Abdominoplasty  , also known as  tummy tuck surgery,  is a procedure most often performed by women after pregnancy. It's generally known as body contouring surgery. It's a preferred procedure for people with deformities.

It's a surgery to reshape the abdomen, which has problems such as excess fat, skin, sagging, and other issues that don't respond to diet and exercise for various reasons. Sometimes, the abdomen may not return to its original shape due to excess weight gained during or after pregnancy.

This surgery, which encompasses all these factors, is a frequently preferred option. People with naturally firm abdominal skin and muscle structure can easily return to their former shape. A simple procedure can achieve the desired results.

It's quite difficult for women to return to their previous shape after pregnancy. This procedure removes excess fat from the area, allowing the patient to achieve a flatter stomach quickly. Tummy Tuck surgery is recommended for individuals who have no chronic conditions and are suitable for anesthesia.

At Private Ankara Magnet Hospital, Abdominoplasty is performed in our Plastic Surgery unit.

Who Can Undergo Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty)?

Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty) is a surgery suitable for patients with loose or sagging abdominal skin, fat accumulation resistant to diet and exercise, excess skin, weakened abdominal muscles, and large stretch marks on the abdomen.

How is a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) performed?

At your initial consultation, your surgeon will provide information based on your general health, the area where the skin will be removed, and other examination findings. The procedure will be performed based on a detailed examination by the surgeon and the extent of the deformity, including the presence of abdominal sagging or stretch marks.

Following this examination, it is important to inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have had or any current medical conditions you may have (diabetes, etc.). At the beginning of the surgery, local anesthesia is used along with a liquid to prevent bleeding during the procedure. A transverse incision is made in the lowest abdomen and an incision is made around the belly button. Sometimes, depending on the patient's condition, the incision at the belly button may not be made. The belly button is reconstructed in the appropriate position through surgery. During the surgery, the patient's abdominal muscles are tightened and restored to their former firmness.

After all procedures are completed, the patient is dressed, and the surgery is complete. However, it's important to note that if you become pregnant again after surgery, you're likely to experience this health problem again during delivery.

How Long Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Take?

A tummy tuck is a procedure that varies from person to person. Depending on the extent of the procedure, it can take 3 to 3.5 hours, while partial abdominoplasty can take 1 to 2 hours. For individuals with a large abdomen, it can take up to 4 hours. A short tummy tuck is performed for patients with minimal abdominal sagging and looseness. Factors affecting the procedure time include the amount of excess skin in the abdominal area, the area covered, whether or not liposuction is performed, and the suture technique used.

Tummy Tuck Recovery Process

The recovery process for abdominoplasty varies depending on each individual's body type, metabolism, and quality of life. Patients are generally discharged after a 1-3 day hospital stay. They are also advised to wear a special corset after the abdominoplasty. Drains are removed 3-4 days after the surgery. A week later, the patient returns to the hospital for stitch removal. These stitches typically heal on their own after 10-12 days. It takes 1-1.5 months to see the final results. Any remaining swelling will gradually subside, and your body will reach its final state within 5-6 months. Visible scarring can take up to 8-10 months to heal. You can shower and perform your usual activities 3-4 days after surgery. If you feel well and do not have a demanding daily or work life, you can recover within approximately 6 to 9 weeks.

Will There Be Scars After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

The incision required after a tummy tuck is made in the lower abdomen. Using the creams prescribed will help improve the appearance of the resulting scar. The healing process for this scar varies depending on genetic factors. The tummy tuck scar will fade in the first year after surgery, but it will never completely disappear. It is very important to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions. Although there may be a scar around the navel, the scar in the navel is generally less noticeable.

What Should We Pay Attention to After Abdominoplasty?

• Regular use of scar creams prescribed by your doctor.
• Since the body will be sensitive after the surgery, care should be taken in any movement attempts.
• Patients should not lie on their backs for the first week after the operation.
• Fruits and vegetables that will not cause bloating should be consumed after surgery.
• In order not to increase intra-abdominal pressure, foods that do not cause gas should be consumed in a diet form.
• Drink plenty of water and fluids.
• The person can eat and walk 3 to 4 hours after surgery.
• You should not use painkillers more than necessary.
• You should stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
• You should be careful when performing physical movements.
• After the surgery, you should take a bath, protecting yourself from hard water impacts.
• You should avoid heavy lifting and sudden reflex movements.

Will There Be Any Sagging or Rippling of the Skin After Surgery?

Because fat cells in the body don't break down or multiply after surgery, sagging or fat accumulation is unlikely. However, if the skin is soft and thin, sagging is possible. This surgery consistently yields better results, especially in men, with firmer skin.

In areas with stretch marks, poor skin quality can lead to poor results. Therefore, if you don't want to encounter such a problem, it's best to have your skin checked before surgery. Because everyone's fat percentage is different in a tummy tuck, this varies from patient to patient. A pre-examination is crucial for this type of surgery.

Sagging is often a problem for older patients and those with poor skin quality. However, we recommend that our patients undergo a thorough examination before undergoing a tummy tuck.

Who is Suitable for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

This procedure requires a specialist's consultation. It's not a weight-loss method, so it's a procedure performed solely for localized slimming and contouring. Patients with good skin elasticity (stretchability) are suitable candidates for a tummy tuck. Stretched skin from constant weight gain and loss is not a suitable candidate. If you have stubborn fat despite exercising, this surgery is an ideal solution. While not a specific age group, it's not recommended for some older patients due to skin fragility.

Frequently Asked Questions?

How Long Does It Take to Heal from a Tummy Tuck Surgery?

The duration of care varies depending on the individual patient and the surgical conditions. Patients are usually discharged after one to two days of hospital care.

Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Risky?

There are no risks during surgery. However, there are risks associated with the post-operative period, such as the risk of wound infection and the risk of fluid and blood accumulation during surgery.

How Many Times Is Abdominoplasty Performed?

If this is the patient's first abdominoplasty, approximately one year should pass. If you are planning a second abdominoplasty, the traditional technique used in the previous surgery, which involves elevating the affected area from the ground, reduces blood circulation to below normal levels, and cannot be performed if arduous, strenuous procedures such as liposuction are involved.

How Much Weight Can I Lose After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Considering the patient's post-operative recovery, you can expect to see a 5-6 cup reduction in waist size without any risk. Patients are unlikely to see immediate results. These will vary depending on the healing process.

Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Leave Scars?

The surgical procedure results in a horizontal incision (line) extending down the lower abdomen and leaving a faint scar. The resulting scar will fade within a year or so after surgery, but it will never disappear.