Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Surgical procedures of removing excess fat and skin in the abdominal site and creating a flatter and tighter abdominal profile are called tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is performed in cases of aging, genetics, pregnancy, previous operations, or continuous weight gain and loss. Even though the results of tummy tuck surgery are permanent, fluctuations in weight and conditions such as pregnancy significantly affect the results. Therefore, it is recommended to postpone the tummy tuck surgery for people who are planning to lose weight or become pregnant. When this procedure is carried out with a skilled surgeon, the difference in before and after the tummy tuck surgery will be very satisfying.

How is the Tummy Tuck Surgery Planned?

For a flat abdomen, most people deal with exercise and weight control. However, sometimes people may encounter problems while reaching their goals with these methods. Even individuals with normal body weight and ratio can sometimes develop a protruding and ptotic abdomen. For tummy tuck, first of all, all expectations should be expressed to the surgeon. Then, physical tests and the medical evaluation phase come up. Giving up smoking, a while before the surgery is essential for the healing process. In addition, the patient should avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements which may increase bleeding. A relative accompanying the patient on the day of operation is very beneficial.

How is the Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?

• Anaesthesia: Anaesthesia will be administered during the procedure to prevent the patient from feeling any pain. The surgeon will make the most appropriate anaesthesia choice (either under local or general anaesthesia) for the patient.
• Incision: Horizontal incision is performed on the site between the patient’s groin and navel (umbilicus). The shape and length of the incision depends on the excess skin and fat. After the incision and removal of the abdominal skin, the underlying weakened abdominal muscles are fixed. Also, an extra incision may be required to remove the skin on the upper abdomen. The upper abdomen skin is pulled and the excess part is removed. Then the remaining skin is put together and sutured. For the navel (belly-button), an opening is created and reconstructed.
• Closing Incisions: After the incision process, the incisions are closed with sutures, skin adhesive, bandage or clips depending on the surgeon’s choice. The duration of the tummy tuck operation varies between two and five hours, depending on the procedures performed. The surgeon decides the duration of hospitalisation, which may be 1-2 days.

How is the Recovery Process After Tummy Tuck?

In general, swelling occurs in the abdomen of the patient for the first three days after the tummy tuck. In addition, drugs recommended by the surgeon should be taken during this process for pain management. The patient, who may have difficulty standing upright during the early postoperative period, starts to walk within a short while. The time to remove the sutures, the frequency of dressings, the time for taking a bath and the duration of corset use vary depending on the surgeon’s instructions. It takes several weeks for the patient to return to his/her daily life. Depending on the speed of the recovery, time to return to daily activities is determined. Healing process is accelerated with small exercise programs that do not strain the patient’s abdomen. Thus, the swelling decreases, and the abdominal muscles become to function. For an average of 4-5 months, the scars remain red. However, these scars, which will become unapparent over time, are planned to remain under underwear. Therefore, the patient does not have any discomfort from the scar.

What Are the Risks of Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Surgery?

It is important to know the risks and potential complications of the tummy tuck surgery while considering the benefits of it and decide accordingly. The risks of tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery include:

• Anaesthetic discomfort,
• Bleeding,
• Infection,
• Fluid (seroma),
• Late wound healing,
• Loss of skin or sensation,
• Colour change in the skin,
• Prolonged swelling,
• Apparent scar,
• Skin loosening and re-prolapse,
• Death of adipose tissue under the skin (fat necrosis),
• Asymmetry,
• Permanent pain.

The risks of tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery are minimised upon the choice of the surgeon. These risks are low among those who have undergone tummy tuck surgery by a skilled plastic surgeon.

What is the Cost of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

It is against the law in Turkey for the healthcare organisations including private practices to indicate prices online for procedures, treatments or consultations. Please contact us by calling or texting ?+90 541 334 3484 (WhatsApp available) or ☏ +90 212 257 1515 for the average cost of the procedure or any other enquiries related to the procedure. You need to send some photos to the Patient Care Coordinator to be examined by Professor Yazar to get the exact all-inclusive price.

Procedure Summary Table

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Frequently Asked Questions

Can those who undergo abdominoplasty get pregnant?

Tummy tuck surgery does not prevent pregnancy. It also doesn’t cause any problems during pregnancy. However, it is very natural for the patient’s abdomen to become loose after birth.

How soon after birth, a woman can undergo a tummy tuck?

The ideal time for women who have just given birth is one year after the birth. Because at the end of the first year, the birth weight of the patient will be lost, and the degree of ruptures and prolapses will be fully revealed.

When should the surgery be performed for deformations caused by weight?

Abdominoplasty should be performed after the patient’s weight loss process is completed. Thus, the surgeon will understand the degree of possible deformation in the patient.

Is it possible to undergo a second tummy tuck surgery?

A second tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery can be performed one year after the first operation. A limited amount of abdomen and waist fat can also be removed during the second operation.

When can you have sexual intercourse after tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery?

Having sexual intercourse within three weeks after a tummy tuck is not recommended by the surgeons. The patient also should be prevented from doing any heavy household chores and sports for up to 4 weeks.

Are the scars visible after tummy tuck?

Abdominoplasty scars can be hidden easily with underwear. When the wound care recommended by the surgeon are fulfilled, the scars will become less visible.

What are the tummy tuck methods without surgery?

In case of intense conditions, it may be appropriate to remove fat with a vacuum in tummy tuck interventions. Diet and exercise are also effective methods. However, none of them eliminate the prolapse of the skin.