As a plastic surgeon, every case I take up teaches me something new not just about surgical precision, but about human resilience. Today, I want to share the story of one of my most inspiring patients a 70-year-old woman who underwent tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) at our centre in Bangalore.
This is not just a cosmetic transformation. It’s a story of courage, medical care, and how the right procedure can truly improve someone’s quality of life.
The Patient’s Background
My patient was a 70-year-old woman who came to me with very specific complaints chronic back pain, knee pain, and difficulty walking due to a large, sagging abdomen that had developed over years.
She was a petite woman, around 145 cm tall and weighing 76 kg, and had well-controlled hypothyroidism and borderline diabetes.
Her abdomen had become so pendulous that it affected her posture and mobility. She wasn’t looking for a cosmetic makeover she simply wanted relief from the discomfort that limited her daily life.
Our Assessment and Planning
On examination, she had a significant abdominal overhang with weak muscles and poor tone. Although there was no obvious hernia detected during initial evaluation, I suspected there might be some hidden weakness in the abdominal wall.
We discussed two key goals:
- Functional improvement – relief from pain and better mobility.
- Aesthetic enhancement – removal of excess skin and fat for a smoother contour.
Given her age and medical history, we had an extensive preoperative evaluation with both an endocrinologist and an anaesthetist to ensure she was fit for surgery.
After discussing risks, benefits, and realistic expectations, she decided to proceed with a tummy tuck combined with liposuction and muscle tightening.
The Surgical Approach
We performed the procedure under spinal and epidural anaesthesia for better safety and post-operative comfort.
Here’s a brief overview of what was done:
- Liposuction: We removed approximately 7.75 litres of fat from the abdominal and flank regions.
- Excision: Around 3 kg of loose skin was removed to eliminate the overhanging abdominal apron.
- Muscle tightening: The separated abdominal muscles were repaired and tightened (rectus sheath plication).
- Hernia repair: During surgery, we identified an epigastric hernia, which we repaired using a mesh to strengthen the area.
The entire surgery took about 4.5 hours. She tolerated the procedure remarkably well.
Postoperative Care and Recovery
We kept her under close observation for the first few days. She developed a minor fluid overload, which was promptly managed with diuretics. She stayed in the hospital for five days, during which we encouraged early mobilization with physiotherapy support.
An abdominal binder was used to support the surgical site and enhance healing.
Over the next few weeks, her recovery was smooth. She was disciplined with follow-up visits and post-surgical instructions — a key factor in her successful outcome.
The Transformation
The results were truly rewarding not just visually, but functionally.
- Her back and knee pain disappeared within a few weeks.
- She reported feeling “lighter and more confident”, able to walk comfortably without strain.
- Her posture improved, and the chronic discomfort that affected her sleep and mobility was gone.
When she looked in the mirror after recovery, she said,
“Doctor, I didn’t do this to look younger but I feel younger now.”
That moment truly captured why we do what we do.
Reflections on This Case
This case reinforced something I always tell my patients plastic surgery is not just about aesthetics; it’s about restoring comfort, function, and confidence.
Even at 70, age was not a limitation. With the right preoperative care, proper surgical planning, and cautious postoperative management, she experienced a safe and life-changing result.
Key Takeaways for Patients
- Age alone should not discourage you what matters is overall health and surgical planning.
- Functional benefits like pain relief, posture correction, and mobility improvement often go hand in hand with aesthetic results.
- Choose an experienced, board-certified surgeon who takes the time to understand your medical background and customizes the procedure for you.
Final Thoughts
This tummy tuck surgery in Bangalore stands as a reminder that transformation isn’t just skin-deep. For my patient, it restored physical ease and emotional well-being a true life-changing journey.
If you’ve been struggling with a heavy or sagging abdomen that’s affecting your posture, confidence, or comfort, a personalized consultation can help you understand your options safely.
Every patient’s story is different but with the right medical guidance, yours too can be a story of transformation.
