What is a tummy tuck?
Abdominoplasty, also known as tummy tuck surgery, refers to cosmetic surgical procedures performed to correct deformities that can occur in the body due to aging, heredity, pregnancy, and constant weight gain and loss. It is performed to remove excess fat in the abdominal area and to create a flat and firm abdominal profile by tightening the skin. Although the results of a tummy tuck are permanent, weight fluctuations and pregnancy can significantly reduce their permanence. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals planning to lose weight or become pregnant postpone tummy tuck surgery. When this procedure is performed by an expert and experienced doctor, the difference between the before and after results of a tummy tuck will be visibly aesthetic.
How is a tummy tuck performed?
Many people achieve a flat stomach through exercise and weight control, but sometimes individuals experience problems reaching their goals with these methods. In fact, sometimes even individuals with normal body weight and proportions can develop a protruding and sagging abdomen. Before undergoing a tummy tuck, it’s essential to speak with a specialist surgeon and fully communicate all expectations to the doctor. This is followed by physical tests and a medical evaluation. Quitting smoking a while before the surgery is crucial for the healing process. Patients should also avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, as these can increase bleeding. Having a family member or relative present on the day of the surgery is very helpful for ensuring a smooth process.
What is the Tummy Tuck Surgery Process Like?
Anesthesia: Anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient does not feel any pain or discomfort during the surgery. Depending on the situation, this procedure can be performed locally or topically, with the surgeon making the most appropriate choice for the patient.
Cut:A horizontal incision is made in the patient’s abdomen, between the groin and the navel. The shape and length of the incision vary depending on the amount of excess skin and fat. After the abdominal skin is cut and lifted, the weakened abdominal muscles underneath are strengthened. An additional incision may be necessary to remove skin from the upper abdomen. The excess skin from the upper abdomen is pulled and cut away. Then, the remaining skin is joined and sutured. An opening is created for the navel, and it is positioned correctly.
Closing the Incisions:After the incisions are completed, the incisions are closed with stitches, adhesive, tape, or clips, depending on the surgeon’s preference. The duration of a tummy tuck operation varies between 2 and 5 hours, depending on the procedures performed. Depending on the surgeon’s choice, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days.
What is the recovery process like after a tummy tuck?
Generally, after a tummy tuck, the patient experiences swelling in the abdominal area for the first three days. During this period, due to the intensity of pain, it is necessary to take the medications recommended by the surgeon. The patient may have difficulty standing upright initially, but they will be encouraged to walk shortly afterward. The timing of stitch removal, dressing changes, showering, and corset use will vary depending on the surgeon’s instructions. The patient’s return to daily life takes several weeks. The timing of return to daily activities is determined by the speed of healing. Small, gentle exercise programs that don’t strain the abdomen can accelerate the healing process. This reduces swelling and allows the abdominal muscles to become fully functional. Surgical scars will appear red for approximately 4-5 months. However, these scars become less noticeable over time and are designed to be hidden under underwear. Therefore, the patient will not be bothered by the surgical scars.
What are the risks of a tummy tuck?
When considering the benefits of a tummy tuck, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and complications and to make a decision accordingly. The risks of a tummy tuck include:
● Anesthetic discomfort,
● Bleeding,
● Infection,● Fluid accumulation (seroma),
● Delayed wound healing,
● Skin or sensation loss,
● Skin discoloration,
● Persistent swelling,
● Prominent scarring,
● Skin laxity and sagging,
● Death of fatty tissue in the skin (fat necrosis),
● Asymmetry,
● Persistent pain.
The risks of a tummy tuck are minimized by choosing the right doctor. The likelihood of these risks occurring is very low among those who undergo tummy tuck surgery with an expert and experienced aesthetic and plastic surgeon.
Tummy Tuck Surgery Prices
The Ministry of Health has prohibited officially approved institutions (hospitals, aesthetic clinics, rehabilitation and treatment centers, etc.) from listing tummy tuck surgery prices on their websites through a circular. Furthermore, in order for Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialists to provide accurate information regarding tummy tuck procedures and prices, they must first see and examine the patient.
☏+90 212 257 1515 ✆ +90 541 334 3484 by calling the phone numbers, or using the email address info@sukruyazar.com, contact form By choosing the “Ask a Question” section or using the live support line during online sessions, you can ask patient advisors all your questions such as “How much do tummy tuck surgeries cost, what are the prices of aesthetic tummy tuck procedures, what are the tummy tuck fees in 2020, how do the surgical procedures proceed?” etc., and you can request an appointment by stating that you would like to see and be examined by Professor Doctor Şükrü Yazar.
Tummy Tuck Frequently Asked Questions
The most frequently asked questions about aesthetic procedures before, during, and after.
Tummy tuck surgery does not prevent pregnancy and does not cause any problems during pregnancy. However, it is quite normal for the patient’s abdomen to become slightly looser after childbirth.
For women who have recently given birth, the ideal time frame is one year later. This is because by the end of the first year, the patient will have lost her pregnancy weight, and the extent of stretch marks and sagging will be more apparent.
A tummy tuck should be performed after the patient has completed their weight loss process. This allows the specialist doctor to understand the extent of any potential deformation in the patient.
A second tummy tuck can be performed one year after the first operation. During the second surgery, a limited amount of abdominal and waist fat may also be removed.
Sexual intercourse is prohibited for 3 weeks after a tummy tuck operation, as instructed by the surgeon. Heavy housework and exercise should be avoided for approximately 4 weeks.
Tummy tuck scars can easily be concealed with underwear. With the care recommended by your doctor, the surgical scars become less noticeable.
In cases requiring a tummy tuck, vacuum liposuction may also be an option. Diet and exercise are also effective methods. However, none of them eliminate skin sagging.
