Tummy tuck with figure shaping and possible tightening of abdominal muscles

Most people want a flat, smooth and firm stomach. During pregnancy, the skin stretches considerably and the contraction of the skin after childbirth is often not satisfactory. Others have been overweight and, after dieting, develop a troublesome fat apron where the skin hangs downwards. Others have a hereditary predisposition to an unfortunate distribution of fat on the abdomen. Intense exercise and dieting alone do not always have the desired effect.

In order to get the best results from your tummy tuck/abdominoplasty and to avoid complications, it is recommended that you have as normal a weight as possible. If you smoke, you must stop smoking at least one week before surgery and two weeks after. If the skin's elasticity is preserved and not too sagging, the problem can be solved by liposuction alone. If there is a lot of loose skin, known as a sagging abdomen, a tightening of the abdominal skin should usually be performed in addition to a tummy tuck.

In a small tummy tuck/abdominoplasty, excess skin is removed after an initial liposuction. In some women, the abdominal muscles are blown apart during pregnancy. If necessary, the muscle membranes can be tightened during the operation. A full tummy tuck/abdominoplasty creates a new position for the navel (at the same height as it was originally) and removes considerably more excess skin and can tighten the muscles both below and above the navel. The scar usually remains just above the hairline (pubic hair) and out to the sides. If you have scars from previous surgeries procedures (e.g. caesarean section), this will be taken into account when planning your tummy tuck.

We usually close the wound with stitches that dissolve on their own. It is common to insert one or two drains (tubes) that remove blood and fluid from the wound area under the skin. These are usually removed the day after the tummy tuck at the first check-up. The scars are often red, itchy and hard at first, but over time they fade and soften. However, the scars are concealed by panties or a swimsuit and will therefore not be visible. In rare cases, the scars become wide and clearly visible because this depends on the patient's own inherited characteristics. We recommend that you tape the scars for a couple of months after the tummy tuck. If a scar correction could improve the situation, this is done for up to one year after the operation.

For a full (large) abdominoplasty, sick leave is in principle granted for 2-3 weeks.

Before the operation

You must be healthy on the day of the operation. If you are in any doubt about whether you have a cold or similar, please contact us. The operation is not performed if you have flu with fever, cough or other infection in the body. Before the operation, you will receive a prescription for antibiotics, painkillers if necessary and Hibiscrub solution 40 mg/ml, which you can buy at the pharmacy.

The day before surgery and on the day of the operation, wash your entire body with Hibiscrub solution in the shower. This is a disinfectant soap that should be rinsed off with water and the skin dried with a clean towel. Put on clean clothes when you leave home. Do not use perfume and lotion. All jewelry, piercings and nail polish/fake nails must be removed no later than the day before the operation and replaced 7 to 10 days after the operation.

To get the best possible result and to avoid complications, it is recommended that you have a normal weight and not an excessively high BMI. If you smoke, or use nicotine such as snuff or electronic cigarettes, you must quit at least 2 weeks before surgery and 2 weeks after surgery.

You should come to the surgery fasting. This means that you should not eat any food including fruit or drink juice with pulp or dairy products 6 hours before the operation. You can drink water, juice, juice without pulp or coffee/tea without dairy products or chew gum/drops/throat lozenges up to 4 hours before the operation. Medications that you may need to take on the day of surgery can be swallowed with 1 glass of water max. 100 ml up to 1 hour before the start of anesthesia.

It is important that you stop taking blood-thinning medication about 14 days before the operation, preferably in consultation with your GP or us. For other medications, consult the clinic before the operation. You should also avoid eating a lot of garlic and health food preparations.

You must arrange in advance with a person to pick you up at the clinic about 1 hour after the end of the operation, as you cannot drive yourself, take public transport or taxi alone.

On the day of surgery

You will be received by our staff who will prepare you for the operation before the surgeon sees you. Before the actual procedure, the surgeon will go through the procedure, draw up the plan and answer any questions you may have. Anesthesia staff will also come and greet you and answer your questions.

When the operation is about to begin, the surgical nurse will pick you up and wash the operating area while anesthesia personnel give you a sedative in your arm so you sleep under surgery. In addition, the surgeon will administer a local anesthetic in the operating area for a long-lasting analgesic effect in the operating area after the operation, which also reduces bleeding in the area.

After the operation, you will be moved to the recovery room where you will have your own bed. You will then rest for 1-2 hours and be served food and plenty of drink in the form of sandwiches, yogurt and juice (remember to inform about allergies). Painkillers may be given if necessary.

The surgeon will check on you before your return home/hotel stay and you will be cleared by anesthesia staff before you go home with an adult companion. The PVK attached to your hand will be removed before you leave. A car or taxi must be used as a means of transportation immediately after surgery, we do not recommend public transport or walking.

After the operation

All patients come for a postoperative check-up the day after surgery. We recommend that you do not travel by air for the first 48 hours after surgery. During this time, a follow-up appointment will be arranged at the clinic and you should come to the clinic the day after the surgery.

In the first few hours after the operation, you may feel a little tired and sometimes a little nauseous. It's important that you take painkillers as prescribed and as needed, and make sure you drink plenty of fluids during the first 24 hours. Some people may feel a little dizzy, so it's a good idea to take a few minutes to stand up. For the first two days, you should rest and lie as still as possible. For the next five days, you can move around gently. If you have an active job, it's a good idea to stay at home.

The final result can only be assessed after 3-6 months. Follow-up checks are arranged with the clinic; the day after surgery, after 1-2 weeks and 3-6 months, as well as a final check after a year. You must call to arrange the check-ups yourself, or alternatively make an appointment with the clinic on the day of the operation.

Bleeding and infection are uncommon and in very few cases require reoperation and/or antibiotic treatment. Anesthetic complications, such as allergic reaction to anesthetics, are extremely rare.

Physical exercise and hard physical work should be postponed for about 4 weeks.

The scars are often red, itchy and hard at first, but over time they will both fade and soften.

If correction is necessary due to complications or unsatisfactory results, this will be done free of charge within one year, provided there is a medical indication and a clear potential for improvement. This is our guarantee period.

Where to stay

If you live far from the clinic, we recommend that you stay overnight in or near Oslo.

Oslo Plastic Surgery has agreements with both Hotel Gabelshus, Gabelsgate 16 and Frogner House Hotel Norum, formerly Rica Hotel Bygdøy Allé, Bygdøy Allé 53 - both are located in the immediate vicinity of the clinic.

Please contact us for more information about booking a hotel room.

Ask for guidance and advice

We can give you the best advice face to face. We will guide you to the best solution for you.

The doctor in charge is Dr. Amin Kalaaji, senior consultant dr.med, specialist in plastic surgery and head of the clinic at Oslo Plastikkirurgi, and head of the Norwegian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (NFEP) 2018-2020.

Dr. Kalaaji holds many positions and gives lectures and training around the world. This benefits all our patients as he is always up to date on the latest and most advanced treatments and surgical techniques. 

Patient safety, high quality and individual treatment are always our top priorities at Oslo Plastikkirurgi.