Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) reshapes the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and restoring support to the abdominal wall. Many people work hard through diet and exercise to achieve a flatter stomach, yet still find that loose skin, stretching or muscle separation prevent the abdomen from responding as hoped.
These changes often develop after pregnancy, significant weight loss, ageing or previous abdominal surgery. Even people at a stable, healthy weight can experience an abdomen that appears rounded, sagging or marked by stretch marks.
Abdominoplasty focuses on contour, support and proportion. The aim is not to create an artificial appearance, but to restore a smoother, firmer abdominal shape that feels more comfortable and balanced with the rest of the body.
When abdominoplasty may help
You may consider abdominoplasty if you feel concerned about:
- loose or sagging skin across the lower abdomen
- abdominal fullness that does not improve with exercise
- muscle separation following pregnancy
- excess skin after weight loss
- stretch marks between the navel and pubic area
Abdominoplasty addresses skin, fat and muscle together. It does not replace weight management or fitness, but it can restore structure where lifestyle measures alone cannot.
A considered approach to abdominal surgery
Ms Tzafetta approaches abdominoplasty with careful planning and anatomical precision. She considers skin quality, muscle tone, scar placement and how results will age over time.
Surgery aims to tighten the abdominal wall, remove redundant skin and improve contour without excessive tension. Decisions focus on long-term comfort, proportion and durability rather than dramatic short-term change.
Types of abdominoplasty
Ms Tzafetta selects the surgical approach based on your anatomy and the degree of correction required.
Traditional abdominoplasty (full tummy tuck)
This technique treats the entire abdominal area. Ms Tzafetta removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, tightens the abdominal muscles and repositions the navel to maintain a natural appearance. This approach suits people with more extensive skin laxity or muscle separation.
Partial abdominoplasty (mini tummy tuck)
A partial abdominoplasty treats the area below the navel only. It involves a shorter incision and less extensive dissection. This option suits people who are within about 10% of their ideal body weight and have mild excess skin limited to the lower abdomen.
Apronectomy
Apronectomy removes a large overhang of skin and fat that hangs over the pubic area. This approach focuses on functional improvement and comfort rather than muscle tightening. The scar extends horizontally across the lower abdomen.
Extended abdominoplasty
Extended abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat beyond the abdomen, often including the flanks and upper hips. This approach suits people who have achieved significant weight loss and require broader torso contouring.
What happens during abdominoplasty surgery
During abdominoplasty, Ms Tzafetta makes a carefully planned incision low on the abdomen, positioned so it sits within the bikini line wherever possible.
She removes excess skin and fat, tightens the abdominal muscles to restore support, and reshapes the abdominal contour. In some cases, liposuction (fat removal) helps refine specific areas. Ms Tzafetta then closes the incision in layers and repositions the navel when required.
Abdominoplasty surgery usually takes between 2 and 4 hours. Ms Tzafetta performs the procedure under general anaesthetic, and an overnight hospital stay is common.
Your abdominoplasty consultation
Your consultation with Kalliroi Tzafetta provides the foundation for safe, personalised abdominal surgery.
During this appointment, you can discuss what concerns you about your abdomen and what you hope surgery might improve. Ms Tzafetta will:
- review your medical history and previous abdominal surgery
- assess skin quality, muscle tone and body proportions
- explain suitable techniques and scar placement
- discuss risks, recovery timelines and realistic outcomes
A clear discussion helps ensure decisions feel informed, unhurried, and appropriate for you.
Recovery and expectations
Recovery varies depending on the extent of surgery. Swelling, tightness and bruising are common in the early stages and gradually improve.
Most people take 2 to 3 weeks away from work, depending on the physical demands of their role. Light walking usually starts early, while strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for around 6 weeks.
Ms Tzafetta may recommend a supportive compression garment for several weeks to help reduce swelling and support healing. Final results continue to refine over several months as tissues settle.
Abdominoplasty aims to restore comfort, contour and confidence. Many people notice both physical relief and improved ease with clothing.
Understanding limitations
Abdominoplasty reshapes the abdomen but does not prevent future weight change or ageing. Significant weight fluctuations or pregnancy after surgery can affect results.
Ms Tzafetta will discuss whether additional procedures, such as liposuction (fat removal), may help achieve better overall balance. Each plan reflects your anatomy, goals and long-term outcome quality.
Abdominoplasty FAQs
How long does abdominoplasty surgery take?
Abdominoplasty usually takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the technique used. Ms Tzafetta will explain the expected duration during your consultation.
Will I have a visible scar?
Abdominoplasty leaves a low abdominal scar, typically positioned within the bikini line. Scar length depends on the type of surgery performed. Ms Tzafetta plans scars carefully and will discuss placement in detail before surgery.
When can I return to work?
Most people return to desk-based work after around 2 to 3 weeks. More physically demanding roles may require additional time off. Ms Tzafetta will give tailored guidance.
Is abdominoplasty painful?
Most people describe recovery as tight and uncomfortable rather than painful. Pain relief medication helps manage early discomfort, and movement becomes easier as healing progresses.
Does abdominoplasty remove stretch marks?
Abdominoplasty removes stretch marks located on the skin that is excised, usually between the navel and pubic area. Stretch marks outside this area will remain.
Who performs abdominoplasty surgery?
Kalliroi Tzafetta performs abdominoplasty with a focus on anatomical accuracy, patient safety and long-term comfort, drawing on her background in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
Patient Experiences
Many people find it helpful to hear from others who have been through a similar experience. The reflections below share individual patient perspectives, offered to help you understand what care and recovery can feel like in practice.
Love my Body Now
Ms Tzafetta is a excellent surgeon who I would recommend to anyone. I had a fleur de lys tummy tuck, with a breast lift and reduction in December 2018. I had a problem with the healing and position of my upper tummy and belly button scar, and have since had a revision on that part which I am now really happy with.
Simply amazing!!!!
I can only express my sincere thanks and appreciation for the expert work of Ms Tzafetta. She is a wonderful surgeon and a fabulous person.
From the minute I met with her to discuss my concerns she put me at my ease. We went through the options available to me and the look that I wanted to achieve. She explained everything so clearly and calmly and answered any questions I had with honesty.
Once I had decided to go ahead, the process could not have been more straightforward, from booking the date in with Jo, her PA, to dealing with the hospital and the admin team, it all went really smoothly.
On the day of my procedure I was seen by the anaesthetist and by Ms Tzafetta herself as well as the nursing staff at the hospital. Everybody was so nice and made me very comfortable.
My operation went really well with no complications whatsoever. The care from the hospital and the aftercare from Ms Tzafetta herself was second to none.
I really can’t express enough how pleased I am with the results. I feel like a new person and am so delighted with my new look and would highly recommend Ms Tzafetta.
***Highly talented surgeon!****
Wow what can I say!!! In May 2016 I underwent a Tummy Tuck with Muscle repair and Lipo in Apr 17… and it’s the best decision I ever made!! Dr Tzfetta knew exactly what I wanted and did a fab job!! The after care I received was amazing, was felt at ease and the whole process was professional and amazing!! A highly talented surgeon who went above and beyond to make my body the way I always dreamed it would be!
Further Reading:
British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons
videoandweb.com