Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a surgical procedure that involves the surgical removal of excess fat and sagging skin tissue in the abdominal area and tightening of the loosened abdominal muscles. This procedure is not a weight loss method, but rather a body contouring operation aimed at correcting the abdominal wall that has deteriorated following pregnancy or excessive weight loss.
✓Overview
The stages of abdominoplasty surgery vary depending on the technique applied. Generally, for abdominal tightening aesthetics that aims to create a more aesthetic appearance in the abdominal area and eliminate stretch marks, anesthesia is first applied to the patient. An incision is made between the groin and the belly button, and the abdominal skin and the fat layer underneath are separated from the muscle tissue.
The loosened or separated right and left abdominal muscles are brought together at the midline and tightened with the help of special sutures. After removing excess skin and fat tissue, the belly button is repositioned and the incision is closed. A drain is placed to prevent fluid accumulation inside.
✓Who Can Be Ideal Candidates for Abdominoplasty?
Ideal candidates for abdominoplasty are people with excess abdominal skin, weakened muscles, or stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. Their general health should be good, they should have realistic expectations about the results, and they should be seeking to improve the appearance of their abdomen.
✓Benefits of Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty provides various advantages such as a flatter and tighter abdomen, improved body contours. This procedure increases confidence and alleviates discomfort caused by excess skin and fat. It aims to create a youthful and aesthetically attractive abdominal profile.
✓Surgery Methods
Full Abdominoplasty: A procedure involving the removal of all sagging skin above and below the belly button and repositioning of the belly button.
Mini Abdominoplasty: A shorter procedure applied only for mild sagging below the belly button, in which the belly button is not touched.
Lipoabdominoplasty: The combined application of liposuction (fat removal) with abdominoplasty.
Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty: An operation performed to address advanced sagging both horizontally and vertically resulting from significant weight loss. It is more comprehensive.
✓A medical corset should be worn for 4-6 weeks following surgery to allow tissues to settle and reduce edema.
Light daily activities can be resumed within 1 week, while full recovery and heavy exercise require 4 to 6 weeks of waiting.
A scar remains along the cesarean line, but this scar fades over time and can be hidden within underwear.
You should use the medical corsets provided by your doctor as recommended for one month.
After surgery, you should wait approximately 2 months before engaging in heavy and strenuous sports.
To accelerate your recovery process, smoking and alcohol consumption should be discontinued. However, consuming plenty of water and fluids will increase your resistance.
Since the surgical stitches are self-dissolving stitches, there is no need to have them removed.
You can do light-paced walks one week after surgery.
After surgery, your stitches should be protected from sun and sweat until they dissolve.
You can go to the pool and sea one month after surgery.
Your body will reach its ideal shape within approximately 6 months after surgery.
Arrival Day
Meeting at the airport with transfer and hotel transfer.
Day 1
Meeting with a patient assistant at the hotel and transfer to the hospital for surgery.
Day 3
Hospital check-up and discharge procedures and transfer to the hotel.
Day 6
Meeting with the host at the hotel and check-up at the doctor's office.
Day 7
Hotel checkout procedures and transfer to the airport.
What is Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)?
A surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat in the abdominal area and tighten the underlying muscles, thereby creating a flatter, tighter abdomen and improving overall body contours.
How Long Does Abdominoplasty Surgery Take?
The procedure typically takes 2-5 hours, depending on the complexity and scope of the surgical intervention required to achieve the desired results.
Is Abdominoplasty Surgery Painful?
Since the procedure is performed under general anesthesia, you will not feel pain during surgery. Some post-operative discomfort, swelling, and bruising are common, but these can be managed with prescription pain relievers and typically subside within a few weeks.
What is the Recovery Process After Abdominoplasty Surgery?
Initial recovery takes approximately 2 weeks, during which patients should avoid strenuous activities. Most patients can return to non-strenuous activities within this period. Full recovery and final results are typically seen within 8-12 weeks.
Are the Results of Abdominoplasty Permanent?
The results of abdominoplasty are long-lasting, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle. However, significant weight fluctuations or pregnancy may affect the results over time.
When Can You Return to Normal Life After Abdominoplasty Surgery?
You can return to daily activities within 1 week. However, you should wait 4 to 6 weeks before engaging in heavy physical activities and strenuous work routines.
Can Abdominoplasty Be Combined with Liposuction?
Yes, after physician evaluation, liposuction can be performed in combination with abdominoplasty if deemed appropriate.
Will There Be Scars After Abdominoplasty Surgery?
After surgery, a thin incision scar may form. The prominence of scars can be reduced with creams recommended by your doctor.
How Many Days Does Abdominoplasty Take to Heal?
When aftercare routines are applied regularly following successfully completed abdominoplasty and appropriate care is given to the operative area, healing is typically achieved within 2 to 4 weeks.