28 Oct 2025
Loose abdominal skin, weakened muscles, and stubborn fat deposits are common after pregnancy, major weight loss, or natural aging. Exercise and diet often help with fat reduction but cannot correct stretched skin or separated muscles. This is where abdominoplasty, also called a tummy tuck, comes in.
An abdominoplasty is more than a cosmetic procedure—it’s a surgical restoration of strength, tone, and appearance. Many patients come to Laser Cosmesis in Thane (Mumbai) to understand exactly how the surgery works, what to expect, and whether it’s right for them.
This guide explains abdominoplasty in detail while also sharing how Dr. Medha A. Bhave, a board-certified plastic surgeon, ensures safe and customized outcomes for her patients.
What happens during abdominoplasty surgery?
Abdominoplasty is performed under anesthesia in a hospital or surgical center. The procedure usually involves the following steps:
1. Anesthesia – General anesthesia or spinal/epidural with sedation is administered for comfort.
We prefer spinal and epidural. –like caesarean, we can provide continuous pain relief thro epidural for 24 hrs. If you want to sleep–please let us know. If you have spine problem, we have safe GA available with full back up and central oxygen.
2. Liposuction–A 360 degree liposuction with tightening with RadioFrequency–bodytite ( Embrace) and fat liquidation with Liposaver UAL is done. Fat is removed with power liposuction.
3. Urinary catheter is put.
4. Incision – A pre-marked horizontal incision is made low on the abdomen, usually just above the pubic area, where it can be hidden under clothing. Excess pubic area can be reduced or liposculpted and then lifted up. Thos improves appearance and reduces the urinary leakage.
5. Lifting the skin – The skin and fat are lifted off the abdominal wall to access the underlying muscles.
6. Muscle tightening – If the abdominal muscles are stretched apart (a condition called diastasis recti), they are stitched back together to restore firmness. We also perform oblique tightening as described by Psillakis in addition.
7. TULUA–Sometimes we do this procedure to performed horizontal tightening in lower tummy. This brings the vertical tummy muscles back to their position. This described in Colombia by Dr Villegas was popularised by us in India. A chapter about experience in Indian patients was constributed by us in his book.
8. Skin removal – Excess skin is trimmed, and the remaining skin is redraped.
9. Contouring liposuction of abdomen to create midline and lateral deep highlights is performed now.
10. Tolet liposuction is done to remove all the dead fat and fluids. This is described in our paper on drainless adbdominoplasty or tubeless tummy tuck.
11. Umbilicus repositioning – The belly button is repositioned naturally to match the new contour.
12. Closure – The incision is carefully closed in layers for strength and to minimize scarring.
At Laser Cosmesis, Dr. Bhave uses advanced techniques, including drainless tummy tuck methods, which improve recovery by eliminating the need for external drains in many cases.
How is abdominoplasty performed?
There are different types of abdominoplasty, and the approach is tailored to each patient’s needs:
? Full abdominoplasty – Most common; removes excess skin and tightens muscles across the entire abdomen.
? Mini abdominoplasty – Involves a smaller incision and is ideal for patients with loose skin only below the navel.
? Extended abdominoplasty – Targets the abdomen, flanks, and hips for patients with significant skin excess after weight loss.
? Circumferential abdominoplasty (body lift) – For massive weight loss patients with excess tissue around the entire torso.
Each technique has its own recovery timeline and expected results. The choice depends on how much correction is needed.
Is muscle tightening always required?
Not always. Muscle tightening is performed when the rectus muscles (six-pack muscles) have separated due to pregnancy or weight gain.
? Yes, required: In women who’ve had multiple pregnancies or patients with abdominal wall laxity or a large hanging skin-fat excess.
? Not required: In patients who only have loose skin but intact muscle tone.
Muscle tightening not only improves appearance but also strengthens the core, reducing back pain and improving posture.
During consultations at Laser Cosmesis, a physical exam helps determine whether muscle repair is necessary.
Can liposuction be combined with abdominoplasty?
Yes. In fact, combining liposuction with abdominoplasty often delivers the most natural, sculpted results.
? Liposuction removes stubborn fat from flanks, hips, and upper abdomen.
? Abdominoplasty tightens muscles and skin in the central abdomen.
? Together, they provide a complete transformation.
This combined approach is sometimes called lipoabdominoplasty. At Laser Cosmesis, advanced power-assisted liposuction is available, ensuring safe fat removal with minimal trauma.
How long does the procedure take?
? Full abdominoplasty: Usually 2 to 4 hours.
? Mini abdominoplasty: 1 to 2 hours.
? Extended abdominoplasty: 4 to 6 hours.
The duration depends on the complexity, amount of skin and fat removed, and whether liposuction or muscle tightening is included.
We also prefer spinal so that patient does not face complications of general anaesthesia if the time extends.
Patients typically stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days for monitoring and pain management.
? Dressings and compression garments are applied.
? Some discomfort, swelling, and tightness are expected.
? Patients are encouraged to walk gently after 36 hours.
? We use DVT pump and close monitoring to avoid embolism or clot formation in the leg veins.
? Do not remove your garment till First visit –scheduled on third day after discharge. First 2 weeks
? Bruising and swelling gradually reduce.
? Stitches ususally dissolve or be removed in rare patients if needed. We support the wound with a paper.tape.
? Most people resume light activities after 10–14 days.
? Avoid straining for stools and urine and cough with support to the tummy
? Normal activities can be resumed gradually.
? Heavy exercise and lifting should still be avoided.
? Avoid straining for stools and urine and cough with support to the tummy
? A few lumps and bumps can be there. We used deep ultrasound massage on 10 th and
20 the day to reduce swelling
? Swelling resolves fully.
? Final results become visible.
? Scars start fading with proper care.
? Avoid straining for stools and urine and cough with support to the tummy till 6 months are over.
At Laser Cosmesis, patients receive detailed recovery instructions, scar management advice, and scheduled follow-ups to ensure smooth healing.
? Experience & expertise: Dr. Medha A. Bhave has decades of surgical practice and specialized training in cosmetic procedures.
? Innovative techniques: Pioneering the drainless tummy tuck in India for greater comfort. Also the TULUA procedure is a boon to bulky patients who do not have viscral fat.
? Holistic care: Patients receive nutritional guidance, scar management, and exercise advice.
? Hospital backup: Association with Param Hospital & ICU ensures safety at every step.
? Transparent consultations: Patients are informed honestly about what to expect, with realistic goals set.
? Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
? MCh in Plastic Surgery from Grant Medical College & JJ Hospital, Mumbai.
? Practicing since the 1996s; established Laser Cosmesis in 2002.
? Known for innovation, including the drainless abdominoplasty technique.
? Widely respected for her patient-first approach and ethical practice.
? Has done abdominoplasty demos at premier teaching institutes
Dr. Bhave believes in delivering safe, natural results while prioritizing long-term health and confidence.
Is abdominoplasty safe?
Yes, when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon in a hospital setting.
Will there be scars?
Yes, but they are low on the abdomen, easily hidden by clothing, and fade over time.
How much weight can I lose with abdominoplasty?
It’s not a weight-loss surgery. It’s a body-contouring procedure.
Can men have abdominoplasty?
Yes. It is effective for men after weight loss or abdominal wall weakness.
When can I return to work?
Most patients resume office work within 2–3 weeks.
Is it painful?
Discomfort is expected initially but is manageable with prescribed medications.
Abdominoplasty is a powerful procedure that restores firmness, eliminates loose skin, and improves abdominal strength. Whether it involves muscle tightening, liposuction, or just skin removal, the surgery is customized to each patient’s needs.
At Laser Cosmesis, Thane (Mumbai), Dr. Medha A. Bhave combines surgical expertise with advanced techniques to deliver results that look natural and feel comfortable. From the first consultation to recovery and beyond, patients receive complete support.
If you are considering abdominoplasty, the best next step is to schedule a private consultation. This allows you to understand your options, review what results are realistic, and take the first step toward a stronger, more confident you.
Clinic Timings
Mon to Sat : 12:00pm to 7:00pm
Sunday : Closed
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