Abdominoplasty: restoring the abdomen after childbirth or weight loss

Full abdominoplasty, mini tummy tuck and the endoscopic option — which suits which situation? The suture line, scars, recovery time and real prices.

Abdominoplasty is an operation to rebuild the abdominal area aesthetically. It is usually performed to restore sagging skin and weakened muscles after childbirth, significant weight loss or as a result of genetic factors. It is also known as a "tummy tuck" and is among the top 5 aesthetic operations chosen by women worldwide.

Why doesn't exercise alone solve it?

After childbirth, rectus diastasis (the separation of the abdominal muscles along the midline) does not close with exercise — it requires a surgical suture. At the same time the skin loses its elasticity as the collagen fibres stretch; weight loss or exercise cannot gather that sagging skin back. Abdominoplasty addresses both problems — muscle and skin — at once.

The 3 main types

1. Full abdominoplasty A "smile"-shaped suture running from below the navel to the pubic bone. Diastasis recti (muscle separation) and excess skin are fully addressed and the navel is repositioned.

Who is it for? - Mothers after 2+ births - People who have lost 30+ kg - Those whose muscles have separated (pressing a finger into the abdomen reveals a deep gap) - Those whose upper and lower abdominal skin has sagged

2. Mini tummy tuck Only the area below the navel, with a short incision. The navel is not touched. Recovery is faster.

Who is it for? - A small amount of excess skin (only below the navel) - No diastasis, or minimal - After 1 birth - A BMI below 25

3. Endoscopic abdominoplasty A camera and instruments are inserted through 4-5 incisions of 1.5 cm. Only muscle repair is carried out; no skin is removed.

Who is it for? - Patients who have only muscle separation and whose skin is in good condition - Those 1 year past childbirth whose weight is stable - Mothers still planning children (the suture holds through a future birth)

A typical operation day

1. Morning (at 7-8 o'clock): arrival at the clinic, blood tests rechecked 2. Anaesthesia: general anaesthesia, monitored by the anaesthetist 3. Surgery: 2-4 hours (depending on the type) 4. Recovery room: 1-2 hours of observation 5. On the ward: a 1 night stay (for a full abdominoplasty)

Recovery time

Risks and what can be expected

Typical (normal): swelling in the first weeks, a feeling of tightness for 1-2 months, numbness around the navel (returning after 3-6 months).

In rare cases: seroma (fluid collection), infection at the suture line, a raised scar (in patients prone to keloids).

Rare, serious: deep vein thrombosis (smoking, prolonged bed rest and flying increase the risk — stop smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery).

The scar

It stays below the bikini line — in the area that underwear or the bottom of a bikini will cover. After 12 months the redness fades and after 24 months it becomes almost invisible. Applying silicone gel or tape improves the quality of the scar by about 30%.

Baku price range (2026)

• Full abdominoplasty: 2,500-5,000 AZN
• Mini tummy tuck: 1,500-2,800 AZN
• Endoscopic: 2,200-3,800 AZN
• Liposuction and abdominoplasty combined: 3,500-6,500 AZN

What should you ask at the consultation?

1. Which type is most suitable for my situation (photographs and a muscle test)? 2. How many centimetres is the diastasis? 3. Will the navel be repositioned or left untouched? 4. How many days do I need to keep the drain? 5. Can you show me your first and your most recent revision results?