Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) in Korea – What to know

Flat abdomen is what every women, and men, desire. And we are not even talking about six packs abs, just flat tummies.

Loose skin and fats can affect our self-esteem and the way we view ourselves in the mirror. It affects the way we dress too, as we keep trying to hide our sagging tummies with tummy-control bodysuits and tummy flattening spanx.

But as we age, we realize that it is getting harder and harder to lose belly fats and those sagging skin. Well, actually all fats for that matter.

And for women after pregnancy, no matter how much you exercise, even if you manage to lose the fats you have gained, it seems hard to get rid of the extra sagging skin on your belly.

That’s why many resort to getting a tummy tuck surgery, aka abdominoplasty, to remove those excess sagging skin on their abdomen. If you are considering going for a tummy tuck, read along to find out more.

What is tummy tuck or abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as tummy tuck, is a plastic surgery procedure that removes excess fat tissues and loose skin while tightening your abdomen muscles. It is the most effective way to remove sagging belly skin and excess tummy fats at the same time.

A tummy tuck also fixes overly stretched abdominal walls and loss of skin elasticity at your belly by tightening your abdominal muscles. In some cases where a lot of saggy skin is removed, your belly button will also be repositioned. When successfully done, it can correct your entire waist line and create a smooth flat abdomen.

Should I get a tummy tuck surgery?

A tummy tuck, though mainly for aesthetic reasons, is a pretty much sought after cosmetic procedure actually. Here are a few of the most common situations that warrant a tummy tuck:

• Went through a dramatic weight loss which has left you with sagging belly skin
• Gone through pregnancy which left you with saggy belly skin
• Had liposuction and are left with excess skin
• Given birth a couple of times and now have lots of sagging belly skin
• You have lost skin elasticity and have a saggy lower belly

If you have lots of stubborn fats and sagging belly skin, you might want to consider combining liposuction with tummy tuck. In fact, combining both procedures produce a more contoured waistline and fantastic results.

What are the types of tummy tuck procedures?

1. Full tummy tuck (Full abdominoplasty)

A full tummy tuck removes sagging belly skin and fat tissues, and also tightens your abdominal muscles. Most effective for removing large areas of flabby skin. Your belly button will also be repositioned accordingly.

2. Mini tummy tuck (Mini-abdominoplasty)

Similar to a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck also tightens abdominal muscles, and removes excess belly skin and fat tissues. However, a mini tummy tuck is only suitable for those who do not have too much saggy skin, usually for thin body types. And in such cases, the belly button does not need repositioning.

3. Tummy tuck & liposuction

Think of it as the ultimate abdominal contouring duo. The combination of tummy tuck and liposuction involves the removal of all saggy belly skin as well as stubborn fats, and the tightening of loose abdominal muscles. This perfect combination will result in a new, sexy and contoured waistline.

How long does tummy tuck surgery take?

Tummy tuck surgery in Korea is a major surgery and usually lasts at least 3 hours. It is performed under general anesthesia so you will not feel any pain.

Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) recovery

Instantaneous results, though you might experience numbess and bruising from several weeks to months. After the surgery, there will be restrictions for movements around your abdomen area, such as sitting up, turning to your sides etc. Excessive movements are strongly discouraged.

Typically after the surgery, you would need to carry a blood drainage bag (small version of a urine bag) with you for 2~3 days. This is because abdominoplasty is an extensive surgery so you might continue to bleed for a few days. Also, you should wear a belly compression garment for at least 1 month to maintain the shape of your new abdomen.

Do take note that the success of your tummy tuck surgery not only lies in the hands of your surgeon but also how you well you recover after surgery. Learn how to properly care for your body during the recovery period by reading our article on tummy tuck aftercare and post-op instructions.

Actual recovery time vary among individuals, and is subjected to one’s health condition & healing response.

How long should I stay in Korea?

Abdominoplasty in Korea is a major surgery but hospitalization is not required. Do, however, stay until your stitches are removed. Maybe go shopping in the meantime!

Stitch removal

Stitches are usually removed 10 days after surgery.

Cautions on stitch removal

If you remove the stitches earlier then advised, your wound might reopen, causing an infection. And if you remove it too late, you risk further scarring and pigmentation.

Sometimes due to time constraints, you might want to have your stitches removed at the local hospitals in your home country. Although that is possible (but not recommended), it depends on how well you have been healing and is also subjected to doctor’s approval.

Alternatives to tummy tuck surgery

Unfortunately, there are no alternatives to abdominoplasty. If you do not have excess sagging skin but have just a fatty belly, you might want to consider liposuction instead, to get rid of the stubborn fats on your belly.

Liposuction is less invasive and it will help improve your abdomen area, but it cannot remove excess sagging skin though.

What other surgery complements tummy tuck surgery?

1. Liposuction

Coupled with tummy tuck surgery, liposuction can produce impressive results, especially for those who are obese.

2. Breast augmentation surgery

If you have small breasts, breast augmentation surgery can help you create a new body line from top onwards. If you don’t want breast implants, breast enlargement by fat grafting is a good option too.

3. Fat grafting for face

If you have also opted for liposuction with your tummy tuck surgery, you can consider fat grafting for face to pump volume to your face and look younger.

Conclusion

A flat belly and a contoured waistline are all part of a sexy and curvy body shape. And we can’t deny that all women desire it. So if having a sagging belly is creating self-esteem issues and affects your confidence, the more the reason for you to get a tummy tuck!

In fact, tummy tuck is a highly sought after cosmetic procedure by many who are left with flabby tummies after having gone through excessive dieting or pregnancy. The only downside is scarring. That said, scars can be carefully positioned to be covered by your panty line, and they fade overtime.

So that, in exchange for a flat tummy and a major self-esteem boost, in our eyes, is all worth it. Just make sure you go to a highly skilled and experienced board certified surgeon for the best results!