Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) in South Delhi

An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, removes loose skin and fat from the abdomen, tightens the muscle layer underneath and, where needed, is combined with repair of a hernia. At THE CLINICS it is planned by Dr Anil Kumar Kaler, plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon (MBBS, MS, DNB; DMC Reg. No. 76657; 9 years of experience), together with Dr Saurabh Bansal, GI, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon (DMC Reg. No. 37887, 18 years in practice), when a hernia or muscle gap needs repair. Surgery is done at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas.

Diet and exercise can reduce fat, but they cannot remove stretched skin, a hanging tummy fold or close muscles that have separated after pregnancy or large weight loss. That is the gap an abdominoplasty is meant to fill. It is not a weight-loss operation.

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Who usually asks about abdominoplasty

• Women after one or more pregnancies or C-sections, with a loose tummy flap, a lower belly overhang or a gap between the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). Many also have an incisional hernia at the C-section scar, and both can be treated in one plan.

• People who have lost a lot of weight, by diet or after weight loss surgery, and are left with folds of skin

• People with an umbilical or incisional hernia who also have loose skin or a muscle gap

• People with an old abdominal scar that has stretched or puckered

There is no strict weight limit, but a BMI below 30–35 is preferred. Your weight should be steady, and smoking should stop well before surgery. After pregnancy and delivery, or after weight loss surgery, wait usually at least 6 to 12 months, ideally around a year.

Types of tummy tuck

• Full tummy tuck: a cut low on the abdomen from hip to hip, usually hidden by underwear, plus a small cut around the belly button so it can sit in its new position. Loose skin and fat are removed and the muscle layer is tightened.

• Mini tummy tuck: a shorter cut for a small amount of loose skin below the belly button. The belly button is usually not moved.

• Extended tummy tuck: a longer cut that continues towards the flanks, for loose skin that wraps around the sides, often after large weight loss.

• Tummy tuck with liposuction: all types of liposuction are offered, so the flanks ("love handles") or upper abdomen can be contoured in the same operation.

Dr Kaler advises which option suits you after examining you.

Abdominoplasty with hernia repair

A hernia near the belly button, or at a C-section or other operation scar, is common in the same patients who need an abdominoplasty. It has to be found and repaired as part of the plan, not left under tightened skin.

Dr Saurabh Bansal examines the abdomen and, where needed, orders an ultrasound or CT scan to map the hernia and the muscle gap. The plastic surgeon and the hernia surgeon then plan the operation together. Depending on the hernia, the repair is done:

• Open, through the same abdominoplasty cut, with mesh where needed; or

• Minimally invasive, by laparoscopic eTEP or IPOM plus repair, or with component separation for larger defects.

Mesh is used for all ventral hernias to reduce the risk of recurrence. Read more: Hernia surgery in South Delhi · Umbilical hernia · Incisional hernia

The operation and the hospital stay

The operation is usually done under general anaesthesia in the modular operation theatre at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas, a DGHS-registered hospital with 6 ICU-enabled beds. Before surgery you have blood tests, an ECG and an anaesthesia check. Drains are always placed after an abdominoplasty to remove fluid while the area heals, and a compression garment supports the abdomen. The usual hospital stay is 1 to 2 days.

Recovery: what to expect

• First 1–2 weeks: soreness and a tight feeling are normal, and you may walk slightly bent at first. Short, gentle walks help prevent blood clots. The team tells you when the drains come out.

• About 7 days: most people can return to desk work.

• 3–4 weeks: most people are back to normal daily activities.

• Heavy lifting and core exercise: avoid sit-ups, crunches and heavy lifting until your surgeon clears you, usually around six weeks, so the muscle repair can heal.

• Up to 3 months: some swelling can remain. The scar keeps fading over the following months.

See also: Exercising after a tummy tuck.

Risks

All surgery carries some risk of bleeding and infection. After an abdominoplasty there can also be swelling, fluid collection, slow healing of the wound, blood clots, numbness of the lower abdomen and a scar that widens or darkens. The scar is permanent, though it is placed low so clothing usually covers it. A large change in weight afterwards can change the result. Your surgeons go through the risks that apply to you at the consultation.

Cost and insurance

You get a written estimate after the consultation. It depends on the type of tummy tuck, whether liposuction or hernia repair is added, and the length of stay. Insurance facilities available. More on insurance and costs.

Consultation fee: ₹1,500, plus ₹100 registration on the first visit.

Your surgeons

Dr Anil Kumar Kaler: plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon. MBBS, MS, DNB. DMC Reg. No. 76657. 9 years of experience. Areas of work include abdominoplasty, liposuction and body contouring, breast surgery and scar revision. Visiting consultant at THE CLINICS Green Park and THE CLINICS MISC Hauz Khas, by appointment. View profile

Dr Saurabh Bansal: GI, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon. DMC Reg. No. 37887, 18 years in practice. Founder and Director, THE CLINICS MISC. Repairs abdominal wall hernias by open and laparoscopic methods, including eTEP, IPOM plus and component separation. View profile

Patients from nearby areas

Many patients come from Green Park, Hauz Khas, Malviya Nagar, Saket, GK, Lajpat Nagar, South Extension, Vasant Vihar, Munirka and RK Puram. See Near Malviya Nagar and Saket, Near GK, Lajpat Nagar and South Ex, Near Munirka, Vasant Vihar and RK Puram and How to reach THE CLINICS. Living abroad? See Tummy tuck in Delhi for NRIs.

Frequently asked questions

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