Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is an aesthetic and reconstructive surgical procedure designed to tighten and reshape the abdominal area. This procedure is particularly recommended after significant weight loss or pregnancy, when the abdominal skin has become lax or there is an excess of tissue. By tightening sagging skin and correcting imperfections, it offers a firmer, more harmonious abdomen, while enhancing comfort and self-confidence.
At Brussels Surgical & Esthetic Center, several abdominoplasty techniques are available to meet the specific needs of each patient. Mini abdominoplasty targets excess skin in the lower abdominal area for a lighter procedure that does not involve repositioning the navel. Standard abdominoplasty combines skin and fat removal with navel repositioning and tightening of the abdominal muscles to deliver comprehensive results. Finally, extended abdominoplasty is intended for patients with significant excess skin affecting both the abdomen and flanks. These procedures help restore a flat, toned abdomen while ensuring harmonious and lasting results.
We understand that every patient may have specific concerns before deciding to undergo abdominoplasty. Whether regarding the different types of procedures, the recovery process, or the expected results, we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to help you better understand this procedure.
The price of an abdominoplasty (abdominal wall lift with navel repositioning) is 4,900 euros including VAT. INAMI reimbursement is increasingly restricted. We recommend contacting your mutual insurance provider, as some may cover the basic INAMI rate in the context of abdominoplasty following bariatric surgery, or for women who have given birth to three or more children. However, reimbursement is never granted for private outpatient facilities such as ours. If you are eligible for reimbursement, it may be financially advantageous to undergo the procedure in a hospital-based setting.
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at reshaping the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat, while tightening the abdominal wall muscles. This procedure is ideal for individuals with excess skin due to significant weight loss, pregnancy, or simply seeking a flatter, more toned stomach.
Our surgeons offer several tailored options to meet your specific needs. Mini abdominoplasty targets the lower part of the abdomen for a lighter procedure. Standard abdominoplasty removes excess skin while repairing abdominal muscles through a comprehensive approach. For patients with significant excess skin around the flanks and abdomen, extended abdominoplasty offers a more suitable solution. Your surgeon will guide you in selecting the technique best suited to your case.
The best candidates are individuals in good overall health, close to their ideal weight, with excess skin or fat that does not respond to diet and exercise. It is important to have realistic expectations and not to consider this procedure as a weight loss solution.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically lasts between 2 and 3 hours, depending on complexity. An incision is made in the lower abdomen to remove excess skin and fat, and to tighten the abdominal muscles if necessary. The scar is strategically placed to remain as discreet as possible.
Although each patient experiences pain differently, some discomfort should be expected in the first few days following the procedure. This pain is generally well managed with pain medication prescribed by your surgeon.
Our surgeons use dissolvable sutures that naturally resorb within 2 to 3 weeks and do not require removal. As for scars, although permanent, they fade over time and are strategically positioned to be easily concealed under underwear. Specific scar treatments may be recommended to improve their appearance.
Recovery time varies from patient to patient, but most people can resume light activities after 1 to 2 weeks. Intense physical activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 6 weeks.
Dressings must stay dry during the first few days. Once your surgeon gives permission, you may shower, avoiding direct water pressure on the incision sites.
Your surgeon will prescribe healing creams and may recommend compression bandages to support the treated area. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to ensure optimal recovery.
You may resume driving as soon as you feel comfortable and can move without pain, usually after 1 to 2 weeks.
Physical activity should be resumed gradually. Light exercises may be considered after 4 weeks, while intense activity should be avoided for at least 6 to 8 weeks.
This depends on the nature of your job. Sedentary work can generally be resumed after about 2 weeks, while physically demanding jobs may require a longer recovery period.
You will notice an immediate improvement in the shape of your abdomen. However, final results will appear gradually, once the initial swelling has subsided, generally between 3 and 6 months.
Yes, regular follow-up is essential to monitor your recovery. Your surgeon will schedule several appointments to ensure everything is progressing normally.
The results of abdominoplasty are long lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. However, major changes such as pregnancy or significant weight gain can affect the results.
The first step is to schedule a consultation at BS&EC, billed at 50 euros (deducted from the final procedure cost), to review your medical history, any previous treatments or steps taken, and to receive guidance and a personalized quote. A deposit of 25% is required to confirm your surgical date. A second consultation, free of charge after the deposit, will be arranged with your surgeon to determine the extent of the abdominoplasty, discuss all details, and consider combining it with liposuction or radiofrequency treatment. During this appointment, you will receive all administrative documents, confirmation of your surgical date, and meet with the anesthesiologist (free consultation). On the day of the procedure, postoperative photographs will be taken to track your progress after surgery.
Plastic surgery procedures
Beauty
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to correct sagging breasts by lifting and reshaping them for a firmer, more youthful appearance. Aging, pregnancy, and weight fluctuations can affect breast firmness over time. This procedure removes excess skin and repositions the areola to restore a more toned silhouette. It can be performed on its own or combined with breast augmentation and delivers long-lasting, natural results tailored to each patient.
Beauty
Breast augmentation with lipofilling is an innovative solution that enhances the bust using only your own fat. This technique combines liposuction and the transfer of purified fat cells to sculpt the breast volume naturally, without implants. The result is soft, natural-looking, and long-lasting, while also refining donor areas such as the abdomen or thighs. Ideal for women seeking a moderate and progressive enhancement, this procedure delivers a harmonious result with a discreet, durable effect.
Beauty
Breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure designed to enhance the silhouette by increasing breast volume. Tailored to each patient’s unique goals, this procedure can address aesthetic concerns, correct asymmetry, or restore volume after weight loss or pregnancy. Performed by experienced specialists, it delivers natural-looking, personalized results while respecting each patient’s expectations.
Beauty
Breast implants are not always permanent. Over time, discomfort, aesthetic changes, or medical advice may lead to their removal or replacement. This procedure allows the breasts to be adapted to the body’s evolution while maintaining a harmonious appearance.
Beauty
Pregnancy and breastfeeding lead to physical changes that can affect body shape and self-confidence. Despite a healthy lifestyle, some women experience persistent abdominal laxity, skin sagging, or localized fat deposits. The Mommy Makeover addresses these changes to restore a harmonious figure tailored to each woman.
Beauty
Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is an aesthetic and reconstructive surgical procedure designed to tighten and reshape the abdominal area. This procedure is particularly recommended after significant weight loss or pregnancy, when the abdominal skin has become lax or there is an excess of tissue. By tightening sagging skin and correcting imperfections, it offers a firmer, more harmonious abdomen, while enhancing comfort and self-confidence.
Beauty
Liposculpture or lipostructure is a surgical procedure designed to refine and redefine the silhouette by eliminating localized fat deposits from different areas of the body such as the arms, abdomen, or thighs. This method aims to harmoniously sculpt body contours rather than simply remove fat. It is important to note that it is not a weight loss method and is intended for patients with stable weight who maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Beauty
Upper arm liposuction helps refine and reshape the contour of the upper body when stubborn fat persists despite a healthy lifestyle. This targeted procedure improves arm definition for a more balanced and natural appearance.
Beauty
Lower limb liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to remove localized fat deposits on the hips, thighs, knees, or calves. It helps reshape the legs, refine the silhouette, and enhance daily comfort.
Beauty
A double chin or excess fat along the jawline are common aesthetic concerns that can affect facial harmony. Fortunately, effective modern techniques are available to sculpt and tighten this area. At Brussels Surgical & Esthetic Center, we offer tailored solutions, combining radiofrequency-assisted liposuction with thread lifting to deliver natural, long-lasting results. These techniques can be performed on their own or together, depending on your specific needs.
Beauty
The cervicofacial facelift is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to correct sagging skin and tissue in the face and neck. As we age, the skin loses elasticity, wrinkles deepen, and the cheeks begin to droop, giving the face a tired, aged appearance. A facelift helps restore a naturally rejuvenated look by lifting and tightening the skin. It can also address deep wrinkles and marionette lines. For enhanced results, the procedure is often combined with complementary techniques such as lipofilling or laser treatments.
Beauty
Lipofilling is a surgical technique that involves reinjecting the patient's own fat to restore volume or improve skin quality. The fat is harvested from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, then purified before being precisely reinjected into the face, breasts, or buttocks. Unlike conventional fillers, it provides natural and long-lasting results. Depending on the refinement of the fat, the technique is referred to as microfilling or nanofilling for more targeted corrections.
Beauty
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to rejuvenate the eyelids. It is recommended for patients who experience sagging upper eyelids, puffiness, or a tired appearance. The procedure involves removing excess skin or fat, or tightening loose skin around the eyelids, to restore a youthful and refreshed look to the eyes and upper face. In some cases, when excess skin impairs vision, blepharoplasty may be classified as functional rather than purely aesthetic. If so, INAMI reimbursement may apply following an ophthalmologic evaluation.
Beauty
Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure that corrects nasal imperfections. Small irregularities in the nose, located at the center of the face, can affect both quality of life and self-confidence. The procedure enhances psychological and physical well-being by addressing common concerns such as a dorsal hump or a tip irregularity. In some cases, rhinoplasty also restores proper nasal function. This is referred to as septoplasty, a procedure reimbursed by the INAMI in Belgium.
Beauty
Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to correct protruding ears. Performed under local anesthesia, the goal is to reposition the ear pinnae in a natural and symmetrical way to restore facial balance and boost self-confidence.
Beauty
Gluteal augmentation with implants is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to restore volume to the buttocks using silicone implants. It offers a durable and harmonious enhancement, particularly recommended for patients with insufficient fat for injection.
Beauty
The Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL, is an aesthetic surgery technique that involves harvesting the patient’s own fat and reinjecting it into the buttocks. This procedure enhances volume and reshapes the buttock area in a natural and harmonious way.
Beauty
Penoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance or correct anatomical anomalies of the male genital area. It may be performed for aesthetic purposes, such as penile lengthening or girth enhancement based on the patient’s individual goals, or for reconstructive reasons, including the correction of abnormalities such as penile curvature or underdevelopment. This procedure is often sought by men with anatomically normal dimensions who nevertheless experience psychological discomfort or dissatisfaction with their appearance. Performed by experienced surgeons, penoplasty employs tailored surgical techniques to achieve natural-looking, personalized results.
A specific question?
