Dr Axel De LangePlastic Surgeon
A consultation room at the clinic, with a treatment chair beside a curtained window

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty in Brussels · Dr Axel De Lange

Erase the effects of pregnancy, weight fluctuations and abdominal laxity with a personalised procedure that combines aesthetic harmony with functional comfort.

Abdominoplasty involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen, tightening the abdominal wall and restoring the natural contours of the figure.

In particular, the procedure can correct skin laxity, remove an abdominal apron and, where necessary, repair a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles (diastasis).

The surgical approach is tailored to each patient’s anatomy, the quality of the skin, the extent of the excess skin, the distribution of fatty tissue and the condition of the muscle wall. Liposuction of the flanks and the lateral abdominal areas may be combined to refine the waist and harmonise the contours.

The goalto regain a flatter abdomen, a better-defined waist and a naturally harmonious figure, while improving abdominal comfort when functional problems are present.

Abdominoplasty is intended for women and men with marked laxity of the abdominal skin, persistent excess skin or a stretched abdominal wall, particularly after pregnancy or significant weight loss.

It is especially indicated in the presence of an abdominal apron, skin folds causing irritation, diastasis of the rectus muscles, or discomfort when dressing and during everyday activities.

The ideal patient is in good health, has a relatively stable weight and wishes to regain a flatter abdomen, a harmonious figure and, where possible, greater functional comfort.

Medically reviewed by Dr Axel De Lange · Last reviewed

Your journey,
step by step.

The techniques

Full abdominoplasty

Removal of excess skin and fat, re-tensioning of the abdominal skin and repositioning of the navel.

The techniques

Mini abdominoplasty

Correction of excess skin limited to the area below the navel, usually without transposition of the navel.

The techniques

Abdominoplasty with diastasis repair

Bringing the rectus muscles back together by plicating their sheath, to restore tension in the abdominal wall.

The techniques

Lipoabdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty combined with targeted liposuction of the abdomen and flanks, to optimise the reshaping of the figure.

The techniques

Circumferential abdominoplasty (lower body lift)

Correction of excess skin around the entire abdominal girdle, flanks and back, particularly after major weight loss.

The techniques

Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty

Horizontal and vertical skin excision, suited to severe laxity after massive weight loss.

The techniques

Combined procedures

Liposuction of the hips and back, repair of certain abdominal hernias, or breast surgery as part of a mommy makeover.

Step 01

First consultation

At the first consultation, the surgeon takes the time to understand the patient’s expectations, assess the shape of the abdomen and identify any functional problems.

A clinical examination is used to analyse the extent of excess skin and fat, the quality of the skin, the presence of a diastasis or hernia, and the distribution of volume across the abdomen and flanks.

The surgeon explains the different possible techniques, the scars, the expected benefits and the potential risks.

to draw up a personalised surgical plan that reconciles improvement of the figure, correction of any functional problems and the patient’s aesthetic expectations.

Step 02

2nd consultation

The second consultation confirms the surgical plan and refines the goals for reshaping the abdomen and redefining the figure.

It is an opportunity to answer any remaining questions, confirm the surgical technique, with or without combined liposuction, and clarify the scars, the risks, the post-operative course and any measures to prevent thromboembolic complications.

Pre-operative tests, the practical arrangements for the procedure and the possibilities of reimbursement by the health insurance fund are also discussed.

to allow the patient to approach the procedure calmly, with realistic expectations and a clear understanding of how the operation will proceed.

Step 03

The procedure

Anaesthesia: the procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia.

Length of the procedure: about 2 to 3 hours for a standard abdominoplasty, and 3 to 5 hours, sometimes longer, when extensive liposuction or circumferential body contouring is combined.

Setting: the procedure is performed in the operating theatre, in a safe hospital environment.

Hospital stay: usually 3 to 4 nights, sometimes longer depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s state of health.

Going home: with personalised post-operative recommendations, particularly regarding early mobilisation, scar care and the prevention of complications.

Step 04 · Follow-up

First days

Checking the dressings, the scars, the blood supply to the skin and that there are no complications.

Step 04 · Follow-up

After 2 to 3 weeks

Assessment of healing, the gradual resolution of oedema and functional recovery.

Step 04 · Follow-up

After 3 months

Checking tissue softening, abdominal tension and how the contours are evolving.

Step 04 · Follow-up

After 6 to 12 months

Assessment of the stabilised result and the maturation of the scars.

Common question

Is this a weight-loss procedure?

No, abdominoplasty is not a procedure designed to help you lose weight, but body-contouring surgery.

It involves removing excess skin and part of the abdominal fatty tissue, while tightening the muscle wall when necessary. It is particularly indicated after pregnancy or significant weight loss, when the skin can no longer retract naturally.

to regain a flatter, firm and harmoniously reshaped abdomen, ideally once your weight has stabilised.

Common question

Will there be a visible scar?

Yes, abdominoplasty leaves a permanent scar, but it is carefully positioned to be as discreet as possible.

The main scar lies in the lower part of the abdomen, just above the pubic area, and usually runs from one hip to the other. This means it can be hidden under underwear or a swimsuit. A scar around the navel is also necessary in a full abdominoplasty.

Initially pink or red, the scars gradually fade over the 12 to 18 months following the procedure, without ever disappearing completely.

to regain a flat and harmoniously reshaped abdomen, with scars that are as discreet as possible.

Common question

How long will it take me to recover from this procedure?

Abdominoplasty requires a recovery period of a few weeks, the length of which depends on the extent of the procedure and any combined procedures, notably diastasis repair or liposuction.

The first few days may bring a feeling of tightness in the abdomen and discomfort that gradually eases. Most patients resume their daily activities and light work after 2 to 3 weeks, while sport and strenuous exertion are generally resumed after 6 to 8 weeks.

to ensure a gradual and comfortable recovery, allowing you to return to your usual activities while preserving the quality and durability of the result.

Common question

Should I wait until I have finished having children?

It is generally better to wait until you have completed your plans for pregnancy before considering abdominoplasty, so as to best preserve the results of the procedure.

Pregnancy remains entirely possible after abdominoplasty and is generally not compromised by it. However, it may stretch the skin and the abdominal wall again, which could impair the aesthetic result and encourage a diastasis to recur.

to choose the most appropriate time to achieve a flatter, firm and harmoniously reshaped abdomen, with a result that is as long-lasting as possible.

Consultation locations

Consultations are booked directly through each clinic's own platform. Appointments are not taken by phone.

See the locations

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