Abdominoplasty in Uberlândia, Brazil
Rebuilding abdominal contour with refined technique to restore firmness to the abdominal wall.
Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty is the surgery that removes excess skin and, when necessary, brings the abdominal wall muscles back together (correcting diastasis). It is indicated mainly for patients with significant abdominal skin laxity, most common after major weight loss, pregnancy or significant weight changes.
There are different abdominoplasty techniques — full, with a larger incision, or variations with smaller incisions — and the indication for each depends on the amount of skin and the condition of the musculature, assessed individually at the consultation.
Abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss method and does not replace healthy eating and exercise habits — it is indicated to treat excess skin and muscle laxity that do not respond to diet and exercise.
Patients who have completed childbearing and have no short-term plans for another pregnancy tend to be the most suitable candidates, since a future pregnancy may change the result obtained — this is always discussed at the consultation.
How the procedure is performed
The most commonly used technique removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and, when diastasis (separation of the rectus abdominis muscles) is present, sutures the musculature back together to rebuild the abdominal wall.
The extent of the incision and repositioning of the navel vary according to the amount of skin to be removed — details discussed and planned individually at the pre-operative consultation.
In some cases, abdominoplasty may be combined with liposuction of adjacent areas, depending on the assessment of each patient's fat distribution.
From evaluation to returning to activities
Evaluation
Initial consultation with physical examination, health history, and joint decision on the most suitable technique for the case.
Pre-operative exams
Laboratory tests and, when indicated, cardiology evaluation, following standard pre-anesthesia protocol.
Surgery
Procedure performed in a hospital setting, under anesthesia defined together with the anesthesiology team based on individual assessment.
Immediate post-op
Follow-up in the first weeks, with guidance on dressings, use of a compression garment, and warning signs.
Return to activities
Gradual resumption of daily activities and, later, physical exercise, always according to individualized medical guidance.
Common questions about Abdominoplasty
How long does the surgery take?
Duration varies according to technique and case complexity, generally ranging from 2 to 4 hours — the exact time is estimated at the consultation, after individual assessment.
What type of anesthesia is used?
Abdominoplasty can be performed under spinal anesthesia combined with sedation, or general anesthesia, as jointly decided with the anesthesiology team based on the extent of surgery and the patient's health profile.
Is hospitalization required?
Yes, one night of hospital observation is generally indicated, which may vary according to the extent of surgery and the medical team's assessment.
Is recovery painful?
Some discomfort in the first days is expected, controlled with prescribed post-operative analgesia. Intensity varies from person to person.
Are drains necessary?
In most cases, yes — suction drains are placed during surgery and usually removed at a follow-up visit in the first days, depending on drainage volume.
What does the scar look like?
In most cases, the scar is positioned in the lower abdomen, discreet under underwear. Its extent depends on the technique used, and it fades and softens over the following months.
How long do I need to wear the compression garment?
Use is generally recommended for about 4 to 6 weeks, which may vary according to each patient's individual recovery — the exact guidance is given post-operatively.
How much time off work is needed?
Generally 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the nature of the job — physically demanding work usually requires more time off. Return to work is always assessed individually.
When can I go back to exercising?
Light activities are usually cleared gradually starting at 3 to 4 weeks, and higher-impact exercise or abdominal strengthening only after specific medical clearance, generally between 6 and 8 weeks.
What are the risks of the surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, abdominoplasty carries risks described in the medical literature, such as seroma, hematoma, infection, sensitivity changes, poor scarring, skin necrosis and, more rarely, anesthesia-related complications or thromboembolism. These risks are discussed in detail at the consultation.
Who should not have abdominoplasty?
Indication depends on individual clinical assessment. Generally, it is not indicated during pregnancy, for patients still in the middle of significant weight loss, or in health conditions that contraindicate elective surgery — each case is carefully assessed before indication.
Where the surgery takes place
Rua Rafael Marino Neto, 600 - Jardim Karaíba, Uberlândia - MG, 38411-186, Brazil
Healme Clinic · UMC Complex — 4th floor
Content reviewed by Dr. Lorena Gidrão de Queiroz — CRM-MG 85769, RQE 71258 (Plastic Surgery). Member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery. Last reviewed: September 2026.
Prefer to fill out a form? Click here
- Victor Baldin A, et al. Superficial Abdominal Skin Laxity Versus Rectus Diastasis: Distinct Pathophysiological Entities. Cureus. 2026;18(4):e107427.
- Bricker J, et al. Apixaban (Eliquis) for Venous Thromboembolic Prophylaxis following Abdominoplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2025;157(3):374e-380e.
- Tuan HT, et al. VASER-Assisted Perforator-Preserving Liposuction in Full Abdominoplasty: A Prospective Study of 100 Cases. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2026;50(16):6724-6732.
- Tsoti SM, Vasilaki I, Foustanos A. Concomitant Abdominoplasty and Repair of Midline Abdominal Wall Defects. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2026.