The truth behind the ‘Tummy Tuck'

Abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" as it is more affectionately known, is a procedure used to make a persons stomach region thinner and firmer. The surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the midriff and gut in order to tighten the muscle and structure of the abdominal wall. Patients usually seek this type of surgery when they have loose or sagging skin tissues after pregnancy or major weight loss.

Operations vary in scope depending on the extent of the surgery. A complete abdominoplasty can take from 1 to 5 hours. Recovery depends on the procedure, surgical techniques, and other factors. It can take one to four weeks and patients are advised to take at least a portion of this recovery time off work and to avoid heavy activity at all costs.

Initially there may be bruising and discomfort but a supportive abdominal binder or compression garment can minimize swelling, bruising and support the repaired tissues. The compression garment is also effective in helping the skin in the treated area conform to its new shape. Patients are required not to smoke for a month or longer prior to surgery and also during the recovery period. Full recovery takes 3–6 months. Scars may appear red and prominent at first, but with proper care, they heal into a thin, silvery line.

The cost of a "tummy tuck" varies from country to country and even within locales of countries. These costs generally do not include the follow-up visits as required by some doctors, the pre-operative and post-operative care, facility fees, anaesthesia, and medications that must be taken into consideration when reviewing surgery costs. 

In the United States this procedure can cost from as little as $4,000 if performed in a back ally surgery by Dr Nick Riviera from The Simpsons to as much as $20,000 in one of the more upmarket high tech facilities. Thankfully, on this side of the Atlantic, the gap in the relationship between quality and cost is not so great. Prices in the UK range from £6,000 to £10,000 and €6,000 to €11,000 in Ireland.

Here in Prague you can have the upmarket high tech version for less than what Dr Nick would charge in the US. In addition, the prices quoted include airport pick-up, 24 hours assistance, pre-operative check-up, operation, anaesthesia, compression clothes, 2 nights at the clinic, post-operation care and guarantee.

Tummy Tuck - €2,000.

Tummy Tuck with Liposuction of Tummy & Hips - €2,400.

Tummy Tuck with added breast enlargement - €3,990.

Seeing yourself in the mirror wearing your new bikini next summer - €Priceless!