Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, also known as a “mommy makeover,” is a surgical procedure where excess skin is removed, diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles) is repaired, the navel is repositioned, and fat from the abdomen and sides is removed.

Typically, this surgery is recommended for people who have lost a significant amount of weight, men with abdominal “beer bellies,” and women whose bodies have changed shape after childbirth.

For women, abdominoplasty is often combined with breast lifting or implantation – these surgeries can be performed simultaneously by the same surgeon.

If you plan to lose weight after surgery, it’s better to first lose the weight and then undergo abdominoplasty for more accurate and symmetrical results.

Short surgery information

  • Duration of Surgery: 2.5 – 3 hours

  • Type of Anesthesia: General anesthesia

  • Hospitalization: 6-20 hours

  • Return to Normal Life: After 2 weeks

  • Clinic Visits: 3-4 times

  • Stitch Removal: Day 14

Why do patients consider abdominoplasty?

  • Presence of apron-like fat and skin: Many women want to restore their figure after pregnancy, and abdominoplasty is the only way to remove hormonal fat, repair diastasis recti, and eliminate excess abdominal skin.

  • Diastasis recti: This condition is also an indication for abdominoplasty, usually accompanied by excess skin.

  • Stretch marks: Stretch marks left after weight gain or childbirth can only be removed surgically.

  • Navel displacement: With excess abdominal skin, the navel can shift downwards or to the side. The surgeon’s task during the operation is to reposition it correctly.

  • Noticeable Post-Surgical Scars: Abdominoplasty can also remove scars from injuries or cesarean sections.

Who is the ideal candidate for the surgery?

  • People with excess abdominal skin: Often seen in those who have undergone significant weight loss, leading to sagging skin.

  • Post-pregnancy: Women with excess skin and weakened abdominal muscles after childbirth may consider abdominoplasty for restoration.

  • Aging: With age, skin loses elasticity, and some people may develop excess skin around the abdomen they wish to remove.

  • Patients with stable Weight: Ideal candidates for abdominoplasty are those who maintain a stable weight, as significant weight fluctuations can affect the results. The surgery is not a method for weight loss and is most effective for those who have already achieved their target weight.

It’s also important to have realistic expectations about the results and good overall health to minimize risks and speed up the recovery process.

Why South Korea?

South Korea conducts more cosmetic procedures and surgeries annually than any other country in the world. The local doctors are considered some of the most educated and competitive globally, as only 0.01% of medical school graduates can become plastic surgeons in South Korea. The equipment and medical technology in Korea are on par with the USA and Germany, placing it in the top three countries with the best-equipped clinics.

All abdominoplasty surgeries are performed in accredited clinics, which are authorized to work with international patients and have staff anesthesiologists. All surgeons operating on our patients have 15 to 30 years of experience, specialize in soft tissue surgeries, and do not perform surgeries on more than two patients per day.

Fill out the QUESTIONNAIRE so we can calculate the cost of treatment for you, conduct a preliminary consultation, and prepare a trip plan to South Korea for the surgery.

How to prepare for abdominoplasty in South Korea

  • Refrain from eating and drinking for 10 hours before the procedure. Take a shower.

  • Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including medications like Advil or Motrin), and other medications that can increase the risk of heavy bleeding for 2 weeks before surgery. Tylenol is only prohibited within 3 days of surgery.

  • Do not smoke, including hookah and electronic cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down tissue healing. If you smoke, the doctor will recommend quitting before the surgery. Some doctors refuse to operate on smoking patients due to the high risk of complications.

  • Review your medical history. Be ready to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any surgeries you’ve undergone. Talk about any medications you are taking or have recently taken. Please do not withhold this information from the surgeon and coordinators.

  • Visit the surgeon for a consultation and show photos of your desired result. Choose photos where the patient’s physique is similar to yours.

  • If you have had tests done less than a month ago, you can bring them with you. Otherwise, we will conduct all necessary tests in Korea.

  • Ask someone to drive you to the clinic or assist you after the surgery if you plan to come by car.

  • Keep items you might need while resting, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or your mobile phone, close to your bed.

How abdominoplasty is performed

Before taking the patient to the operating room, the surgeon draws a design based on which the surgery will be conducted. The patient is taken to the bathroom, asked about their well-being and last intake of food and water, and then laid on the operating table. A catheter is inserted into the arm or leg, through which drugs used before anesthesia are administered. The abdominal area is disinfected, and the patient’s arms and legs are secured with straps to minimize movement during sleep. Blood pressure is measured, an oxygen mask is put on, anesthesia is administered, and the patient’s condition is monitored.

Once the medication takes effect and the patient falls asleep, the surgeon begins the operation. A scalpel is used to make an incision, providing access to the muscles, which are then reconnected by the surgeon. Excess fat is removed, the navel is repositioned, and excess skin tissue is eliminated.

After completing the operation, the surgeon stitches the incision sites and checks the placed drainage. The operation area is cleaned of iodine, design marks, and secretions, and the patient is awakened and helped to move to a ward for further rehabilitation and rest.

What to expect after surgery

After the surgery, a translator and nurses will wake you up and transfer you to a ward. Most patients do not remember this moment and feel as if they woke up already in a warm bed – such is the effect of anesthesia.

In the first 10-20 minutes after awakening, you may feel chills, but this will quickly pass. A warming mattress on your bed will make this period more comfortable. Remember that in the first few days after abdominoplasty, it is necessary to lie and move in a bent position to avoid stretching the lower abdomen where the suture is placed.

There will be practically no pain sensations as they are dulled by the painkilling injections and medications used during the operation. You will be left in the ward overnight, provided with porridge and juice so that your body has the strength to recover.

In the morning, you will meet with the surgeon who will check and remove the installed drainage. If you do not have symptoms like nausea and dizziness, the clinic staff will start preparing you for discharge – you can get dressed, take your medications and recommendations, and go home. Be sure to use a taxi, as traveling by public transport is strictly prohibited.

Be careful not to straighten up and try to rest in bed and not lift weights for the first 2-3 days after the operation.

Book a consultation with the clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today! You can book a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us by phone at +82-10-4214-9603.

Rehabilitation process and procedures after abdominoplasty

Immediately after the procedure: You may feel chills and discomfort when moving or transferring to the bed. However, while resting in the clinic, symptoms are successfully blocked by painkillers administered during the operation. You will have a urinary catheter and a drainage system; it is recommended to close your eyes and rest.

Day 1-2: The surgical area begins to swell, hematomas may appear, and movements cause discomfort. After examination, the surgeon and nurses remove the urinary catheter and drainage, feed you, and check your well-being. If there are no symptoms such as nausea and dizziness, you can get recommendations and medications and go home.

Days 3-7: Swelling reaches its peak and begins to descend, forming rolls in the pubic area, hematomas start to yellow. It is still recommended to move in a bent position, you can start walking and doing home chores. In the clinic, the postoperative bandage is removed and replaced with compression garments.

Days 7-14: Decrease in swelling, gradual disappearance of hematomas, returning to everyday life. The surgeon removes the stitches, checks the patient’s condition, and gives postoperative recommendations.

Days 14-21: Patients perform everyday activities without discomfort. It is necessary to continue avoiding physical exertion and lifting weights. You can start walking straight.

Days 21-30: Swelling gradually decreases, you can return to everyday life, start sleeping on your stomach. Do not forget to apply healing ointment to the scars.

Days 31-60: Remaining swelling gradually subsides, body symmetry is restored. The surgical scar begins to fade.

Days 60-90: Gradually, you can start physical exercises, swimming.

Days 90-180: There are almost no restrictions, it is allowed to sunbathe, freely engage in sports, swim in the sea.

1 year after surgery: Complete end of rehabilitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

We inform our patients of the total cost, which includes postoperative care, anesthesia, hospital stay, medications, and even VAT (which can be refunded as tax-free). The cost of the surgery ranges from 8,500,000 to 17,000,000 won, depending on the clinic and the patient's initial data. Accredited surgeons for foreign patients in Korea warn that the price of the surgery may change after a personal examination, measurement of the patient's parameters, and information on whether this is the first or a revision surgery.

Before & After

Patient results may vary. Please remember that to provide you with detailed information about treatment and your trip, you need to fill out a QUESTIONNAIRE, describe your desired results in detail, and attach your photos. The information provided on the website does not guarantee that this procedure is suitable for you.