After Weight Loss Tummy Tuck

Offered at our convenient location in Hamburg

An after weight loss tummy tuck, also known as after weight loss abdominoplasty, is a transformative surgical procedure that can help you achieve a firmer, more toned abdomen. As we age or experience significant weight loss, the skin and muscles in our abdominal area may become loose and saggy. This can lead some to experience dissatisfaction with their appearance. If you find yourself struggling with excess skin, stubborn fat deposits, or weakened abdominal muscles despite your continued best efforts with diet and exercise, a tummy tuck may be the solution you’ve been seeking. 

Dr. Dalia Tobbia, a specialist in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive Surgery. With her approach to after weight loss abdominoplasty, she helps patients reignite their confidence and achieve their desired contours. 

To find out more about this life-changing procedure, call Dr. Tobbia’s office in Hamburg at +49 40 46 091 076. Alternatively, you are welcome to use the contact form and a staff member will get back to you as soon as possible. 

About Weight Loss, Abdominal Fat and Skin Laxity

Today, weight loss has been made easier for many patients who engage in medically assisted weight loss. Regimens often come in the form of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) weekly injections, as they have been shown to effectively curb appetites for patients, making it easier to consume smaller portions. At Plastische Chirurgie am Klosterstern in Hamburg, Dr. Tobbia offers these “skinny shot” programs for weight loss. 

After successful weight loss, however, there is the issue of excess skin, which can especially accumulate around previously larger areas like the abdomen. Weight fluctuations, pregnancy, age, genetics, hormones, and even stress can all additionally contribute to the way our midsection looks. The fat that tends to bulge in this part of the body is subcutaneous fat, which is fat that develops right underneath the skin and can be reduced with liposuction or a tummy tuck. 

In addition to the buildup of this tissue, the skin itself can begin to experience mild laxity as early as your late 30’s. The looseness that develops is a result of a breakdown of collagen, elastin, and other connective fibers that maintain skin elasticity and its ability to recoil, in addition to the massive volume loss. (1) As these fibers begin to degrade, subcutaneous fat is more likely to push through and create unwanted bulges.

As well as helping with skin and fat deposits, a tummy tuck can be tailored to restore the strength of the abdominal muscles- even correcting diastasis recti, a condition in which the abdominal muscles separate from one another. (2)

Benefits of an After Weight Loss Tummy Tuck

Tummy tucks not only cosmetically restore your appearance, but depending on the type of technique utilized, they can have incredible medical benefits as well. Overall, here’s what you can expect from this surgical experience:

  • The results are essentially permanent, so long as patients take care to maintain their weight.
  • The horizontal scar along the bikini line is discreet and easily concealed under clothing. 
  • The results are natural-looking and promote a leaner look. 
  • It can remove overstretched skin and stretch marks caused by pregnancy or weight loss. 
  • It may be able to remove surgical scars in the midriff area.
  • Achieving a flatter and more toned abdomen can significantly boost body image.
  • It offers more visible results of a weight loss journey.

Advice and Treatment

When it comes to transforming your abdomen and achieving a smoother, sculpted figure, a personal consultation with Dr. Dalia Tobbia is a crucial first step. Dr. Tobbia understands that each patient has unique cosmetic goals and concerns, which is why she takes the time to thoroughly assess your medical history and discuss your desired outcome during this one-on-one meeting. To get started on your body sculpting journey, call the location in Hamburg at +49 40 46 091 076, or book your appointment through the contact page. 

Preparation

You will need to make certain lifestyle changes in order to best prepare for your tummy tuck. If you are a smoker or consumer of nicotine products, Dr. Tobbia will recommend that you quit a few weeks prior to optimize the health of your circulatory system. 

As a surgical precaution, she will also advise that you stop taking any type of blood thinning medication or supplement; these can cause unwanted bruising and/or bleeding. Finally, you may want to stock up on recovery items such as larger, more comfortable clothing, ice packs, and over-the-counter medications to help relieve discomfort. 

Procedure Options 

There are 3 variations of the abdominoplasty: the full, extended, and mini tummy tucks. Each type has its own incision and unique benefits that may suit some patients more than others. In after weight loss situations, patients will usually benefit more from a full or extended tummy tuck due to the more significant amount of excess skin.

Full Tummy Tuck 

After an anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia, Dr. Tobbia will make a precise incision just above the pubic area that connects hip to hip. She may also make another incision closely surrounding the navel in order to reposition it. She will work to remove excess fat using excision while also trimming away excess skin. 

If you happen to have excess fat in addition to loose skin, she may use liposuction initially. In this case, the procedure is referred to as a lipoabdominoplasty. Finally, she will place permanent sutures within the abdominal muscles so that they heal tightly and restore previously diminished core strength.

Extended Tummy Tuck 

This technique is ideal for patients who have a larger amount of excess skin hanging from the abdomen. An extended tummy tuck follows the same principles as the full tummy tuck, but the horizontal incision above the pubic area is longer and reaches the flanks of the midsection instead of the hip bones. With this technique, fat can be sculpted away from the waist as well, leading to a more complete contoured look that enhances from all angles. 

Mini Tummy Tuck 

Mini tummy tucks are for patients who only have a minimal amount of fat just below their navel. Mini abdominoplasties require a shorter incision, but it’s made within the same area as the full tummy tuck. It does not involve tightening the abdominal muscles since ideal candidates already have a strong core with no sign of diastasis recti. 

Recovery and Results 

During your recovery, you will experience some tenderness, bruising, and swelling in and around your midsection. Dr. Tobbia will prescribe medications so that you’ll be able to recover comfortably. After your procedure, she may place surgical drains to allow fluid buildup to exit so that the swelling will subside. She recommends to her patients that they try to get walking as soon as they feel well enough; this will allow for better circulation throughout the body. 

Most patients feel capable enough to return to work after 2 to 3 weeks of downtime. With each week following this initial healing period, you will notice your abdomen settle into its final look- a more attractive and sculpted abdomen that you can feel happy with. Within 6 to 12 weeks, you’ll be able to resume your normal workout routine. 

Cost of a Tummy Tuck in Hamburg 

The cost of a tummy tuck can vary depending on several factors specific to each patient. It also depends on how extensive the planned procedure will be. At Plastische Chirurgie am Klosterstern, we understand that financial considerations are an important aspect of your decision-making process. At your personal consultation, Dr. Tobbia will be happy to review the costs associated with your procedure and give you a comprehensive overview of the preparation and recovery process. 

Book your consultation today by calling +49 40 46 091 076 for the location in Hamburg, or inquire about a consultation through our contact page. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Tobbia’s techniques for various procedures, please glance through the practice blog. 

FAQ 

How long do after weight loss tummy tuck procedures take? 

The procedure time varies depending on the specific techniques used and a patient’s individualized treatment plan. Usually, it is completed in 2 to 4 hours. 

Are the scars from a tummy tuck long-lasting? 

The main scar from a tummy tuck is hidden below the waistline, and many patients appreciate how discreet it is. Although tummy tuck scars do not fully disappear, they can fade significantly with time and topical treatments. Scar creams and silicone gel can encourage healthy skin growth and help fade the scar faster. 

What makes a good candidate for an after weight loss tummy tuck? 

The best candidates for an after weight loss tummy tuck are patients who have lost a lot of weight and are currently at a stable weight and have been for some time. They are also healthy non-smokers or are willing to quit before their procedure.

References

  1. Rousseaux I, Robson S. Body Contouring and Skin Tightening Using a Unique Novel Multisource Radiofrequency Energy Delivery Method. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2017;10(4):24-29. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5404777/ 
  2. Hall H, Sanjaghsaz H. Diastasis Recti Rehabilitation. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573063/#:~:text=Introduction-