Reviewed By: Dr. Emre Gönenç Baygöl
Abdominoplasty (Tummy tuck) is an operation to remove excess skin over the fat tissue in the middle and lower abdomen.
Abdominoplasty operation tightens the abdominal wall muscles and provides a more aesthetic abdominal appearance. The operation, which can be performed in two ways, mini tummy tuck and full tummy tuck, is the surest way to remove sagging skin in the abdomen.
Although diet and exercise programs give very successful results in losing weight and improving the general body contour; unfortunately, they are not effective enough on sagging skin that occurs in the body.
In Turkey, tummy tuck operations can be performed simultaneously with liposuction in some cases. Mini or full abdominoplasty can be performed after a certain amount of fat layer in the abdominal area of the patient that cannot be removed with diet and exercise programs.
In Which Cases Is a Tummy Tuck Necessary?
Pregnancy, rapid weight gain and loss or excessive weight loss are the most common reasons for sagging skin problems in the abdominal area.
In addition to these reasons, genetic characteristics, successive births or some surgical operations may cause sagging in people who are not overweight and whose body mass index is considered normal, and may lead to the need for tummy tuck surgery.
Excessive thickening or thinning of the dermis, the lower layer of the skin, weakening of the muscles in the abdominal area, thinning of the skin and weakening of its elasticity are conditions that trigger and increase sagging in the abdominal area.
In order for the patient to undergo an abdominoplasty operation, the weight must be close to the ideal weight and stabilized. It is not possible to perform mini abdominoplasty or abdominoplasty operation immediately for people who are in the weight loss phase and mothers who have recently given birth.
For the operation, 1 year must have passed since the birth, the birth weight must have been lost and the weight must have stabilized.
Details of Tummy Tuck Operation
The stretching procedure, which eliminates abdominal muscle relaxation, problems on and around the navel, is determined according to the needs of the person.
People with adiposity problems should undergo luposuction before stretching procedures. If stretching is performed without luposuction for people with abdominal fat problems, a thick and unaesthetic abdominal appearance is formed.
After the second or third birth in women, downward skin collapses can be seen in the structure of the genital area. With the abdominoplasty operation, this skin is also intervened and suspended upwards.
Thus, both the abdomen and the genital area gain an aesthetic appearance. If you want to achieve a firmer and flatter abdomen, tummy tuck surgery can help you.
Tummy tuck surgeries are performed under general anesthesia in a sterile hospital environment. The type of tummy tuck the patient needs should be determined by the doctor.
Abdominoplasty: If the deformation of the abdominal region is such that it extends above the belly button and the patient’s belly button location will need to be changed in the operation; in such cases, a full stretching procedure is performed.
The abdominal skin is lifted up to the ribs, excess adipose tissue is removed, excess skin is cut off, and the separated muscles in the region are combined and strengthened. Thus, the patient achieves a taut and flat abdomen. If there is a hernia in the umbilical region, it is possible to clean it during the operation.
Mini Abdominoplasty: If the deformed and problematic area is only below the belly button, a mini tummy tuck operation is sufficient. With the help of an incision made in the pubis area, the skin is lifted up to the navel.
If necessary, excess adipose tissue is removed, separated and weak muscles are combined and strengthened. Excess skin is removed by cutting.
It is possible to maintain the results obtained in both operations for many years as long as healthy nutrition, exercise and weight control are maintained.
Other Details About Tummy Tuck
Smoking is strictly forbidden for 1 month each before and after the operation. Because smoking may pose some risks during the operation. Tummy tuck operations are not operations that will create obstacles or problems for subsequent pregnancies.
The only reason why it is recommended not to get pregnant in the near period after the operation is the possibility that pregnancy may reduce the effect of the operation.
Abdominoplasty is not a stretch mark treatment. Unfortunately, it does not have any curative effect on the stretch marks in the area. Mini abdominoplasty has no effect on the waist and upper abdomen.
The stitches placed in the operation area are removed 1-3 days after the operation. Stitch removal time varies between 1 and 3 weeks. The scar caused by the operation may appear to worsen between 3-6 months, as well as being quite obvious at first.
The scar caused by the operation heals after 9-12 months. Even if it does not disappear completely, it is possible to hide it easily because it is in the bikini area.
The patient is discharged after one day of hospitalization after surgery. Mild pain may be experienced for the first week. It is expected and normal to have difficulty standing upright in the early days.
After the operation, it is recommended to eat a liquid-based diet for the first days and then a protein-based diet. The patient should avoid heavy work for a certain period of time and wear a special corset given by the doctor for a month. After one month is completed, it is beneficial to continue wearing the corset for another 2 weeks (daytime only).
People who have undergone stretching surgery can return to their active lives in 15-18 days and continue their sports activities in 6-8 weeks. However, it is recommended to avoid sports that will affect or affect the abdominal area for 6 months.
Abdominoplasty Price in Turkey
Abdominoplasty prices in Turkey are also affordable when compared to other countries around the world, despite the success rates achieved with the operation.
For all your questions about the operation, you can contact us by phone or visit our clinic in Mecidiyeköy to get information from our consultants and have a free consultation.