Full Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Surgery is performed under general anaesthetic
Surgery time: approximately 2 hours
Hospitalization: 2 days
Stay in Budapest: 6 days after surgery
Removal of sutures: 2 weeks after surgery
The price of a full abdominoplast (tummy tuck) is EUR 2,400- 2,800 plus EUR 300 for the anaesthetic and EUR 75 for the elastic garment, which needs to be worn for 4-6 weeks after surgery. This price includes every aspect of surgery, hospital stay, consultation, and all medication needed.
All patients are required to arrive in Budapest the day before surgery takes place. It is important that patients do not eat or drink (not even water!!!) from midnight before surgery. A Perfect Contours representative will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the clinic where you will be shown to your room and fill in the required medical and consent forms. The consultation with the surgeon will then take place. Every aspect of the surgical procedure will be explained to you and any questions you might have will be answered. You will also have a consultation with the aneasthetist after which you will be able to relax in your room until surgery. Family members and friends are able to stay with you until you are taken into surgery. Approximately half an hour before surgery a sedative will be administered to relax you after which you will be taken through to surgery.
During surgery an incision is placed a few centimetres above the pubic hair line, between the hip bones. In a full tummy tuck excess fat is removed and the skin of the upper and lower abdominal area is drawn down and removed. If necessary, the muscles of the abdominal wall are tightened. This surgery is designed to smooth and flatten the abdominal area and waist line. The belly button is removed and a new one is formed and placed into the proper position. Towards the end of surgery two 'drains' are inserted on either side of the incision. This enables excess fluid to be drained. Scars are permanent but they will fade over time.
Recovery time varies from patient to patient. The patient is encouraged to start moving around the room the day after surgery. Painkillers are administered as and when required. Drains are usually removed 2 – 3 days after surgery. Patients with sedatary jobs are able to return to work 10 - 14 days after surgery. Light exercise is possible three weeks after surgery but in order not to compromise recovery, more strenuous exercise can only be undertaken after six weeks.
Facts and Questions
Q: What are the risks or complications with tummy tuck surgery?
As with all types of surgery, there are certain risks involved. The majority of side effects often prove to be temporary.
Side effects can include bleeding, oedema, infections, temporary loss of sensitivity in the abdominal area, acid formation. Rarely keloid scarring may occur. Under very rare circumstances seroma or necrosis of the skin may occur.
Q: If I am a smoker, should I stop before the surgery?
Yes, ideally clients should stop a minimum 2 weeks before surgery. Smokers can experience delays in healing. Exposure to cigarette smoke decreases the size of the blood vessels in your skin, making a smoker’s skin more sluggish to heal.
Q: Is there anything I need to do before surgery?
Clients must fill in the online medical questionnaire and fully state what medication they are currently taking. The surgeon will then be able to advise you if some medications need to be stopped before the surgery takes place.
Think about your diet – following a low fat healthy diet can only help you make a faster recovery. Avoiding alcohol for 14 days prior to surgery should be considered.
Think about whether you will need somebody to accompany you on your trip. We are here to take you to the clinic and back to your hotel after the surgery and also for your post-check ups and airport transfer. However, would you feel more comfortable with somebody staying with you during your stay? Please note that all Perfect Contour patients will be given a client phone during their stay in Budapest so that a member of the Perfect Contour team will always be available should the need arise.
Q: Do I need to inform the surgeons of any pre-existing conditions prior to surgery?
Yes, this is very important. The surgeon should be informed of any medication (even vitamins, especially vitamin E) you are taking and any pre-existing conditions no matter how trivial or irrelevant you might find them.
Q: How long will the surgery last for?
The surgery lasts 1.5 hours to 3 hours depending on the extent on the tummy tuck.
Q: How long will I need to stay in hospital after surgery?
Normally clients stay 2 to 3 days after surgery (following no complications).
Q: How long will I need to stay in Budapest for after surgery?
Clients are advised to stay a minimum of 5 to 6 days in Budapest after their surgery.
Q: Will the stitches be removed whilst I am in Budapest?
Stitches are removed approximately 2 weeks after surgery, and some clients do stay for that period so that the surgeon can remove their stitches. However, the majority of clients go home after 6 days and the stitches can be removed by their GP or nurse at home.
Q: Will the scars be very visible?
For the first 6 weeks after the scars will be very visible and red which is perfectly normal. The scarring will gradually fade during the months after the surgery. The position of the scar will depend on the extent of the surgery (size of the abdominal area).
Q: What kind of medication will I be given after the operation?
After the surgery you will be given painkillers in the hospital to help with any pain and discomfort you might experience. Once you have had your post-op check-up, you will be given a controlled amount of painkillers to take back to your hotel to help with any discomfort you might be experiencing. In certain circumstances some patients will be given daily anti-thrombosis injections for approximately 5 days after surgery.
Q: If I have a problem after surgery who can I contact?
Should the clients have any problems whatsoever after the surgery, a Perfect Contours representative will be on hand to assist you and make any necessary appointments with the clinic for check-ups. A Perfect Contours representative can be contacted 24 hours a day for any emergencies.
Q: When will I be able to shower after surgery?
You will only be able to shower once the stitches have been removed by your doctors or nurse. It is very important to keep the wound area dry and clean after surgery.
Q: What kind of movement will I have after the surgery?
Clients are encouraged to start moving around the following day after surgery. Small and slow movements are all that should be attempted at the beginning, maybe a nice gentle walk 2 to 3 days after surgery. The client should not attempt, under any circumstances, any strenuous exercise for a minimum of 6 weeks after surgery. The clients should not attempt to lift any heavy objects for a minimum of 3 weeks after surgery. It is very important that these steps are followed.
Q: Do I need somebody to accompany me to Budapest for the surgery?
All clients will be met at the airport and taken to their hotel. A Perfect Contours representative will take the client for their consultation and to the clinic on the day of the surgery. The client will also be taken back to their hotel after being discharged. However, some people prefer to have a friend or relative accompany them during their trip to keep them company.
Q: When will I be able to return to work after the surgery?
As a general rule the client should not return to work for 3 weeks after surgery. After this time he or she should be fit enough to return to their work. Please note that should your job involve physical exertion you should wait for 6 weeks after surgery.
Q: When will I be able to exercise/lift heavy objects after the surgery?
The client should only attempt to lift heavy objects 3 weeks after surgery and start to exercise 6 weeks after surgery.
