Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

The abdomen is one of the most stubborn areas of the body. Pregnancy stretches the abdominal wall muscles apart (diastasis recti) and leaves behind loose, excess skin that cannot be reversed through fitness. Significant weight loss similarly leaves a hanging 'apron' of redundant skin that causes rashes, discomfort, and persistent self-consciousness.

Abdominoplasty — the tummy tuck — removes this excess skin, repairs separated abdominal muscles, and sculpts a flat, firm, and natural-looking abdomen. It is not a weight-loss procedure; it is a body-reshaping procedure for those at or near their goal weight who cannot achieve the contour they want through non-surgical means.

Abdominoplasty is one of the most transformative procedures in cosmetic surgery — consistently among the highest patient-satisfaction operations worldwide. Patients frequently describe it as 'getting their body back'.

Why Choose Dr. Bhavya Sree for Abdominoplasty ?

• M.Ch Plastic Surgery — NIMS Hyderabad (India's premier surgical training institution)
• FAM & FAS (Belgium) — International fellowship-level training in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery
• All consultations, procedures, and

injectables performed personally by Dr. Bhavya Sree

• — never delegated
• Visakhapatnam's only plastic surgeon with dual international fellowship credentials in aesthetic surgery
• Natural-looking results — surgical technique guided by an artist's eye for proportion and harmony

What Abdominoplasty Can Address Loose, excess, or sagging skin of the abdomen — particularly below the navel Persistent lower belly bulge that will not flatten with exercise Diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles) causing a protruding belly Stretch marks on the lower abdomen (those below the navel are removed with the skin) Overhanging abdominal 'apron' (pannus) causing skin fold rashes and hygiene issues Post-C-section shelf or scar irregularity

Types of

Abdominoplasty Mini Abdominoplasty For patients with excess skin limited to the lower abdomen only, with good muscle tone. A shorter scar, no navel repositioning, and faster recovery. Ideal for those who need lower-belly skin removal only.

Full (Standard) Abdominoplasty

The most common and comprehensive option. Excess skin from the entire lower abdomen is removed, abdominal muscles are repaired if separated, and the navel is repositioned. The scar runs hip-to-hip, hidden within the bikini line.

Extended Abdominoplasty Extends the standard tummy tuck to include the flanks (love handles) and outer hips. Ideal for patients with significant weight loss carrying excess skin around the sides. Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty For patients with massive weight loss and significant skin excess in both horizontal AND vertical directions. Combines horizontal and vertical scars — more scarring, greater contouring in complex cases.

Abdominoplasty with Liposuction Liposuction of the flanks, hips, or waist is commonly combined with abdominoplasty for a more complete waist contour. Dr. Bhavya Sree customises each plan to achieve the most sculpted, natural result possible.

Procedure at a Glance

Anaesthesia

General anaesthesia Duration 2-4 hours depending on technique

Hospital Stay

1-2 nights Drains 1-2 drains for 5-7 days post-op Compression Garment Worn for 6-8 weeks Return to Work 2-3 weeks (desk work) Exercise 6-8 weeks Final Result 6-12 months as swelling fully resolves

Recovery Timeline

Days 1-3: Discomfort, tightness, limited mobility. Rest with legs slightly elevated. Drains in place. Days 5-7: Drains removed. Significantly more comfortable. Short walks encouraged. Weeks 2-3: Sutures reviewed. Return to light desk work. Compression garment worn full-time.

Weeks 4-6: Swelling reducing noticeably. Compression garment continues. Light activity resumes. Months 3-6: Majority of swelling resolved. Scar maturing and softening. Months 6-12: Final result. Scar fades from pink to white. Abdomen fully settled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose weight from a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck removes skin and repairs muscle — it is not a weight-loss procedure. Most patients lose 1-3kg of skin tissue. However, the visual and functional transformation far exceeds what the scale shows. You should be at or near your goal weight before surgery.

Will I have a visible scar? Yes — abdominoplasty

leaves a scar, but it is placed low enough to be hidden within a bikini or underwear line. Scars are red and firm for the first 3-6 months, then progressively fade to a fine, pale line over 12-18 months. Scar care is an important part of your post-operative plan.

Can I have a tummy tuck if I plan to have more children? It is strongly recommended to complete your family before abdominoplasty . A subsequent pregnancy can re-separate the repaired muscles and stretch the skin, partially reversing results and making revision more complex.

What is diastasis recti and will it be repaired?

Diastasis recti is the separation of the two rectus abdominis muscles that run down the centre of the abdomen — commonly caused by pregnancy. This is repaired as part of a full abdominoplasty by suturing the muscles back together, significantly flattening and strengthening the abdomen.

Can a tummy tuck be combined with other procedures? Yes — abdominoplasty is frequently combined with liposuction, breast procedures (Mommy Makeover), thigh or arm lifts. Dr. Bhavya Sree will advise on safe combinations and staging.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

Your first consultation with Dr. Bhavya Sree is a private, unhurried, and completely confidential conversation — with no obligation to proceed. You can expect:

A thorough clinical assessment of the area of concern, your anatomy, skin quality, and overall health. An honest discussion of what surgery can and cannot achieve for your specific case. A clear explanation of the procedure, risks, recovery, and realistic outcome. A staged or combined treatment plan if multiple concerns are being addressed. A fully itemised, transparent cost estimate — with no hidden fees.

Photographs may be taken for clinical records and planning, with your explicit consent. Digital imaging may be used to help visualise potential outcomes for facial and body procedures. Book your private consultation with Dr.

Bhavya Sree — drbhavyaplasticsurgery.com | Visakhapatnam