Dr. Dragana’s

Tummy Tuck in Dubai

ABOUT

Dr. Dragana Spica

Dr. Dragana Spica is Top-rated plastic surgeon in Dubai with almost two decades of experience. Dr Dragana Spica is European and UAE board-certified specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgery. In the world of refined beauty and expert care, Dr. Dragana is known for combining unparalleled skill, artistic precision, and a patient-centric approach to achieve life-changing results in both surgical and minimally invasive aesthetic procedures. Dr. Dragana Spica is Medical Director of ” Aesthetics by Kings College Hospital London ” in Dubai

Dr. Dragana graduated from the University of Belgrade, Serbia, and further advanced her expertise through a Master’s degree in Surgical Anatomy and specialized postgraduate training in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery. She completed her residency training at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Belgrade and gained extensive experience at the prestigious Clinical Centre of Serbia. Today, she is recognized for delivering natural-looking, personalized results through advanced surgical techniques, helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals with confidence and exceptional care.

Tummy Tuck in Dubai

A healthy lifestyle can change a great deal about the body, but there are some changes that diet and exercise simply cannot reverse. After pregnancy, significant weight loss or ageing, the abdominal skin may remain loose even at a stable weight. The abdominal wall can also become stretched, creating a rounded or less supported appearance that persists despite regular training.

A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, is designed for exactly these types of concerns. The procedure removes excess abdominal skin, reshapes the midsection and, when necessary, tightens lax abdominal fascia to create a firmer and smoother contour.

For Dr. Dragana Spica, tummy tuck surgery is not about creating the same flat abdomen for every patient. The procedure is planned around the patient’s natural frame, proportions, previous pregnancies or surgery, skin quality and the way the abdomen relates to the waist and surrounding body.

The result should feel appropriate for your body: refined, balanced and natural.

Beyond Diet and Exercise

One of the most important distinctions when considering abdominal surgery is understanding what is actually causing the concern.

A protruding or loose abdomen does not always mean that there is too much fat.

After pregnancy, for example, the abdominal tissues may have stretched substantially. The skin can lose elasticity, and the connective tissue supporting the abdominal wall may remain lax even after body weight returns to its previous level. Significant weight loss can create a different problem: the underlying body may become much slimmer while an apron or folds of redundant skin remain.

Neither situation can reliably be corrected by exercise alone.

A tummy tuck addresses the components that need surgical correction. Depending on the individual case, this can include removing redundant skin, reducing a limited amount of excess tissue and tightening the abdominal wall.

This is why an assessment with an experienced plastic surgeon is important. What looks similar from the outside can have very different anatomical causes underneath.

What Does a Tummy Tuck Actually Change?

Abdominoplasty is much more than skin removal.

During a full tummy tuck, Dr. Dragana makes an incision low on the abdomen, usually positioned so that it can remain concealed beneath underwear or swimwear whenever anatomy allows. Excess skin is then carefully separated and removed.

If the central abdominal wall has become lax or separated, it can be tightened with internal sutures. This does not build stronger muscles in the way exercise does; instead, it brings greater support and firmness to the abdominal wall where appropriate.

The remaining skin is repositioned to create a smoother contour. In a full abdominoplasty, the belly button usually needs to be brought through the newly positioned abdominal skin and carefully shaped so that it appears harmonious with the new abdomen.

The details of the operation differ considerably between patients because the amount and location of loose skin, abdominal wall laxity, existing scars and fat distribution are never identical.

Can a Tummy Tuck Be Combined With Other Surgery?

Yes, but whether procedures should be combined is an individual safety decision.

Abdominoplasty can sometimes be performed with liposuction to refine surrounding areas. It may also form part of a Mommy Makeover, where abdominal surgery is combined with an appropriate breast procedure to address changes following pregnancy and breastfeeding.

For other patients, separating procedures may be safer or may provide a more manageable recovery.

Combining operations means more areas are healing simultaneously and can make recovery more demanding. Dr. Dragana considers the extent and duration of surgery, the patient’s health, individual risk factors and the procedures being proposed before recommending whether a combination is appropriate.

The priority is not to fit as many procedures as possible into a single operation. It is to create a safe surgical plan capable of delivering a well-balanced result.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Tummy tuck surgery is generally considered for adults who are medically fit for surgery, have realistic expectations and are close to a stable body weight.

Both women and men can benefit from the procedure. It may be particularly appropriate when excess skin or abdominal laxity remains despite weight management and exercise.

  • Future plans: Significant weight loss after surgery can alter the result, while a future pregnancy can stretch the abdominal skin and wall again. Patients planning pregnancy or substantial additional weight loss are usually advised to postpone abdominoplasty.
  • Smoking and nicotine: These are particularly important considerations because they can interfere with blood supply and wound healing.
  • Medical assessment: Medical conditions, previous abdominal operations, medications, history of blood clots and other individual risk factors must be discussed during consultation.

There is no responsible way to determine suitability from photographs alone. A physical examination and detailed medical assessment are essential.

Planning Your Tummy Tuck With Dr. Dragana

Your consultation is where the operation begins to take shape.

Dr. Dragana will first listen to what concerns you about your abdomen. Some patients are primarily troubled by loose lower-abdominal skin. Others are concerned about the entire abdominal contour, abdominal wall laxity or the way the abdomen blends into the waist.

What Dr. Dragana assesses

  • Skin elasticity
  • Location of excess skin
  • Fat distribution
  • Abdominal wall condition
  • Belly-button position
  • Scars from previous operations

Your general health and medical history are equally important.

You should discuss previous surgery, pregnancies, medications, supplements, smoking or nicotine use, allergies and any medical conditions. If you have experienced significant weight loss, the timing and stability of that weight will also be relevant.

Rather than fitting you into a standard tummy tuck technique, these findings are used to determine what should actually be corrected and what can realistically be achieved.

Preparing for Surgery

Once surgery has been planned, you will receive personalised preoperative instructions.

Your preparation may include:

  • Medical checks. Depending on your medical history, these may include blood tests and other investigations to confirm that you are medically prepared for general anaesthesia and surgery.
  • Medication guidance. Certain medicines and supplements can affect bleeding, so Dr. Dragana needs an accurate list of everything you take. Do not discontinue prescribed medication on your own; any changes should be discussed with the appropriate doctor.
  • Stopping nicotine. Smoking and nicotine use may need to stop well before and after surgery because they can compromise circulation and healing.
  • Preparing support. Arrange help with children, shopping and household responsibilities, particularly during the early recovery period. You will need someone to take you home after discharge and should follow Dr. Dragana’s instructions regarding how much assistance is required.

The Day of Your Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty is normally performed under general anaesthesia.

Once you are safely anaesthetised, Dr. Dragana makes the planned lower abdominal incision. The operation then proceeds according to the anatomy identified during your consultation.

Excess skin is released and removed. If abdominal wall tightening has been planned, internal sutures are used to reinforce the lax central abdominal fascia. The remaining skin is carefully repositioned and, during a full tummy tuck, the belly button is brought through the abdominal skin and reshaped.

Liposuction may be incorporated where this forms part of the agreed treatment plan.

The incisions are then closed carefully and dressings are applied. Drains may sometimes be used temporarily to remove fluid that can accumulate beneath the skin.

The operation commonly takes several hours, but there is no single duration because the extent of surgery differs between patients. Your hospital stay will likewise depend on the procedure performed and your postoperative progress.

Recovery: Think in Stages, Not Days

Tummy tuck recovery is a process. The abdomen will not look or feel normal immediately after surgery, and trying to rush the early stages can work against good healing.

The early days

Swelling, tightness, bruising and discomfort are expected. Patients often find that standing completely upright feels difficult initially because the abdominal tissues are tight.

Gentle, regular walking is important once your surgical team says it is safe. Movement forms part of postoperative care and helps reduce complications associated with prolonged immobility.

A compression garment may be recommended to support the abdomen and control swelling. If drains are used, you will receive instructions about caring for them until they are removed.

The first few weeks

Your mobility gradually improves and the sensation of abdominal tightness begins to reduce.

Desk-based work and light daily activity may be resumed according to your progress and Dr. Dragana’s advice, but lifting, strenuous housework and exercise remain restricted.

If you have young children, planning help is particularly important because you should not assume you will be able to lift them early in recovery.

Around six weeks and beyond

Many patients can progressively return to a broader range of activities around this stage, but clearance is individual.

Exercise should be reintroduced gradually rather than immediately returning to previous intensity. Abdominal training and heavy lifting may need additional time depending on whether abdominal wall tightening was performed and how you are healing.

Swelling can continue well beyond the initial recovery period, and the scar continues changing for many months. The final result therefore develops gradually rather than appearing on a particular day.

Testimonials

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

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Emily Baldacchino
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What a cooler doctor. Had a consultation with her. She was very honest and friendly.
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Namita Vaya profile picture
Namita Vaya
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Dr Dragana is the best. So warm and her experience speaks for itself.
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Athulya Sajith profile picture
Athulya Sajith
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I’m so happy I chose Dr. Dragana Spica for my blepharoplasty. I was quite nervous about having surgery, but she made the entire experience feel so much easier and less overwhelming. From the very beginning, she was honest, patient, and genuinely took the time to listen to my concerns. That made me feel comfortable and confident in my decision. I felt well cared for throughout the entire process, and I’m truly happy with my experience. Thank you so much, Dr. Dragana, for making this journey such a positive one!
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Besty Mary Sam
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I don’t normally write reviews, but after my experience with Dr. Dragana Spica, I genuinely wanted to share this. Having surgery is such a personal decision, and I was definitely nervous going into it. Dr. Dragana made the entire journey feel so much easier. She was honest, patient, reassuring, and most importantly, I felt that she really listened to me. I never felt pushed into anything. Everything was explained clearly, and I always felt that I could trust her professional judgment. That feeling of being safe and looked after meant so much to me, especially on the day of my surgery. I’m extremely grateful for the care I received and very happy that I trusted Dr. Dragana with something so important to me. Thank you for making what could have been a stressful experience such a positive one.
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Maryanne Alwaka profile picture
Maryanne Alwaka
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I was honestly quite anxious about having blepharoplasty because anything involving the eyes feels like such a big decision. After meeting Dr. Dragana Spica, I felt so much more at ease. What I liked about her was that she was very honest and realistic with me from the beginning. She listened to my concerns and took the time to explain everything without making me feel rushed. On the day of my surgery I was nervous, but I genuinely felt I was in safe hands. The care afterwards was just as important to me, and I felt supported throughout my recovery. I’m very grateful that I chose Dr. Dragana. Looking back, I know I made the right decision.
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Munufie Isaac profile picture
Munufie Isaac
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I have under eyes problems and dark circles, and dent too but now I am more than happy coz Dr Dragana made a correction and now it looks like I sleep better every day. Highly recommended.
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BENALYN ARCILLA profile picture
BENALYN ARCILLA
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I had my lips fillers done with Dr.Dragana. She is amazing.! The best ..highly recommended.❤️
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roma Sia profile picture
roma Sia
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Really happy with my lip filler results! The treatment was smooth, and I felt comfortable throughout. My lips look natural and beautifully shaped. Thank you for the amazing work! Dr. Dragana is truly an amazing Dr. She did to me series of treatments and she took care of my needs with proper assessment and listens attentively. She did her job beyond my expectation. I highly recommended her. Now i am confident with the outcome of my botox collagen injection treatment as it looks very natural.
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ATHIRA BABU profile picture
ATHIRA BABU
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I recently had surgery with Dr. Dragana Spica and had a really amazing experience. I was quite nervous beforehand, but she made me feel comfortable and confident about my decision from the beginning. She is very straightforward and honest, which I personally appreciated. She listened to my concerns, explained everything properly, and I never felt rushed during my appointments. The level of care before and after the surgery really made a difference for me. I felt I was in safe hands throughout the whole experience. I’m genuinely grateful to Dr. Dragana and everyone who looked after me. Choosing a surgeon is not an easy decision, but personally, I’m very happy that I chose her and would absolutely recommend her based on my experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

A tummy tuck reshapes the abdomen by removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal wall where this is necessary.

During a full abdominoplasty, an incision is made across the lower abdomen. Excess skin is removed, and internal sutures may be used to tighten lax abdominal fascia. The remaining skin is repositioned and the belly button is carefully brought through the newly positioned skin.

The exact operation is adapted to your anatomy. Some patients require substantial skin removal and abdominal wall correction, while others have different priorities.

Dr. Dragana determines the surgical plan after examining the location of loose skin, abdominal wall condition, fat distribution and previous scars.

Yes. Because abdominoplasty is major surgery, preparation is an important part of reducing avoidable risks.

You may need blood tests or other investigations according to your medical history. Dr. Dragana will review your medications and supplements and advise whether any changes are necessary.

Smoking or nicotine use may need to stop for a specified period before and after surgery because nicotine can adversely affect blood flow and wound healing.

You should also arrange transport home and adequate help during early recovery.

Maintaining a stable weight and balanced nutrition before surgery is preferable to beginning a restrictive diet immediately before the procedure.

You will be admitted and prepared for your operation before receiving general anaesthesia.

Dr. Dragana then performs the procedure according to the surgical plan agreed during your consultation. Excess abdominal skin is removed, the abdominal wall is tightened if required, and the remaining tissues are carefully repositioned.

During a full tummy tuck, the belly button is also repositioned through the newly tightened abdominal skin.

Dressings and usually a supportive compression garment are applied following surgery. Drains may be placed in some cases.

After the operation, you will be monitored by the medical team until you have recovered adequately from anaesthesia. The timing of discharge depends on the extent of your surgery and your clinical progress.

Expect the abdomen to feel swollen, tight and uncomfortable during the early recovery period.

You may initially walk slightly bent forward because standing completely upright places tension on the healing tissues. Gentle walking is nevertheless encouraged when medically appropriate.

A compression garment may need to be worn, and strenuous activity, exercise and lifting are restricted for several weeks.

Most recovery milestones occur gradually. The amount of time needed away from work depends heavily on whether your job is sedentary or physically demanding.

Many normal activities can progressively return around six weeks, but Dr. Dragana will determine when you can safely exercise, drive and lift heavier objects according to your healing.

The objective is a smoother, firmer and better-proportioned abdominal contour.

Loose skin is permanently removed, and when abdominal wall tightening is required, this can create a more supported abdominal profile.

However, your result will not be fully visible immediately because postoperative swelling takes time to resolve.

The scar also changes substantially during the months following surgery.

Results can remain long-lasting if your weight stays relatively stable, but significant weight changes or pregnancy can alter the abdominal tissues again.

The most significant benefit of abdominoplasty is that it can address anatomical changes that exercise alone cannot correct.

Training can strengthen abdominal muscles and reducing body fat can change the overall shape of the torso, but neither can remove substantial redundant skin.

Tummy tuck surgery can remove that skin, improve abdominal wall support when laxity is present and create a smoother relationship between the abdomen and surrounding body contour.

For patients after pregnancy or major weight loss, this can allow the external shape of the abdomen to better reflect the body underneath.

No.

Liposuction is designed primarily to remove localised subcutaneous fat. It relies on the skin having sufficient elasticity to adapt to the reduced volume underneath.

A tummy tuck is primarily a skin-removal and abdominal-contouring operation and can also address abdominal wall laxity.

When both excess fat and loose skin contribute to the patient’s concerns, liposuction and abdominoplasty may sometimes be combined.

Dr. Dragana will recommend the approach that corresponds to your anatomy rather than choosing the operation simply according to which name is more familiar.

A full tummy tuck normally creates a horizontal scar across the lower abdomen and another scar around the belly button.

Dr. Dragana plans the lower incision to be as discreet as anatomy allows and generally aims for a position that can be covered by underwear or swimwear.

The length of the scar depends on how much skin needs to be removed. More extensive skin laxity usually requires a longer incision.

Scars are permanent, but they normally evolve significantly as they mature. Dr. Dragana will provide scar-care advice as part of your postoperative treatment.

A tummy tuck does not prevent pregnancy, but pregnancy after abdominoplasty can stretch the abdominal skin and abdominal wall again and alter the surgical result.

For that reason, women who expect to become pregnant in the near future are generally advised to postpone tummy tuck surgery.

If you have completed your family or do not currently plan further pregnancies, Dr. Dragana can discuss whether the timing is appropriate based on your circumstances.

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