Home > News > Abdominoplasty: for whom, how, and what results can be expected?

An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and can correct a deep separation of the rectus abdominis muscles (diastasis recti). In Geneva and French-speaking Switzerland, the price ranges from CHF 9,000 to CHF 15,000 for a full abdominoplasty, and from CHF 4,500 for a mini-abdominoplasty.


The first results are visible as early as 3 weeks, with the final result assessed after 12 months. Two variations exist depending on the extent of the sagging: a full abdominoplasty, which treats the entire abdomen with umbilical transposition, and a mini-abdominoplasty, indicated for moderate excess skin limited to the lower abdomen. This surgery does not replace liposuction and is not suitable for individuals with unstable weight or those planning a pregnancy.

Full or mini abdominoplasty: which technique is right for you?

Both procedures correct excess abdominal skin, but they do not address the same situations.


  • Full abdominoplasty This procedure treats the entire abdomen, from the pubic bone to the navel and beyond. In most cases, it includes a plication of the rectus abdominis muscles to correct diastasis recti and requires repositioning of the navel. The scar runs along the lower abdomen from one hip to the other but remains concealable under a swimsuit or underwear.
  • The mini-abdominoplasty It targets only the infraumbilical area. The incision is shorter, there is no umbilical transposition, and recovery is faster. Its price in Switzerland generally ranges from CHF 4,500 to CHF 8,000. It is suitable for patients with moderate excess abdominal fat, without significant diastasis above the navel.


The choice between the two depends on the extent of the laxity, the presence of diastasis recti, and the patient's expectations. Only a surgical consultation can determine the best option.

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For whom is abdominoplasty indicated?

The profiles most concerned

The abdominoplasty is mainly indicated in three situations: after one or more pregnancies that have led to sagging skin or diastasis of the rectus abdominis; after significant weight loss leaving residual excess skin that sport and diet cannot correct; in patients with an abdominal apron that is uncomfortable on a daily basis.


In Geneva, patients at the Clinique de la Croix d'Or often include women after one or more pregnancies, as well as patients who have undergone a medical weight loss programme. It can be combined with liposuction of the flanks and waist, performed in the same operating time to refine the overall abdominal contour.


For women who wish to treat several pregnancy sequelae simultaneously, abdominoplasty can be part of a more comprehensive protocol called Mummy Makeover. This approach combines, in one or more sessions, correction of the abdominal belt, treatment of the breasts and liposuction of persistent fatty areas. It is aimed at patients who have several areas to be corrected and wish to limit the number of operations and recovery periods.


At the Clinique de la Croix d'Or in Geneva, each Mummy Makeover project is defined in consultation with the surgeon, depending on the patient's objectives and general condition.


Conditions prior to the procedure

Stable weight for at least 6 months - any subsequent weight regain will compromise the result. No plans to become pregnant after the operation, as pregnancy would erase the benefit obtained. General state of health compatible with general anaesthesia. Smoking cessation planned at least 4 to 6 weeks before the operation.


Abdominoplasty does not correct a prominent tummy linked to an accumulation of visceral fat. In this case, other approaches must be considered. Among these alternatives, two options may be discussed in consultation:


  • Medicinal treatment with semaglutide (Wegovy), which acts on the reduction of overall fat mass under medical supervision.
  • The Emsculpt, a technology available at the Clinique de la Croix d'Or that strengthens abdominal muscles and reduces localised fat without surgery.


These approaches can be a preliminary step to abdominoplasty or, depending on the patient's profile, a sufficient alternative.

How does an abdominoplasty in Geneva work?

From the consultation to the operation

It all starts with a thorough medical consultation at the Clinique de la Croix d'Or in Geneva. The surgeon assesses the patient's morphology, defines the appropriate type of operation and draws up a personalised estimate. Pre-operative examinations are prescribed (blood test, anaesthetic consultation). A legal cooling-off period is mandatory in Switzerland before any decision is taken to undergo cosmetic surgery.


The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic and lasts between 2 and 4 hours. A hospital stay of 1 to 2 nights is generally necessary.



Suites-operation and convalescence

A compression girdle is worn day and night for 4 to 6 weeks. You should expect to be off work for 2 to 3 weeks for a sedentary job, and for longer for physical work. Sport can be resumed gradually after 6 to 8 weeks. The small scabs around the scars disappear within 10 to 15 days.


A lymphatic drainage post-operatively is frequently recommended after abdominoplasty to speed up the resorption of oedema and improve comfort during convalescence.

At the Clinique de la Croix d'Or, this technique is offered from the first few weeks after the operation, in addition to wearing the girdle. The number of sessions is defined by the surgeon according to the progress of scarring.

What results can be expected from an abdominoplasty?

The results are permanent with regard to the excess skin removed, provided the weight remains stable. The abdomen is flatter, the muscles are toned, and stretch marks in the excised area disappear along with the removed skin. The final result is assessed after 12 months, once the scar has matured and the tissues have stabilized.


The scar is located in the subpubic crease and changes from pink to pearly white over 12 to 18 months. Functionally, many patients report improved posture, the disappearance of diastasis recti pain, and a significant increase in confidence. According to ISAPS , abdominoplasty is among the five most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedures worldwide.

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Before/after abdominoplasty: week-by-week progress

Before and after photos of an abdominoplasty show a gradual transformation. Here are the typical stages:


  • Days 7 to 21 post-op: the abdomen is still swollen, marked by post-operative edema. The silhouette may appear less flat than expected at this stage: this is normal and temporary.
  • 1 to 2 months: the swelling subsides, and the skin begins to tighten. Most patients notice a significant transformation from the 2nd month onwards.
  • 3 to 6 months: the result is close to the final result. The scar is still pink but is gradually fading.
  • 12 months: final result. The scar is pearly white, the skin has stabilized. It is at this stage that the before/after photos are most representative.


Visit the body gallery at Clinique de la Croix d'Or to view real results.

Abdominoplasty in Switzerland: what budget should be expected?

The price of a full abdominoplasty in Switzerland ranges from CHF 9,000 to CHF 15,000, including surgical fees, anesthesia, operating room time, hospitalization, and postoperative care. A mini-abdominoplasty is offered from CHF 4,500 to CHF 8,000.


The procedure is considered cosmetic by Swiss health insurance companies and is not covered in the vast majority of cases. Partial coverage is exceptionally possible when excess skin causes medically documented functional impairment. The Swiss Society of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery (SSMC) publishes recommendations on coverage criteria for borderline cases.


Consult the body treatment prices at the Clinique de la Croix d'Or in Geneva for an initial price indication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is abdominoplasty covered by health insurance in Switzerland?
In the vast majority of cases, no. Participation is exceptionally possible in the event of a proven and medically documented functional impairment.
Can abdominoplasty and liposuction be combined?
Yes. Liposuction of the flanks or waist can be performed during the same surgical procedure to optimize the overall silhouette contour.
How long after a pregnancy should you wait?
At least 6 months after childbirth, and until breastfeeding has completely stopped. Weight must have returned to a stable and maintained level.​
Is the abdominoplasty scar very visible?
It is positioned in the lower abdominal crease, concealable under underwear. It changes from pink to pearly white in 12 to 18 months depending on the individual healing process.
Does abdominoplasty also correct stretch marks?
Partially. Stretch marks located in the excised skin area, below the navel, are removed along with the skin. Those located above the navel are not treated by this procedure.​
How long does it take to recover?
Approximately 2 to 3 weeks for a sedentary job. Resuming sports activities is possible from 6 to 8 weeks post-surgery.
At what age can one have an abdominoplasty?
There is no strict age limit. The main requirement is a stable weight and no plans for pregnancy. In older patients, the anesthetic risk assessment is more thorough during the preoperative consultation.​
Is it possible to have an abdominoplasty after a cesarean section?
Yes, this is a common situation. The cesarean scar can be incorporated into the abdominoplasty scar, which effectively replaces it. It is necessary to wait at least 12 months after the cesarean section, until the weight has stabilized and breastfeeding is complete.​
Can an abdominoplasty be combined with a Mummy Makeover?
Yes. An abdominoplasty is often the central procedure of a Mummy Makeover , which may also include breast augmentation and liposuction of any remaining fat deposits. This comprehensive protocol allows for the treatment of several pregnancy-related issues while minimizing the recovery period. The feasibility and order of the procedures are determined in consultation with the surgeon, based on the patient's goals and health status.

Make an appointment

Are you wondering if you are a candidate for an abdominoplasty and which type of procedure is right for you? Schedule a consultation at the Clinique de la Croix d'Or in Geneva with plastic surgeons specializing in cosmetic body surgery.

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