery is more involved than most patients initially imagine. The first ten to fourteen days require walking with a forward bent at the hips, drains stay in for about a week, and full return to gym and heavy lifting takes around six weeks. We will not soft-pedal this during consultation. Second, the procedure cannot reduce visceral fat — the fat that sits around the internal organs inside the abdomen. If a protuberant abdomen is mostly due to deep fat rather than skin laxity or muscle separation, weight loss has to come first; surgery alone will not give a good result.
The rest of this page covers what abdominoplasty addresses, what surgery involves, what to expect during recovery, and the considerations that matter for long-term outcomes.
What changes with age and pregnancy
The abdomen is made up of skin, subcutaneous (under the skin) fat, the muscles, the fascia surrounding the muscles, and the visceral organs with fat in proximity to them. Each of these layers changes with age, weight fluctuation, and pregnancy.
Skin. Skin laxity usually appears first in the lower abdomen. As the changes become more severe, the sides and upper abdomen become involved. Stretch marks (striae) are usually most pronounced in the lower abdomen.
Subcutaneous fat. This is the fat that can be pinched between the fingers. The amount increases as a person puts on weight, and is more visible in the lower abdomen and flanks. In severe cases there is a horizontal roll of fat across the torso called a pannus, which can make personal hygiene difficult.
Muscle and fascia. The abdominal muscles are surrounded by a sheet of tissue called the fascia. With aging and pregnancy the fascia becomes lax, and the gap between the two vertically-oriented central muscles can widen — this is called divarication of the recti. Divarication causes the abdomen to look protuberant even when overall weight is normal. Some patients also have small gaps in the fascia through which fat or intestine can protrude — these are hernias, and they can be either pre-existing or acquired after previous abdominal surgery, including caesarean section.
Deep (visceral) fat. Fat is also distributed around the organs inside the abdomen. Excess of this deep fat causes a protuberant appearance and is also associated with metabolic changes that predispose to diabetes and other illnesses. Visceral fat is reduced through dietary modification and, in some patients, bariatric surgery. It is not addressed by abdominoplasty.
Abdominoplasty improves the changes in skin, subcutaneous fat, and muscle fascia. It does not reduce visceral fat.
Skin. Skin laxity usually appears first in the lower abdomen. As the changes become more severe, the sides and upper abdomen become involved. Stretch marks (striae) are usually most pronounced in the lower abdomen.
Subcutaneous fat. This is the fat that can be pinched between the fingers. The amount increases as a person puts on weight, and is more visible in the lower abdomen and flanks. In severe cases there is a horizontal roll of fat across the torso called a pannus, which can make personal hygiene difficult.
Muscle and fascia. The abdominal muscles are surrounded by a sheet of tissue called the fascia. With aging and pregnancy the fascia becomes lax, and the gap between the two vertically-oriented central muscles can widen — this is called divarication of the recti. Divarication causes the abdomen to look protuberant even when overall weight is normal. Some patients also have small gaps in the fascia through which fat or intestine can protrude — these are hernias, and they can be either pre-existing or acquired after previous abdominal surgery, including caesarean section.
Deep (visceral) fat. Fat is also distributed around the organs inside the abdomen. Excess of this deep fat causes a protuberant appearance and is also associated with metabolic changes that predispose to diabetes and other illnesses. Visceral fat is reduced through dietary modification and, in some patients, bariatric surgery. It is not addressed by abdominoplasty.
Abdominoplasty improves the changes in skin, subcutaneous fat, and muscle fascia. It does not reduce visceral fat.
Who is a good candidate for abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is suitable for patients who are:
Patients with circumferential laxity of the torso — that is, loose skin all the way around — sometimes need a more extensive procedure such as a total body lift rather than a standard abdominoplasty. We discuss this during consultation.
- In good general health, without serious medical conditions that would make surgery risky.
- Non-smokers, or willing to stop smoking for at least four weeks before and after surgery.
- At a stable weight close to their target weight, without excess visceral fat.
- Have a clear, realistic sense of what they want changed.
- Done with childbearing if they are women considering it for post-pregnancy changes.
Patients with circumferential laxity of the torso — that is, loose skin all the way around — sometimes need a more extensive procedure such as a total body lift rather than a standard abdominoplasty. We discuss this during consultation.
Pre-operative preparation
A few things matter for a good outcome.
Smoking cessation. Non-negotiable. Smoking dramatically increases the risk of wound healing problems, infection, and skin necrosis after abdominoplasty. We require complete cessation for at least four weeks before and through recovery. This includes vaping.
Pre-operative binder. Patients with significant fascia laxity are asked to wear a tight corset-like binder for at least two weeks before surgery. This helps the body adjust to the changes in abdominal pressure that occur after the fascia is tightened during surgery, and reduces post-operative discomfort.
Respiratory exercises. We ask patients to begin using an incentive spirometer for two weeks before surgery. This conditions the lungs and reduces the risk of post-operative respiratory complications.
Imaging. All patients have either an ultrasound or CT scan to identify any hernias before surgery. This affects the surgical plan.
Standard pre-operative work-up. Blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to confirm fitness for general anaesthesia.
Smoking cessation. Non-negotiable. Smoking dramatically increases the risk of wound healing problems, infection, and skin necrosis after abdominoplasty. We require complete cessation for at least four weeks before and through recovery. This includes vaping.
Pre-operative binder. Patients with significant fascia laxity are asked to wear a tight corset-like binder for at least two weeks before surgery. This helps the body adjust to the changes in abdominal pressure that occur after the fascia is tightened during surgery, and reduces post-operative discomfort.
Respiratory exercises. We ask patients to begin using an incentive spirometer for two weeks before surgery. This conditions the lungs and reduces the risk of post-operative respiratory complications.
Imaging. All patients have either an ultrasound or CT scan to identify any hernias before surgery. This affects the surgical plan.
Standard pre-operative work-up. Blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to confirm fitness for general anaesthesia.
The procedure
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia.
Liposuction first. We begin with liposuction of the front and sides of the abdomen to address subcutaneous fat. This is now standard in modern abdominoplasty.
Skin and fat excision. A horizontal ellipse of skin and underlying subcutaneous fat is removed from the lower abdomen. The widest part of the ellipse is in the centre. The incision is placed low, in a position that can be hidden by underwear or a bikini.
Fascia tightening. The underlying fascia is tightened with sutures, correcting the divarication of the central muscles. This is the step that flattens the abdomen and is one of the most important parts of the surgery for patients whose abdomen has become protuberant after pregnancy.
Hernia repair. Any hernias identified pre-operatively are repaired during the same surgery — small umbilical hernias with sutures, larger or incisional hernias with mesh reinforcement. Occasionally, very large hernias are managed in a staged way, with the hernia repair done first and abdominoplasty done at a separate later operation.
Neo-umbilicoplasty. A new umbilicus is created at the correct anatomical position, derived from the bony landmarks of the pelvis. The aesthetic appearance of the umbilicus matters; a poorly positioned or poorly shaped umbilicus is one of the giveaway signs of a poorly done abdominoplasty.
Closure and drains. The wound is closed in layers. Drains are placed below the incision to remove fluid that collects in the operated space — these stay in for about a week and are removed once the daily output drops below a threshold. Patients can manage drains comfortably at home.
Most abdominoplasties take three to four hours.
Liposuction first. We begin with liposuction of the front and sides of the abdomen to address subcutaneous fat. This is now standard in modern abdominoplasty.
Skin and fat excision. A horizontal ellipse of skin and underlying subcutaneous fat is removed from the lower abdomen. The widest part of the ellipse is in the centre. The incision is placed low, in a position that can be hidden by underwear or a bikini.
Fascia tightening. The underlying fascia is tightened with sutures, correcting the divarication of the central muscles. This is the step that flattens the abdomen and is one of the most important parts of the surgery for patients whose abdomen has become protuberant after pregnancy.
Hernia repair. Any hernias identified pre-operatively are repaired during the same surgery — small umbilical hernias with sutures, larger or incisional hernias with mesh reinforcement. Occasionally, very large hernias are managed in a staged way, with the hernia repair done first and abdominoplasty done at a separate later operation.
Neo-umbilicoplasty. A new umbilicus is created at the correct anatomical position, derived from the bony landmarks of the pelvis. The aesthetic appearance of the umbilicus matters; a poorly positioned or poorly shaped umbilicus is one of the giveaway signs of a poorly done abdominoplasty.
Closure and drains. The wound is closed in layers. Drains are placed below the incision to remove fluid that collects in the operated space — these stay in for about a week and are removed once the daily output drops below a threshold. Patients can manage drains comfortably at home.
Most abdominoplasties take three to four hours.
Recovery
Recovery from abdominoplasty is more involved than most cosmetic procedures.
Hospital stay. We keep patients overnight after surgery. Most go home the next day. Some choose to stay an extra night for comfort.
First ten to fourteen days. Patients walk with a forward bend at the hips. This relieves tension on the closure and significantly reduces discomfort. Sleeping is on the back with knees slightly bent, often supported on pillows. Drains stay in for about a week and are removed at follow-up once daily output drops to acceptable levels.
Showering is allowed from day two. The incision is covered with a small dressing that is changed daily until healing is complete, around day ten.
Pressure garment. A compression garment is worn over the abdomen for several weeks. This reduces swelling, supports healing, and improves the final contour.
Two weeks. Most patients can return to desk work, walking upright again. The forward bend at the hips is no longer needed.
Six weeks. Heavy lifting and gym work can resume. Light cardio is permitted earlier — usually around three to four weeks. Swimming should wait until incisions are completely healed.
Three to six months. Final shape and contour become apparent as deeper swelling resolves and the tissues fully settle. The scar continues to mature for twelve to eighteen months, fading from pink to a thin pale line that is hidden in underwear or swimwear.
Hospital stay. We keep patients overnight after surgery. Most go home the next day. Some choose to stay an extra night for comfort.
First ten to fourteen days. Patients walk with a forward bend at the hips. This relieves tension on the closure and significantly reduces discomfort. Sleeping is on the back with knees slightly bent, often supported on pillows. Drains stay in for about a week and are removed at follow-up once daily output drops to acceptable levels.
Showering is allowed from day two. The incision is covered with a small dressing that is changed daily until healing is complete, around day ten.
Pressure garment. A compression garment is worn over the abdomen for several weeks. This reduces swelling, supports healing, and improves the final contour.
Two weeks. Most patients can return to desk work, walking upright again. The forward bend at the hips is no longer needed.
Six weeks. Heavy lifting and gym work can resume. Light cardio is permitted earlier — usually around three to four weeks. Swimming should wait until incisions are completely healed.
Three to six months. Final shape and contour become apparent as deeper swelling resolves and the tissues fully settle. The scar continues to mature for twelve to eighteen months, fading from pink to a thin pale line that is hidden in underwear or swimwear.
What to expect during normal healing
Several things are universal after abdominoplasty and do not indicate a problem.
Altered sensation in the lower abdomen. Numbness or reduced sensation in the lower abdominal skin is common and usually recovers gradually over months. While sensation is altered, hot water bottles should not be applied to the lower abdomen — burns can occur without the patient noticing.
Tightness and discomfort when turning. Caused by the surgical tightening of the fascia. Settles with time as the tissues relax.
Swelling. Universal after any abdominal surgery and after liposuction. The pressure garment helps it resolve faster.
Altered sensation in the lower abdomen. Numbness or reduced sensation in the lower abdominal skin is common and usually recovers gradually over months. While sensation is altered, hot water bottles should not be applied to the lower abdomen — burns can occur without the patient noticing.
Tightness and discomfort when turning. Caused by the surgical tightening of the fascia. Settles with time as the tissues relax.
Swelling. Universal after any abdominal surgery and after liposuction. The pressure garment helps it resolve faster.
Potential complications
Abdominoplasty in properly selected patients is associated with relatively few complications. The risk increases significantly with co-existing illnesses and in smokers.
Infection. Uncommon. Higher in patients with poorly controlled diabetes and in smokers. Antibiotics during surgery reduce the risk. We do not combine abdominoplasty with bowel surgery or hysterectomy in the same operation, because that would risk contamination of the surgical field with luminal contents and significantly increases infection risk.
Seromas and hematomas. Fluid or blood collection in the operated space. These are managed conservatively with needle aspiration; most settle without further intervention. Newer techniques such as TULUA abdominoplasty have reduced the incidence of seromas.
Wound healing problems. Delayed healing or wound breakdown is the most concerning specific complication of abdominoplasty. The most vulnerable area is the central part of the upper flap, where blood supply is most easily compromised. Diabetics and smokers are at particular risk. Wound healing problems are managed with regular dressing changes until the wound heals; any secondary correction is done after the scar has matured.
Venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Serious but extremely uncommon. We reduce the risk through frequent passive movement of the legs during recovery, early ambulation, and compression measures.
Visceral injury. Extremely uncommon with proper technique and pre-operative imaging.
Prominent scarring. The scar is placed low and is usually concealed by underwear or swimwear. Patients prone to keloids or hypertrophic scars may need additional management with silicone sheets, pressure, or steroid injections.
Contour irregularities. Minor irregularities are common in the first few months and typically settle. Persistent irregularities after a year may need minor revision.
Dissatisfaction. Usually relates to the procedure not being matched to the patient — for example, when significant visceral fat or circumferential laxity makes abdominoplasty alone insufficient. Careful patient selection is the main way to prevent this.
Infection. Uncommon. Higher in patients with poorly controlled diabetes and in smokers. Antibiotics during surgery reduce the risk. We do not combine abdominoplasty with bowel surgery or hysterectomy in the same operation, because that would risk contamination of the surgical field with luminal contents and significantly increases infection risk.
Seromas and hematomas. Fluid or blood collection in the operated space. These are managed conservatively with needle aspiration; most settle without further intervention. Newer techniques such as TULUA abdominoplasty have reduced the incidence of seromas.
Wound healing problems. Delayed healing or wound breakdown is the most concerning specific complication of abdominoplasty. The most vulnerable area is the central part of the upper flap, where blood supply is most easily compromised. Diabetics and smokers are at particular risk. Wound healing problems are managed with regular dressing changes until the wound heals; any secondary correction is done after the scar has matured.
Venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Serious but extremely uncommon. We reduce the risk through frequent passive movement of the legs during recovery, early ambulation, and compression measures.
Visceral injury. Extremely uncommon with proper technique and pre-operative imaging.
Prominent scarring. The scar is placed low and is usually concealed by underwear or swimwear. Patients prone to keloids or hypertrophic scars may need additional management with silicone sheets, pressure, or steroid injections.
Contour irregularities. Minor irregularities are common in the first few months and typically settle. Persistent irregularities after a year may need minor revision.
Dissatisfaction. Usually relates to the procedure not being matched to the patient — for example, when significant visceral fat or circumferential laxity makes abdominoplasty alone insufficient. Careful patient selection is the main way to prevent this.
How much does abdominoplasty cost?
The cost varies based on the extent of the procedure, whether hernia repair is needed, whether the procedure is being combined with liposuction of additional areas, the type of pressure garment supplied, the length of hospital stay, and the post-operative care required.
During your consultation, we will assess your specific case and provide a transparent cost estimate. Abdominoplasty is one of the larger cosmetic procedures, and the cost reflects that. We are happy to discuss the breakdown in advance.
Insurance coverage. Cosmetic abdominoplasty is not covered by insurance in India. If a documented hernia is being repaired during the same surgery, the hernia repair component may sometimes be partially covered. We can provide documentation, but recommend planning to pay out of pocket to avoid disappointment.
During your consultation, we will assess your specific case and provide a transparent cost estimate. Abdominoplasty is one of the larger cosmetic procedures, and the cost reflects that. We are happy to discuss the breakdown in advance.
Insurance coverage. Cosmetic abdominoplasty is not covered by insurance in India. If a documented hernia is being repaired during the same surgery, the hernia repair component may sometimes be partially covered. We can provide documentation, but recommend planning to pay out of pocket to avoid disappointment.
A note from us
Abdominoplasty is one of the most satisfying procedures in plastic surgery when it is done on the right patient — and one of the most disappointing when it is not. The deciding factor is almost always patient selection. Patients who do well are usually those who are at or near a stable target weight, with skin laxity and divarication that surgery can genuinely correct, and who have a calm, modest sense of what they want changed.
The patients who do less well are those for whom abdominoplasty is asked to do more than it can — typically when significant visceral fat is the main problem and skin laxity is a secondary issue. We will be honest about which group you fall into. If we think weight loss should come first, we will say so, even though that means delaying surgery.
The other thing worth saying is that abdominoplasty has a longer and more involved recovery than most cosmetic procedures. The first two weeks are restrictive, and full return to normal activity takes six weeks. Patients who plan for this — who arrange help at home, take adequate time off work, and are not in a hurry — recover better and are happier with the result.
If you would like to talk it through, call or WhatsApp us. We are happy to answer questions before you commit to anything.
The patients who do less well are those for whom abdominoplasty is asked to do more than it can — typically when significant visceral fat is the main problem and skin laxity is a secondary issue. We will be honest about which group you fall into. If we think weight loss should come first, we will say so, even though that means delaying surgery.
The other thing worth saying is that abdominoplasty has a longer and more involved recovery than most cosmetic procedures. The first two weeks are restrictive, and full return to normal activity takes six weeks. Patients who plan for this — who arrange help at home, take adequate time off work, and are not in a hurry — recover better and are happier with the result.
If you would like to talk it through, call or WhatsApp us. We are happy to answer questions before you commit to anything.
If you are travelling for surgery
Many patients come to us from outside Trivandrum. If you are travelling, please plan to stay in Trivandrum for at least seven to ten days after the procedure to allow for the early follow-ups, drain removal, and the first stages of recovery before you head home. We are happy to help you plan around this and can suggest accommodations near the clinic.
Once you have returned home, we are still available by phone or WhatsApp if anything comes up. Most early-recovery questions can be handled remotely with photographs, though we would normally see you in person again at six weeks if travel permits.
Once you have returned home, we are still available by phone or WhatsApp if anything comes up. Most early-recovery questions can be handled remotely with photographs, though we would normally see you in person again at six weeks if travel permits.
Frequently asked questions about abdominoplasty
How long does abdominoplasty surgery take?
Most abdominoplasties take four hours. Combined procedures or extensive hernia repairs can take longer.
Will I have a visible scar?
Yes. The scar runs horizontally across the lower abdomen and is placed low enough to be hidden under underwear or a bikini. The scar starts pink and slightly raised, and fades over twelve to eighteen months to a thin pale line. Patients prone to keloids may need additional management.
How painful is abdominoplasty recovery?
Most patients describe the first few days as moderate to significant discomfort, well-controlled with prescribed pain medication. The forward-bent posture during the first two weeks reduces tension on the wound and significantly reduces pain. By two weeks, most patients are comfortable on simple oral pain relievers if anything.
When can I return to work?
Desk work: about two weeks. Jobs involving physical labour or lifting: about six weeks. We provide specific guidance based on your occupation.
When can I exercise after abdominoplasty?
Walking is encouraged immediately. Light cardio at three to four weeks. Heavy lifting and gym work at six weeks. Swimming once incisions are fully healed.
Can abdominoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Liposuction of additional areas (back, thighs, arms) is commonly combined. Breast procedures are sometimes combined as part of a "mommy makeover," though this is decided based on overall surgical safety. We do not combine abdominoplasty with bowel surgery or hysterectomy in the same operation, to avoid contaminating the surgical field.
Is abdominoplasty different from liposuction?
Yes. Liposuction removes subcutaneous fat but does not address loose skin or muscle separation. Abdominoplasty removes loose skin, tightens the underlying fascia, and is usually combined with liposuction. For patients whose main problem is fat without significant skin laxity, liposuction alone may be appropriate. For patients with skin laxity and divarication, abdominoplasty is needed.
Will I lose weight with abdominoplasty?
Some — usually two to four kilograms of skin and fat are removed during a standard abdominoplasty. But abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss procedure. The aim is contour, not weight reduction.
Can I have abdominoplasty if I am still planning pregnancy?
We usually recommend completing childbearing first. Pregnancy after abdominoplasty stretches the tightened fascia again and can undo much of the result, sometimes requiring a second procedure. If pregnancy is years away or already complete, there is no reason to delay.
What is the TULUA technique?
TULUA (Transverse Plication, no Undermining, full Liposuction, neo-Umbilicoplasty, Abdominoplasty) is a more recent variation of abdominoplasty that avoids extensive undermining of the upper abdominal flap. This reduces the risk of seromas and wound healing problems, particularly in the central upper area which is the most vulnerable region in standard abdominoplasty. We discuss whether TULUA or a standard approach is more suitable for your anatomy during consultation.
Will the abdomen look natural?
When done well, yes. The aim is a flat, natural-looking abdomen with a properly positioned umbilicus and a low-placed scar. Patients should not be able to identify a well-done abdominoplasty by looking at the result; only the scar (which is hidden in underwear) and the new umbilicus give it away on close inspection.
Most abdominoplasties take four hours. Combined procedures or extensive hernia repairs can take longer.
Will I have a visible scar?
Yes. The scar runs horizontally across the lower abdomen and is placed low enough to be hidden under underwear or a bikini. The scar starts pink and slightly raised, and fades over twelve to eighteen months to a thin pale line. Patients prone to keloids may need additional management.
How painful is abdominoplasty recovery?
Most patients describe the first few days as moderate to significant discomfort, well-controlled with prescribed pain medication. The forward-bent posture during the first two weeks reduces tension on the wound and significantly reduces pain. By two weeks, most patients are comfortable on simple oral pain relievers if anything.
When can I return to work?
Desk work: about two weeks. Jobs involving physical labour or lifting: about six weeks. We provide specific guidance based on your occupation.
When can I exercise after abdominoplasty?
Walking is encouraged immediately. Light cardio at three to four weeks. Heavy lifting and gym work at six weeks. Swimming once incisions are fully healed.
Can abdominoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Liposuction of additional areas (back, thighs, arms) is commonly combined. Breast procedures are sometimes combined as part of a "mommy makeover," though this is decided based on overall surgical safety. We do not combine abdominoplasty with bowel surgery or hysterectomy in the same operation, to avoid contaminating the surgical field.
Is abdominoplasty different from liposuction?
Yes. Liposuction removes subcutaneous fat but does not address loose skin or muscle separation. Abdominoplasty removes loose skin, tightens the underlying fascia, and is usually combined with liposuction. For patients whose main problem is fat without significant skin laxity, liposuction alone may be appropriate. For patients with skin laxity and divarication, abdominoplasty is needed.
Will I lose weight with abdominoplasty?
Some — usually two to four kilograms of skin and fat are removed during a standard abdominoplasty. But abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss procedure. The aim is contour, not weight reduction.
Can I have abdominoplasty if I am still planning pregnancy?
We usually recommend completing childbearing first. Pregnancy after abdominoplasty stretches the tightened fascia again and can undo much of the result, sometimes requiring a second procedure. If pregnancy is years away or already complete, there is no reason to delay.
What is the TULUA technique?
TULUA (Transverse Plication, no Undermining, full Liposuction, neo-Umbilicoplasty, Abdominoplasty) is a more recent variation of abdominoplasty that avoids extensive undermining of the upper abdominal flap. This reduces the risk of seromas and wound healing problems, particularly in the central upper area which is the most vulnerable region in standard abdominoplasty. We discuss whether TULUA or a standard approach is more suitable for your anatomy during consultation.
Will the abdomen look natural?
When done well, yes. The aim is a flat, natural-looking abdomen with a properly positioned umbilicus and a low-placed scar. Patients should not be able to identify a well-done abdominoplasty by looking at the result; only the scar (which is hidden in underwear) and the new umbilicus give it away on close inspection.
