Abdominoplasty in Zurich
Your Silhouette. Your Well-being. Our Expertise.
A sagging abdominal wall can significantly impair body image – be it after pregnancies, significant weight loss, or age-related changes. Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a proven surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fatty tissue, tightens the abdominal muscles, and helps you achieve a defined, harmonious midsection.
At the Metropolitan Clinic Zurich, Dr. Volker Rippmann and Christian Roessing, M.D. perform tummy tucks with the utmost precision and individualized care. Benefit from years of experience, state-of-the-art surgical techniques, and a team that puts your satisfaction first.
What is Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is an operation to restore a firm, flat abdominal contour. The procedure removes excess skin and fatty tissue in the abdominal area while simultaneously tightening lax abdominal muscles. The result is a significantly improved body silhouette and a strengthened sense of body image.
Common Reasons for Abdominoplasty:
- Sagging abdominal wall after one or more pregnancies
- Excess skin after massive weight loss
- Weakness or separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
- Age-related skin laxity on the abdomen
- Persistent abdominal fat despite exercise and healthy diet
A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss, but rather a body-contouring measure for patients who have already reached their target weight and suffer from bothersome skin laxity.
Our Surgeons
Dr. med. Volker Rippmann – Your Specialist for Body Contouring
Dr. Rippmann is a renowned specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery with over 20 years of experience. His international training – including with Professor Ivo Pitanguy in Rio de Janeiro – has made him an expert in body contouring procedures. As a member of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons (EBOPRAS), he places the highest value on precise surgical techniques and natural results.
Christian Roessing, M.D. – Expertise in Reconstructive Surgery
Christian Roessing studied at Charité Berlin and Northwestern University Chicago. He is a specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery as well as Hand Surgery and served as Chief Physician of the Clinic for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at KMG Kliniken Brandenburg from 2011 to 2017. His extensive experience in complex procedures makes him the ideal contact for demanding tummy tucks.
Types of Abdominoplasty
Full Abdominoplasty
Full abdominoplasty is the most comprehensive procedure and is suitable for patients with significant skin laxity and weakened abdominal muscles. It involves a horizontal incision above the pubic hairline and a second incision around the navel. Excess skin and fat are removed, the abdominal muscles are tightened and repositioned, and the navel is fixed in the correct place.
Advantages:
- Dramatic improvement in abdominal contour
- Tightening of the entire abdominal musculature
- Removal of stretch marks in the lower abdominal area
- Long-lasting, natural results
Treatment duration: 2.5–4 hours | Anesthesia: General anesthesia | Clinic stay: 1–2 nights
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Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tuck)
Mini abdominoplasty is a less invasive option for patients who only have excess skin in the lower abdominal area. The incision is shorter, and the navel does not need to be repositioned. This technique is particularly suitable for younger patients or after a pregnancy when skin laxity is limited.
Advantages:
- Shorter scar
- Faster recovery
- Less invasive than full abdominoplasty
- Suitable for localized problem areas
Treatment duration: 1.5–2.5 hours | Anesthesia: General anesthesia or twilight sedation | Clinic stay: Outpatient or 1 night
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Extended Abdominoplasty
In extended abdominoplasty, the incision is extended to the lateral flanks and sometimes to the back. This technique is suitable for patients after massive weight loss who have excess skin not only on the abdomen but also on the sides and lower back.
Advantages:
- Treatment of a larger skin area
- 360-degree body contouring
- Especially suitable after bariatric surgery
- Harmonious overall silhouette
Treatment duration: 3–5 hours | Anesthesia: General anesthesia | Clinic stay: 2–3 nights
Combination with Liposuction
In many cases, we combine abdominoplasty with liposuction to remove fat deposits from the flanks, hips, or upper abdomen. This combination leads to an even more harmonious, defined body contour.
Advantages of the Combination:
- Removal of stubborn fatty tissue
- Improved waist definition
- More harmonious overall silhouette
- One procedure – optimal result
The Abdominoplasty Procedure
1. Initial Consultation and Planning
In a detailed consultation, we analyze your initial situation, discuss your wishes and expectations, and clarify all medical prerequisites. We explain the various surgical techniques, show you before-and-after pictures, and create an individualized treatment plan. You will also receive all information regarding costs, risks, and aftercare.
2. Preparation for Surgery
Before the operation, you will receive precise instructions for preparation: which medications you should discontinue, how to eat, and what to bring on the day of surgery. If necessary, preliminary examinations such as blood tests or an ECG will be performed. We will also discuss the best possible form of anesthesia for you with the anesthesiologist.
3. The Day of Surgery
On the day of abdominoplasty, you will be welcomed by our team and prepared for the operation. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and lasts between 2.5 and 5 hours, depending on its extent. After the operation, you will be monitored in the recovery room and then taken to your room, where you will stay for 1–2 nights for observation.
4. Recovery Phase and Aftercare
In the first few days after the operation, you will wear a compression garment that supports healing and reduces swelling. Mild pain will be managed with painkillers. After about 2 weeks, you can resume light activities, and after 6 weeks, sports are possible again. Regular follow-up appointments ensure that healing progresses optimally.
5. The Final Result
The final result of your tummy tuck will be visible after about 6–12 months, once all swelling has subsided and the tissue has fully settled. The scar fades over time and becomes less noticeable. The result is permanent – provided you maintain a stable weight.
Treatment of Diastasis Recti
What is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, usually caused by pregnancies or significant weight gain. This leads to a bulging abdomen that cannot be corrected by exercise alone.
Correction as part of Abdominoplasty
As part of the tummy tuck, we can effectively correct diastasis recti. The separated muscle strands are brought back together and fixed in the midline. The result is a flat, firm abdomen and strengthened core musculature.
Advantages:
- Restoration of abdominal musculature
- Improvement of posture
- Reduction of back pain
- Flat, defined abdomen
The "Mommy Makeover"
Many women suffer from permanent physical changes after one or more pregnancies: sagging abdominal wall, stretch marks, diastasis recti, and lost breast volume. The so-called Mommy Makeover combines several procedures – typically abdominoplasty and breast lift or breast augmentation – to restore the figure after pregnancy.
Prerequisites:
- Completed family planning
- Stable weight
- At least 6–12 months after the last pregnancy
- Completed breastfeeding period
We would be happy to advise you on the possibilities of a Mommy Makeover and create an individualized treatment concept.
After massive weight loss – whether through dietary changes, exercise, or bariatric surgery – excess skin often remains. This can not only be aesthetically bothersome but also lead to skin irritation, infections, and restricted movement.
Abdominoplasty after weight loss removes excess skin and reshapes the body. Often, an extended tummy tuck or a combination with other lifting operations (thighs, arms, back) is necessary.
Important:
- Weight should be stable for at least 6–12 months
- BMI should be under 30
- Good nutrition and regular exercise support healing
Your Advantages at Metropolitan Clinic
✓ Experienced Specialists: Dr. Rippmann and Christian Roessing have years of expertise in body surgery
✓ Individualized Treatment: Every abdominoplasty is precisely tailored to your anatomical conditions
✓ State-of-the-Art Techniques: We rely on gentle surgical methods for optimal results and short recovery times
✓ Personal Care: From initial consultation to aftercare, we accompany you on your journey
✓ Discreet Atmosphere: Treatment in modern premises with the highest hygiene and safety standards
Frequently Asked Questions
You are a good candidate if you have excess skin on your abdomen, your abdominal muscles are lax, you have a stable weight, and you are not planning any further pregnancies. Non-smokers have better healing chances. During the consultation, we will clarify whether a tummy tuck is suitable for you.
After the operation, moderate pain and a feeling of tension may occur, but these are well controllable with painkillers. Most patients find the discomfort tolerable. After about a week, the pain significantly subsides.
Yes, pregnancy is generally possible after a tummy tuck. However, a subsequent pregnancy can affect the surgical result, as the skin stretches again. We therefore recommend completing family planning before abdominoplasty.
The result of a tummy tuck is permanent, provided you maintain a stable weight. The natural aging process continues, but the improvement in abdominal contour remains. Subsequent pregnancies or significant weight fluctuations can affect the result.
Yes, we often combine a tummy tuck with liposuction, thigh lift, or breast lift – especially after massive weight loss. Such combinations are referred to as "Mommy Makeover" or "Body Contouring." We would be happy to advise you on sensible combination options.
The scar runs horizontally above the pubic hairline and can usually be concealed by underwear or a bikini. Additionally, a small scar forms around the navel. Over time, the scars fade significantly. We place great importance on careful suturing techniques for an aesthetically optimal result.
That depends on your professional activity. For office jobs, you can return to work after about 2–3 weeks. For physically demanding professions, we recommend a break of 4–6 weeks. We will discuss this individually with you.
Generally, abdominoplasty is an aesthetic procedure, the costs of which are not covered by health insurance. An exception may exist if there are medical reasons – such as chronic skin conditions due to excess skin or severe physical discomfort. We would be happy to advise you on the possibilities.
Like any surgery, abdominoplasty carries certain risks: bleeding, infections, wound healing disorders, sensory disturbances, or scarring. At the Metropolitan Clinic, we minimize these risks through precise surgical techniques, sterile conditions, and comprehensive aftercare. We will inform you in detail about all risks during the consultation.