Tummy tuck
for a flat, toned stomach.

Despite a healthy diet, exercise, and a conscious lifestyle, many people fail to maintain a firm abdominal wall. Particularly after pregnancies, significant weight loss, or age-related relaxation of the connective tissue, excess skin forms in the abdominal area that cannot be reduced through exercise or diets.

I am Dr. Juliane Bodo, specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery in Berlin-Charlottenburg. A tummy tuck – medically known as abdominoplasty – is a proven procedure for removing excess skin and fat as well as tightening the abdominal muscles. The goal is a harmonious, natural-looking body image with a clearly defined abdominal contour and waist.

Who is a tummy tuck suitable for?

A tummy tuck is particularly useful for:

• Women after one or more pregnancies with loose skin or rectus diastasis
• People after massive weight loss with excess skin tissue
• People with a so-called panniculus that leads to hygiene problems
• Individuals with stretch marks or scars in the abdominal area
• Female patients who have a permanently bloated abdomen despite having a normal weight

One prerequisite: Family planning should be complete, as a new pregnancy can affect the result.

Tummy tuck and rectus diastasis – one procedure, two results

A rectus diastasis – the separation of the straight abdominal muscles – is a common consequence of pregnancy, significant weight loss, or physical overexertion. Despite normal weight, the abdomen appears permanently rounded, and the core loses its contour. What many people do not know: A rectus diastasis is not purely an aesthetic issue – it is a medical condition that can cause back pain, postural damage, and functional limitations.

This opens up an important possibility: if I treat a rectus diastasis as part of a tummy tuck, the costs for the medical portion—meaning the muscle repair—can, under certain conditions, be covered by health insurance. The aesthetic part of the procedure—removal of excess skin and fatty tissue—continues to be billed privately.

In practice, this means: Both corrections are performed in a single operation. The medically necessary procedure is covered by health insurance, while the aesthetic part is paid for by you. This often significantly reduces the total cost.

Whether you have a rectus diastasis and whether coverage by your health insurance is possible, we will clarify together during the consultation – including the necessary medical documentation.

What methods do I offer?

The choice of method depends on the extent of the excess skin and fat, the condition of the abdominal muscles, and your individual wishes.

Mini tummy tuck

Suitable for mild excess skin below the belly button. The procedure is performed via a small incision in the bikini line; the belly button remains in its original position. Excess skin and fat are removed, and small scars—for example, from a C-section—can be removed at the same time if necessary. The mini-abdominoplasty is particularly gentle, the recovery time is short, and the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Traditional tummy tuck

This more comprehensive method is useful when there is excess skin above and below the belly button or a rectus diastasis is present. The skin is tightened from the pubic region to the ribcage, and the belly button is repositioned. The abdominal muscles can be stitched together in the process – this is referred to as the effect of an „inner corset.“ Optionally, I combine the procedure with liposuction to improve contours.

panniculectomy

In cases of a history of severe obesity or after multiple pregnancies, an apron of fat can develop—a hanging tissue flap of skin and fat that frequently causes hygienic or medical issues. Surgical removal not only provides an improved body image, but can also eliminate discomfort such as skin irritation, inflammation, or restricted mobility. In doing so, I often simultaneously repair an existing umbilical hernia.

How does a tummy tuck work?

Every procedure begins with a detailed consultation with me – I discuss your wishes, the medical possibilities, and any potential risks. This is followed by preliminary examinations to confirm your medical suitability.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 2–3 hours depending on the extent. After the procedure, drains ensure the safe outflow of wound fluid—they are usually removed on the first or second day. A custom-fitted compression garment supports healing and is worn for six weeks.

Initial results are visible after a few weeks – the final result after about six months.

Preparation for surgery

Good preparation is crucial for a safe procedure and an optimal result:

• Take blood-thinning, blood pressure-lowering, or hormone-containing medications (e.g., the birth control pill) only after consultation or discontinue them in a timely manner.
• Avoid nicotine at least two weeks before and after surgery – smoking significantly impairs wound healing
• Stabilize body weight before surgery – severe weight fluctuations can negatively affect the result

Abdominoplasty after pregnancy

Pregnancy puts an enormous strain on the body, especially in the abdominal area. The skin is severely stretched and loses elasticity. Stretch marks often remain, and the straight abdominal muscles separate—a condition known as rectus diastasis. Even with intense exercise, this change cannot be reversed.

A tummy tuck can help reconstruct the midsection in such cases. I not only remove excess skin and fatty tissue, but also tighten the muscles—the waist is visibly contoured again. Stretch marks in the lower abdomen can also be removed or significantly reduced in the process.

Important: Give your body sufficient time to recover naturally after childbirth. I recommend waiting at least 6–12 months before we discuss a procedure.

Risks & Potential Complications

As with any surgical procedure, complications can also occur with a tummy tuck:

• Swelling & bruising: Normal and subside within a few weeks
• Wound healing disorders: Rare – minimized by careful surgical technique and aftercare
• Scarring: Cannot be completely avoided – however, I place the incision so that the scar lies within the bikini line and is easily concealable in everyday life.
• Reduced sensation in the surgical area: Temporary, usually resolves on its own
• Recurrent rectus diastasis: In the event of another pregnancy, the tightened muscles can separate again.
• General surgical risks: thrombosis, reactions to anesthesia, secondary hemorrhage – are discussed during the informed consent consultation.

Aftercare & Recovery

• Compression garment: wear consistently for 6 weeks
• Physical rest: No heavy lifting, no sports for the first 6 weeks
• Upper body: Do not stretch or bend strongly in the first few days
• Showers: Only after suture removal and with medical approval
• Sauna, solarium, air travel: Avoid for at least 6 weeks
• Socially acceptable: After 1–2 weeks
• Final result: After approx. 6 months

I will closely accompany you through the entire aftercare.

Cost of a tummy tuck in Berlin

• Mini tummy tuck: from €4,500 plus anesthesia costs
• Classic tummy tuck: from €9,900 plus anesthesia costs

The exact costs depend on the scope of the procedure and your individual situation. You will receive a transparent cost breakdown during your personal consultation.

If you are considering a tummy tuck, I invite you to a non-binding consultation at my clinic in Berlin-Charlottenburg.

Frequently asked questions about tummy tuck – abdominoplasty.