Tummy tuck in Vienna
In brief
In a tummy tuck, Dr. Handl removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, for example after pregnancy or major weight loss, and tightens the abdominal muscles if needed. The operation takes about 90 to 180 minutes and is performed under general anaesthesia with an inpatient stay. The scar runs below the waistline; recovery takes 10 to 14 days, and sport is possible after three to four weeks. Prices start at €14,900.
- Medical review
- This text was medically reviewed by our team on 6 October 2026
- Specialists for this treatment:
-
Dr. Markus-Johannes Handl
Dr. Victor Boulgaropoulos
- Cost:
- from €14,900
- Cost coverage
- If medically indicated, covered by private health insurance or partly refunded by the statutory health insurance.
Our patients' experiences
5.0 out of 5 · 1 review
At a glance
- Location
- Clinic
- Outpatient or inpatient
- inpatient
- Duration of the operation
- about 90-180 minutes
- Type of anaesthesia
- general anaesthesia
- Recovery phase
- 10-14 days
- Scars
- scar running below the waistline
- Desk work / office work
- after 2 days
- Sport
- after 3-4 weeks
- Check-ups
- depending on healing, on the 7th, 14th and 28th day after surgery
- Special notes
- abdominal binder for at least 4 weeks
Tummy tuck – abdominoplasty
Tummy tuck by the specialist in Vienna
A tummy tuck can be a solution for many people when exercise and diets are no longer enough to reduce excess skin. Women and men can benefit from a tummy tuck, especially after a pregnancy or massive weight loss. In many cases, the loose skin is not only unsightly but also uncomfortable and affects self-confidence and quality of life.
As an experienced specialist in plastic surgery, Dr. Handl has already successfully helped many patients improve the contour of their abdomen. He uses the most modern techniques and takes individual wishes and needs into account. Before the procedure, a comprehensive consultation takes place in which the desired effect is discussed and you are informed about potential risks.
During the consultation, Dr. Handl takes plenty of time to answer all questions and make sure every patient is as well informed as possible. A tummy tuck is an important decision, and it is crucial that the patient understands all the details of the procedure and the potential risks before deciding on surgery.
After the procedure, Dr. Handl works closely with each patient to make sure the recovery period is as comfortable and successful as possible. He gives tips and recommendations to relieve pain and discomfort and speed up recovery. With professional and supportive care, Dr. Handl ensures that every patient achieves the best possible result and feels comfortable in their body again.
Cost coverage by statutory health insurance
As a rule, health insurance does not cover the cost of a tummy tuck, as it is an aesthetic procedure performed for purely cosmetic reasons. An exception applies, however, if the procedure is medically necessary, for example after massive weight loss or with a pronounced abdominal wall hernia. In such cases, an application for cost coverage can be made to the health insurer. The decision lies with the insurer and is examined case by case.
Tummy tuck scars
The course of the scar after a tummy tuck depends on the technique used in the operation. In general, there are three types of tummy tuck: the mini tummy tuck, the classic tummy tuck and the extended tummy tuck.
In a mini tummy tuck, only a small part of the abdomen is treated, usually the area below the navel. The scar is correspondingly small and usually runs horizontally below the bikini line.
In a classic tummy tuck, a larger part of the abdomen is treated, including the area above the navel. The scar runs horizontally and is somewhat longer than with a mini tummy tuck. It usually extends from hip to hip, at about the level of the pubic bone, and can also run vertically up to the navel if needed. In some cases, the scar takes the shape of an inverted “T” or an “L”.
The extended tummy tuck is a comprehensive operation in which the entire abdomen is treated. The scar is correspondingly longer and can run vertically from the pubic bone to the breastbone and horizontally from hip to hip. In some cases, the scar also takes the shape of an inverted “T” or an “L”.
Whatever the type of tummy tuck, the scars can fade and flatten over time. Appropriate scar care, including protection from sunlight and regular check-ups, can help improve the appearance of the scars.
Tummy tuck: the day of surgery
Careful preparation is essential for a successful tummy tuck. On the day of the procedure, we therefore ask you to arrive at the clinic at least 4 hours beforehand so that you can check in calmly. After the usual admission procedures, you are taken to your room and the anaesthetist goes through all the details of the anaesthesia with you once more.
Before the operation, precise measurements and documentation are made so that the desired result can be achieved exactly. Dr. Handl takes enough time to respond to your individual wishes and questions.
During the operation, Dr. Handl takes the time he needs to achieve an optimal result. The duration of the operation depends on various factors such as the surgical technique, your anatomy and the effort involved.
After the operation, you spend the first hours in the recovery unit, where you are cared for by experienced nursing staff. As soon as you feel fit enough, you can be moved to your own room and also receive visitors. We make sure that you feel completely at ease with us and are optimally cared for.
Interview with Dr. Handl on the tummy tuck
Tummy tuck in Vienna
Tummy tuck costs
The cost of a tummy tuck can only be estimated realistically when your individual physical starting point, the desired change and the medical effort of the procedure are taken into account. Because every patient comes with different conditions, Dr. Handl always calculates the costs after a detailed personal consultation.
In this conversation, not only the suitable surgical technique and the possible extent of the procedure are discussed, but also all organisational and medical factors that affect the total price. These include whether additional measures – such as liposuction or tightening of adjacent tissue – are medically advisable or aesthetically desired, as well as the length of the clinic stay, the anaesthesia and the planned extent of aftercare.
A tummy tuck is usually an aesthetic procedure whose costs are borne by the patient. If there is a medical indication, however, for example after massive weight loss with functional impairment from overhanging skin folds, partial or full coverage of the costs by health insurance may be considered. Abdominal wall hernias, chronic skin inflammation or restricted movement can also constitute a medical necessity, which is examined accordingly.
Dr. Handl places particular importance on full transparency. After the personal examination, you receive a detailed written cost plan covering all medical services, the surgery itself, the clinic stay and aftercare. There are no hidden extra costs.
If you would like clarity about the expected costs of your treatment and an overview of your individual options, we recommend a no-obligation consultation with Dr. Handl.
Book your personal consultation now and find out about the procedure, options and costs of your tummy tuck.
Dr. Handl – your specialist for tummy tucks in Vienna
A slack abdominal wall can become a considerable burden after pregnancy or major weight loss – physically and emotionally. The excess tissue can disrupt everyday life, restrict clothing choices and affect self-confidence. In such cases, a surgical tummy tuck is often the only sensible way to improve the body contour lastingly and restore personal well-being.
Dr. Markus-Johannes Handl is a specialist in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery with many years of experience in body contouring. He has made a name for himself in Vienna because he combines medical precision with aesthetic sensitivity and precedes every procedure with sound individual consultation. The aim is not only to achieve a smooth abdominal profile but always to preserve a harmonious overall picture of the body.
In his practice, Dr. Handl accompanies his patients with a holistic view – from the first analysis through surgical planning to complete aftercare. The operation itself is performed in a modern, well-equipped private clinic in Vienna, with the highest standards of safety, hygiene and medical quality. Even after the procedure, the team is always available to advise you and ensure the smoothest possible healing phase.
If you are looking for a specialised, experienced and trustworthy contact for a tummy tuck in Vienna, Dr. Handl is a competent partner who performs the procedure with precision, experience and humanity.
Preparation, risks and aftercare
Preparation
A tummy tuck is worthwhile when your weight is stable and your family planning is complete. In the consultation, Dr. Handl discusses whether the abdominal muscles should also be tightened (diastasis recti) and whether liposuction makes sense. Smoking significantly increases the risk of wound-healing problems after a tummy tuck, so stop several weeks beforehand if possible.
Before the operation under general anaesthesia, a health check and an anaesthesia briefing take place, and you receive a checklist. After consulting us, avoid blood-thinning medication and alcohol.
Risks
As with any operation, bruising, swelling, secondary bleeding, infection and wound-healing problems can occur. The anaesthetist discusses the risks of general anaesthesia with you beforehand.
Specifically after a tummy tuck, wound fluid (seroma) or wound-healing problems can develop along the long scar, especially in smokers. The skin below the navel can remain numb for some time. Protection against thrombosis and embolism is important, so you start moving early and receive thrombosis prophylaxis. The scar runs below the waistline and takes several months to fade.
In the informed-consent consultation, Dr. Handl discusses all risks in detail and in relation to your personal situation.
Aftercare
After the operation, you stay in the clinic. The drains are removed during the ward round the next morning. At first, walk slightly bent forward to take strain off the stitches, and start moving early to protect against thrombosis. Wear an abdominal binder for at least four weeks.
Do not lift anything over 5 kg and avoid pressure on the abdominal muscles. The stitches are removed after about 14 days. The recovery phase takes about 10 to 14 days, and sport is possible after three to four weeks. A feeling of tightness can persist for a few months. Protect the scar from the sun.
Frequently asked questions
When is a tummy tuck advisable?
The skin often loses firmness after major weight loss or pregnancy, for example. This leaves excess skin on the abdomen that does not retract by itself and is felt to be bothersome. In this case, a tummy tuck makes sense and can markedly improve the contour of the abdomen. It is advisable to have a tummy tuck only once your family planning is complete.
Can a tummy tuck be combined with liposuction?
To achieve an optimal result, it often makes sense to combine a tummy tuck with liposuction.
Will my stretch marks also disappear with a tummy tuck?
Stretch marks often appear on the lower abdomen or around the navel. Depending on how much excess skin is removed there, the stretch marks in this area are removed too. The higher the stretch marks are, however, the more difficult it is to remove them.
What are the risks of a tummy tuck?
Like any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck carries risks, for example wound-healing problems or scarring. In the consultation, Dr. Handl informs you in detail about all the risks of a tummy tuck.
Will there be visible scars after a tummy tuck?
Dr. Handl pays particular attention to keeping scars inconspicuous. The scar is usually positioned so that it disappears under the edge of your underwear or bikini/swimming trunks. Complete healing of the scars takes up to a year. During this time, patients can contribute to optimal healing by regularly using scar care products and protecting the scar from direct sunlight.
Is the procedure painful?
Because the procedure takes place as an inpatient under general anaesthesia, it is not felt to be painful. In the first days after the procedure, pain can occur, which can be managed with painkillers. Pain perception varies from person to person, but many describe the pain as comparable to severe muscle soreness.
How long does the procedure take?
The operation takes between 90 and 180 minutes. Afterwards, you recover in the clinic until the next day.
What do I need to consider before the procedure?
Before an operation, it is important to avoid medication that affects blood clotting where possible (e.g. aspirin). You should also largely avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Nicotine can reduce the blood supply to organs and delay wound healing, so we recommend giving up cigarettes as far as possible during the treatment phase. You will find out more in your consultation with Dr. Handl.
What do I need to consider after the procedure?
After the procedure, you recover in the clinic until the next day. During the ward round the next morning, the drains are removed and Dr. Handl goes through everything necessary for your discharge with you. It is important to wear an abdominal binder day and night for at least 4 weeks after the operation for protection, and you will be shown how you may move. It is important to take it easy physically after the operation. Please do not lift objects weighing more than 5 kg and avoid any tension or pressure on the abdominal muscles. After about 14 days, the stitches are removed at a check-up and normal bathing is possible again. Sport is only possible again after 4 weeks. In the following months, please make sure the scar is not exposed to direct sunlight in order to achieve an aesthetic scar.
When can I do sport again after a tummy tuck?
We recommend starting sport again carefully at the earliest 4 weeks after the procedure.
When are the stitches removed?
The stitches are removed after about 14 days.
How long will I be off work after a tummy tuck?
That depends on your job, of course. Desk work is possible again after about 2 to 3 days. However, it is very important that you take it easy physically in the first weeks and do not lift objects weighing more than 5 kg.
When will the final result be visible?
A change can be seen immediately after the procedure. It takes about another 3 weeks for swelling or bruising to subside. Because the scar takes about a year to heal completely, the final result can only be assessed after this time.
What can I do to help the scars heal well?
Dr. Handl pays particular attention to keeping scars inconspicuous. For optimal healing, we also recommend using scar care products and protecting the scar from direct sunlight.
What happens if I become pregnant or gain weight after a tummy tuck?
Essentially, nothing happens except that the skin tissue will stretch again. The scars cannot tear open, but depending on the stretching they could become wider.
Personal consultation
Tell us what you would like to discuss. We will get back to you within two working days to arrange a personal consultation with Dr. Handl.
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