Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at removing loose, excess skin and fat from the abdomen, as well as tightening stretched or weakened fascia and muscles. While it can remove some stretch marks—typically those located below the navel—it is not designed to slim the upper abdomen.

Abdominoplasty in Yerevan, Armenia, is often combined with other body contouring procedures such as liposuction, breast surgery, or lipofilling.

Indications for Abdominoplasty:

Significant weight fluctuations leading to abdominal sagging
Post-pregnancy changes
Prior abdominal surgeries
Age-related skin laxity
Genetic predisposition to abdominal protrusion

When Abdominoplasty May Not Be Advised:

If you are planning significant weight loss
If you have chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease)
If your BMI is over 30
If you plan to become pregnant
If you smoke
If you have significant abdominal scarring from previous surgeries

Potential Risks:

Fluid accumulation under the skin (seroma)
Slow wound healing or wound separation
Hypertrophic or visible scarring (typically hidden along the bikini line)
Skin or fat necrosis near the incision line
Temporary loss of skin sensitivity in the upper thigh area
As with any major surgery: bleeding, infection, and anesthesia-related complications

The first consultation:

Your Initial Consultation:

During your consultation, discuss your aesthetic goals and medical history with your surgeon. It’s important to have realistic expectations and to understand the risks and benefits of the procedure, especially regarding postoperative scars and the effect of previous abdominal surgeries. Please note, that a previous abdominal surgery may limit your results.

Preoperative Recommendations:

Stop smoking well in advance of your surgery and throughout your recovery period. Smoking impairs circulation and dramatically increases the risk of complications.
Avoid medications and supplements that may increase bleeding risk (e.g., aspirin, certain antibiotics, herbal supplements).
Maintain a stable weight for at least a year prior to surgery. If you’re overweight, it’s advisable to lose excess weight beforehand, as significant weight loss after surgery can impact results.

The Procedure:

Abdominoplasty typically takes 2 to 3 hours to complete.

Drains may be placed and left in for several days to prevent fluid buildup.
You may be prescribed blood thinners postoperatively.
A compression garment will be required for approximately 6 weeks to minimize swelling and support the healing tissues.

For the first six weeks, avoid any movements that place strain on the incision site, such as bending or twisting, to prevent wound reopening.

Combining Abdominoplasty with Liposuction:

It is common to combine abdominoplasty with circumferential liposuction for enhanced results. Previously, concerns were raised about the potential for compromised blood flow and tissue necrosis with combined procedures. However, a literature review on PubMed showed that necrosis rates were actually lower when both procedures were done together (0.39%) compared to abdominoplasty alone (1.01%).

Evolution of Techniques:

1990 (Illouz): Performed abdominoplasty without flap elevation, allowing for full liposuction but with issues related to scar positioning and navel appearance.
1995 (Lockwood): Introduced a safer liposuction technique using medial dissection, stopping before the rib cage to preserve vascular integrity.
2001 (Saldana et al.): Developed the lipoabdominoplasty technique—limited dissection with vertical plication and maximal preservation of blood supply.

2020: The TULUA Method (Francisco Villegas):

No flap elevation in the supraumbilical area
Unlimited liposuction (2–3 cm thick)
Transverse plication of the infraumbilical abdominal wall
No vertical midline scar
Umbilical amputation followed by neoumbilicoplasty using a skin graft for optimal positioning

Desired Outcomes:

Aesthetic and symmetrical navel positioning
Low scar placement easily concealed under clothing
Flatter, firmer abdominal contour

Abdominoplasty in Yerevan, Armenia, is performed using advanced surgical techniques for minimal risk and optimal cosmetic results. As with any surgical procedure, healing takes time: initial recovery lasts 6 weeks, while full results may take several months to finalize.

Always consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if you are a suitable candidate and to receive personalized guidance for your goals and body type.