My Abdominoplasty Story: From Difficult Surgeries to a Flat Stomach and Freedom from Pain

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Performed abdominoplasty surgery
Today we are publishing a review from a patient who underwent abdominoplasty at our clinic in 2025.

I decided to leave a review and share my experience. I had to go through a number of surgical interventions over several years. The first of them was a cesarean section when my younger son was born. The obstetrician-gynecologist made me a cosmetic horizontal incision above the pubic bone, which soon became almost invisible. But over the years, fat gradually accumulated above the operation site, the skin stretched, and what is commonly called an apron formed.

Two years after the birth of my son, I had a fibromyoma removed from the anterior wall of the uterus. The site of surgical entry was the same. But the new scar was not just noticeable - it gradually became keloid and painful. The apron above it contributed to rashes. My abdomen acquired an unsightly appearance.

A few years later, I began to be troubled by heavy uterine bleeding. During an ultrasound examination, my gynecologist discovered a significant enlargement of the uterus and noted signs of tumor growth. She referred me to an oncologist, who, due to urgent indications, scheduled an emergency operation, explaining that my reproductive organ would have to be removed.

During the operation, it turned out that the ovaries also had to be removed. The uterus was significantly enlarged. As was later explained to me, it had to be scraped off the liver for about an hour and a half, since adhesions tightly connected these two organs. There were also many adhesions between the intestinal loops and other abdominal organs. They were removed as much as possible, which greatly increased the duration of the surgery.

The vertical incision turned out to be very long - from the pubic bone to the sternum. The pubic bone had to be slightly fractured in the area of natural bone fusion. The incision was closed with metal staples. The wound healed very slowly and painfully.

Over time, a rough, large, very painful keloid formed. It looked awful. Especially considering that the apron on my lower abdomen had grown even larger.

A few more years later, I was diagnosed with a tumor in my right kidney. The oncologist-urologist, after a CT scan, determined that the tumor was benign but very large - a hemangiolipoma with a predominance of vascular components.

The scan also revealed gallstones. The doctor noted impaired bile flow, fatty liver dystrophy, and liver enlargement. Lymphatic flow was disrupted on the right side, and my right arm became severely swollen, looking very different from the left. I was referred to a general surgeon with a recommendation for urgent gallbladder removal.

My gallbladder was removed without an incision, just a few small punctures. After the procedure, I felt very unwell. Almost every morning I had severe vomiting. My local physician reassured me that after cholecystectomy it takes time for the body to adjust its digestive processes.

But I did not feel any better. On the contrary, my overall condition only worsened, and vomiting began to occur not only in the mornings. Although the swelling in my arm completely went away.

A year after the surgery, I had another follow-up CT scan to determine whether the kidney tumor had grown. The scan revealed signs of a large postoperative hernia. The oncologist-urologist again referred me to a surgeon. And so I came to this clinic.

Upon examination, the doctor noted that my abdomen had become very loose and flabby after all my surgeries. The surgeon explained that there was a high risk of developing new hernias. He showed me the areas of potential risk.

The doctor suggested performing an operation to resolve the existing hernia, as well as to carry out plastic surgery of the anterior abdominal wall to prevent new hernias. A side effect of the surgery would be aesthetic improvement - the keloid formations and the apron would be gone. In other words, under one anesthesia, the doctor proposed to solve several surgical problems at once. We discussed the cost of the procedure, and I agreed.

My navel was removed together with the apron and old postoperative scars. My doctor created a new, very neat and beautiful navel in place of the old one.

After the procedure, I spent two days in the hospital. The conditions and the attitude of all the medical staff pleasantly surprised me. It was comfortable, and I tolerated the first postoperative days easily.

I was discharged with drains - one on the right and one on the left - at both ends of the horizontal incision at the bottom of my abdomen. The doctor taught my son how to empty them from bloody fluid. He asked us to send him daily pictures to monitor the color and volume of the fluid.

My son did the dressings at home and also sent the wound photos to the doctor. Ten days after discharge, we visited the doctor again, and he removed the drains. The incision healed very quickly, and now it is almost invisible.

The result exceeded all my expectations! Now I have a flat, smooth stomach. The problems with rashes are gone. No more painful keloid adhesions. In addition, I used to have problems with involuntary urination. They disappeared as well!

I am very satisfied with the result. The surgery was performed in 2025. I am very glad that I came to a wonderful doctor - Emir-Useinov Tair - who solved several of my health problems in a single operation. I am grateful to the clinic and to my doctor!

Author and medical expert

Bariatric surgeon

Laparoscopic surgeon at the Bariatric Surgery Center. Specializes in surgical treatment of obesity and minimally invasive surgery.

Medical reviewer

Serhii Trepet

Bariatric surgeon, PhD (Medicine)

Bariatric surgeon, PhD (Medicine), specialist in metabolic and bariatric surgery.

Prepared in line with recommendations from ASMBS, IFSO, and NICE. This information is for educational purposes and does not replace a medical consultation.

Patient reviews

Our patients share their experience after bariatric surgery.

Volodymyr

★★★★★ 8 months ago
Google Reviews
Sincerely grateful to the team at the Bariatric Surgery Center for their professionalism and compassionate care. Special thanks to Serhii Trepet and Tair Emir-Useinov for their support and attention throughout my recovery. Highly recommend the clinic to anyone considering surgery.
Volodymyr after bariatric surgery

Svitlana

★★★★★ 11 months ago
Google Reviews
So glad I chose this clinic. After sleeve gastrectomy, I was constantly guided by doctors who patiently answered every question. Eight months have passed, and I am extremely happy with the results. Thank you for your care and help.
Svitlana after bariatric surgery

Olga

★★★★★ 1 year ago
Google Reviews
Comfortable conditions, attentive staff, and continuous post-op support. Many thanks to Dr. Tair for his professionalism and dedication. The results exceeded my expectations, and I am glad to recommend the center.
Olga after bariatric surgery