Empowerment through cosmetic surgery: The tummy tuck phenomenon in South Africa
Once reserved for celebrities and kept a secret, the tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is shedding its taboo image in South Africa.
Image: Freepik
More South African women are stepping into a new era of body confidence, openly embracing cosmetic procedures that were once whispered about in secrecy.
What was previously viewed as something reserved for celebrities is now becoming part of a wider conversation about self-worth, agency, and healing.
For many women, the tummy tuck has emerged as a powerful way to reclaim their bodies after life events that leave lasting physical changes.
Once reserved for celebrities and kept a secret, the tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is shedding its taboo image in South Africa.
The procedure is increasingly being embraced by women as a powerful tool for self-reclamation, with a notable surge in interest among Black African women who are openly choosing to restore their bodies and confidence on their own terms.
Leading this shift is Professor Chrysis Sofianos, a respected figure in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.
"Cosmetic surgery is less about vanity and more about feeling at home in your own skin again," he explains.
"It’s often an important investment in self-worth, confidence, and acceptance. And tummy tucks, especially post-pregnancy or after weight loss, are one of the most powerful tools we have in body restoration."
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles.
The result is a smoother, firmer, and more contoured silhouette.
Professor Sofianos customises each procedure, often combining it with targeted liposuction to sculpt the waist and flanks for a balanced result.
He performs two primary types of tummy tucks:
Mini tummy tuck: Suitable for those with minimal skin laxity below the belly button, it involves a smaller incision and faster recovery.
Full tummy tuck: Best for individuals with excess skin across the entire abdomen, this procedure often includes muscle repair and repositioning of the belly button.
Professor Sofianos emphasises that this is not a weight-loss solution but rather a definitive answer for loose, stretched skin that no amount of diet or exercise can fix.
"I see so many women who’ve done everything right... But the skin has been stretched beyond its ability to retract," he says.
"In those cases, a tummy tuck is simply the only way to remove that excess skin and reveal the body they’ve worked so hard for."
The procedure is increasingly being embraced by women as a powerful tool for self-reclamation.
Image: Kaboompics.com / Pexels
Debunking myths
Professor Sofianos is at the forefront of challenging the outdated notion that cosmetic surgery is not for Black women.
He and his team are actively working to debunk several persistent myths:
"Black women don’t undergo cosmetic surgery."
This is simply not true. An increasing number of African women, particularly urban professionals and mothers, are integrating aesthetic surgery into their self-care journeys.
"Cosmetic surgery is only for Western beauty ideals."
Today's patients are not seeking to conform but rather to refine and restore their natural features, celebrating their unique beauty while boosting self-confidence.
"It’s not safe for Black skin."
While specific considerations like a greater risk of keloid scarring exist, Professor Sofianos' expertise in diverse skin types ensures a tailored and safe approach. "The key is understanding different skin anatomies and healing patterns," he states.