Skip to content 
Practical Information
Plastic Surgery
- Reduce excess skin and/or fat in the abdominal area;
- Correct separated abdominal muscles.
Around 2 to 3 hours.
General anaesthesia
1 or 2 days
Around 4 weeks
What is a abdominoplasty (or Tummy Tuck)?
A tummy tuck involves removing excess skin and fat in the lower abdominal area, along with repositioning the rectus abdominal muscles.
In selected cases, it may be combined with liposuction of the abdomen, flanks, or back.
How is it done?
A tummy tuck generally involves the following steps:
-
The plastic surgeon makes a horizontal incision above the pubic area, which may vary in length depending on the extent of correction needed;
-
Excess skin and fat are removed, exposing the underlying abdominal muscles;
-
If necessary, weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis) are stitched together to restore firmness;
-
In some cases, the navel may be repositioned to match the new appearance of the abdomen;
-
Finally, the incision is closed with sutures, resulting in a scar that lies below the bikini line. Our surgeon also follows a series of steps during the procedure so that the peri-umbilical scar becomes nearly imperceptible.
Who is this surgery for?
A tummy tuck is recommended for people who have:
-
Excess abdominal skin due to significant weight loss, pregnancy, or ageing;
-
Separated abdominal muscles (for example, bulging of the abdominal wall muscles, known as rectus diastasis, after pregnancy);
-
Persistent fat accumulation in the abdominal area that does not respond to diet and exercise.
The surgery is recommended for women who do not wish to have more children.
Expected Results
The results of a tummy tuck include a flatter, firmer, and more toned abdomen.
Removing excess skin and fat contributes to a more sculpted appearance, and correcting weakened or bulging abdominal muscles can improve both firmness and functionality.
By strengthening the abdominal wall, the surgery may help improve posture, especially in cases where weak abdominal muscles contribute to back pain.
Although it is not a specific procedure for stretch mark removal, a tummy tuck can also remove some stretch marks located in the lower part of the abdomen.
Most patients experience a significant boost in self-esteem after the surgery.
Results can last for many years. If you do not gain weight or become pregnant after your tummy tuck, the changes can be very long-lasting. There will always be some tissue laxity with ageing, but not to the extent seen before the surgery.
Post-operative Period and Recovery After a Tummy Tuck
Recovery from a tummy tuck can take several weeks (typically 15 days to 1 month), during which patients should follow medical guidelines to optimise results and minimise complications.
In the first few days, you will likely be unable to stand fully upright for long periods, which may cause some discomfort. You may also feel the abdominal skin is tighter. Some swelling and bruising are normal and will gradually subside over a few days to weeks.
During the first 6 to 8 weeks, you will need to wear a compression garment both day and night.
The pain associated with a tummy tuck varies greatly from patient to patient. Some report a moderate level of discomfort, while others mention back pain due to sleeping position. However, there will certainly be some discomfort, which can be managed with painkillers.
What does the tummy tuck scar look like?
Although surgeons strive to make scars as discreet as possible, scarring always depends on the patient’s genetics and their ability to follow post-operative care instructions.
Normally, during a tummy tuck, an incision is made in the suprapubic crease (above the pubic area), allowing the scar to be perfectly concealed by underwear or a bikini.
The length of the incision will depend on the patient’s skin laxity and degree of obesity.
In more severe cases, an “anchor tummy tuck,” also known as an inverted-T tummy tuck due to the shape of the scar, may be performed. This type of tummy tuck is more extensive than the traditional procedure and is generally recommended for patients who require more significant correction of excess skin and abdominal flaccidity.
The final appearance of the scars depends on several factors. However, there are treatments that can greatly improve the final appearance of the scar, such as CO2 laser.
Other treatments such as drainage, massage, compression, silicone, and creams can be excellent complements for good healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the surgery take?
A tummy tuck lasts between 2–3 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether it is combined with liposuction.
How long is the hospital stay?
In general, patients undergoing a tummy tuck can expect a hospital stay of 1 or 2 days, for greater safety and comfort.
What type of anaesthesia is used?
A tummy tuck is generally performed under general anaesthesia.
Is the post-operative period painful?
Pain associated with a tummy tuck varies greatly from patient to patient. Some report a moderate level of discomfort, while others mention back pain due to sleeping position. However, there will certainly be some discomfort, which can be managed with painkillers.
What are the risks of a tummy tuck?
Like any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck involves risks.
It is important that the patient is aware of these risks before deciding to proceed.
Some associated risks include:
-
infection at the incision site;
-
haematoma;
-
poor wound healing;
-
changes in abdominal skin sensitivity;
-
adverse reactions to anaesthesia;
-
deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in deep veins) and pulmonary embolism (a clot that travels to the lungs).
Are the results permanent?
Results can last many years. If you do not gain weight or become pregnant after your tummy tuck, then the changes may be long-lasting. There will always be some tissue laxity with age, but not to the extent seen before the surgery.
Is it possible to become pregnant and have children after a tummy tuck?
It is possible to become pregnant and have children after a tummy tuck, but you should be aware that the results of the surgery may be affected by a subsequent pregnancy.
We do not recommend the surgery for women who plan to become pregnant afterwards.
When can I return to work?
A tummy tuck can take some time to fully heal. Even so, many patients can return to normal activity after 3 to 4 weeks, but this will depend on the extent of the surgery and the type of work performed. In some cases, you may be unable to work for more than 1 month. You should discuss this with the surgeon.
What is a lipoabdominoplasty?
Lipoabdominoplasty is a combination of two surgical techniques: liposuction and a tummy tuck.
Both procedures aim to improve the appearance of the abdominal area, but lipoabdominoplasty seeks to offer additional benefits by combining the removal of excess fat with the correction of skin laxity and abdominal muscle structure.
By combining these two techniques, lipoabdominoplasty provides more comprehensive aesthetic results.
See the clinical case in Lipoabdominoplasty Before and After.
Living Clinic Plastic Surgeon
[Medical License #53318]
Dr. Francisco Martins de Carvalho is a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. He completed his degree in Medicine at the School of Medicine of the University of Oporto and the Internship in Specific Training in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery took place at Hospital de São José (Lisbon) and Hospital de São João (Oporto).
Dr. Francisco Martins de Carvalho performed several internships, namely on Oncology Surgery of the Head and Neck at the Portuguese Institute of Oncology – Oporto and a fellowship of Hand Surgery, organized by the Portuguese Society of Hand Surgery. He also performed international internships in Aesthetic Surgery, Breast Reconstruction and Lymphedema at the Clinic Planas – Barcelona, at the University Hospital of Brussels and at the Villa Sant’Apollonia Clinic – Bergamo, having contacted with references in Plastic Surgery such as Dr. Jaume Masià, Dr. Moustapha Hamdi and Dr. Enrico Robotti.
Currently, he is also a plastic surgeon at the Hospital de São João – Oporto, and a Invited Lecturer at the School of Medicine of the University of Oporto.
In the field of cosmetic surgery, he has a special interest in facial cosmetic surgery, breast cosmetic surgery, body contouring surgery and vaginal cosmetic surgery.
What is the price of a tummy tuck?
At Living Clinic, the price of a tummy tuck generally ranges between €3500 and €4500.
Book a consultation to receive a quote and clarify all your questions.
Living Clinic Plastic Surgery Testimonials
“Dr. Francisco Martins De Carvalho doesn’t forget the smallest detail. He seeks perfection and finds it. A unique and sublime talent. I woke up with the body of a teenager (I’m 41). Thank you for making me smile.”
“Very attentive doctor, very helpful and friendly receptionist. Welcoming and pleasant environment.”
“I had a gynocomastia surgery about two weeks ago, performed by Dr. Carvalho. The surgery went exactly as he outlined during the consultation. The process was very smooth and painless. Even though it’s only been two weeks, it feels like I never had surgery, and the result is truly flawless. Dr. Carvalho provided very detailed […]
“One of the best surgeons, I’m so grateful for the excellent work he did with me! A perfectionist!! I couldn’t be happier with the results! Thank you, Dr. Francisco Carvalho!”
“Dr. Francisco Carvalho is undoubtedly the best plastic surgeon with a very promising future ahead. His dedication, responsibility, professionalism, concern for patients, sensitivity, and humility are second to none. I highly recommend him. Thank you, Dr. Francisco, and the entire team for everything, but especially Dr. Francisco Carvalho. I recommend this plastic surgeon to anyone […]
LOCATION
Where to have a tummy tuck in Porto?
Have your tummy tuck at Living Clinic with maximum safety and effectiveness! We are located at Av. da Boavista 117, 6th floor, Room 607, 4050-115 Porto, Portugal.
Book a consultation with the plastic surgeon to receive a personalised recommendation for your case and clarify all your questions.
