A beautifully shaped female figure is defined by harmonious curves and balanced proportions. One of the most important aesthetic ratios is the waist-to-hip relationship – at its most attractive, the torso transitions into the waist and hips in a gentle hourglass shape. The relationship between chest width, breast volume, waist and hip width also contributes significantly to overall feminine appeal. Noticeable deviations from the well-known 90/60/90 proportions often appear as disharmony.

Alongside full, well-proportioned breasts, a smooth, toned abdomen, a narrow waist and a harmonious transition into rounded hips and shapely legs all contribute to an attractive silhouette.

Dissatisfaction may stem from disharmony in curves caused by excess or deficient fat deposits. Even disciplined exercise and a healthy diet cannot always correct these issues. Sagging skin and stretch marks frequently appear after pregnancy or major weight loss. Excess skin can appear not only on the abdomen but also on the breasts, upper arms, hips, thighs, buttocks and back. The appearance of the abdomen can also be distorted by separated abdominal muscles, which cause bulging instead of a firm contour.

When shaping the female abdomen, our goal is to accentuate the feminine hourglass line. We achieve this by tightening the abdominal wall and contouring fat deposits. A balanced hip contour completes the hourglass figure and must always be considered during planning. Excess skin and stretch marks must be removed, and in athletic bodies we can additionally highlight the outlines of the abdominal muscles. The technique is tailored to the condition of the tissues.

An attractive male physique is defined by sharper, more athletic contours that follow the outlines of the musculature. Men may accept less prominent muscles, but are far less comfortable with rounded contours or excess fat. Fat deposits and loose skin in the abdominal and waist area are among the most troubling concerns.

A sculpted body can be difficult to achieve due to genetics, limited time for training and less-than-ideal nutrition. A truly attractive physique requires a balance of genetics, youth, regular training and a healthy diet – and even slight disruption of this balance can alter body proportions over time.

Ageing, lifestyle demands and natural physiological changes lead to fat accumulation, weakening of connective tissue and abdominal muscles, loss of skin elasticity and stretch marks. Even with weight loss and exercise, skin quality often improves only slightly; in many cases it remains loose and sagging.

The degree of skin laxity determines the length of the incision and the final scar. The more excess skin, the longer the incision must be.

If excess skin is limited to the area below the navel, mini abdominoplasty can be performed, with a scar at the level of a typical C-section.

Full abdominoplasty smooths the entire abdominal area, removing all skin below the navel, including stretch marks and old scars. The scar is hidden below the underwear line and extends to the hips.

Occasionally, excess skin extends around the entire circumference of the torso, requiring a body lift – a circumferential procedure typically performed after massive weight loss.

In rare cases, extremely lax skin above the navel requires a vertical incision in the shape of a lily, leaving a scar from the sternum to the navel. This is used only when absolutely necessary.

The operation is performed under general anesthesia and lasts 1 to 3 hours. Patients stay overnight at the clinic and return home the next day with detailed instructions. Movement should be adjusted to discomfort during the first days, then gradually increased. Most daily activities can be resumed after a few days. Return to work depends on the type of job, usually after 7 to 14 days, with movement restrictions still in place. Compression garments must be worn for 4 to 6 weeks to prevent fluid buildup and support skin tightening.

Pregnancy and major weight loss in both women and men frequently result in a weakened abdominal wall, sagging skin and excess fat deposits that are particularly bothersome on the abdomen. Stretch marks also contribute significantly to dissatisfaction. Exercise and diet cannot repair these issues; only surgery can. Excess skin folds may interfere with hygiene and daily activities.

The results of abdominoplasty are permanent, provided the patient maintains a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Minor fluctuations do not affect the result, but major weight gain or loss can significantly alter the outcome.

Mini abdominoplasty tightens only the skin below the navel, while a full abdominoplasty tightens the entire abdomen, repositions the navel and reinforces the abdominal wall. The mini procedure results in a shorter scar but also a significantly smaller overall effect. In both cases, the scar is discreetly hidden in the underwear line.