What is Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)?

Sometimes diet and exercise are not enough to reach the abdominal appearance you desire

What is abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?
Sometimes diet and exercise are not enough to reach the tight, skinny, esthetic and functional abdominal appearance you desire. The Esthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center of Güven Hospital can offer various alternatives to help you have the desired abdominal appearance. One of these alternatives is abdominoplasty.

Tummy tuck procedure can be performed to treat the loose and sagged abdomen, which is seen commonly after pregnancy or weight loss.

The surgery, during which the abdominal muscles are tightened by surgically removing the excess fat and skin to create a tighter and more attractive abdominal wall, is called abdominoplasty.

Who can undergo an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?
Tummy tuck surgery is suitable for men and women with good general health.

A tummy tuck should not be mistaken for liposuction (a procedure that is performed to remove the localized excessive fat), however, as a part of your abdominoplasty surgery your surgeon can perform liposuction during the same session.

When you should avoid undergoing abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?
If you are planning to have children, it would be better to have the abdominoplasty surgery after your delivery.

If you are losing weight with methods such as diet, it would be more suitable to postpone the surgery until your weight is stable.

After the abdominoplasty, there will be a scar that will be hidden under your underwear. If this is a worrying factor for you, you need to discuss this matter with your surgeon in detail.

During your consultation with the surgeon, you will receive information on all surgical procedures and their results, and you can ask the questions you have. Do not hesitate the share your desired outcome and questions with your surgeon.

How is abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) performed?
The abdominoplasty surgery is performed under general anesthesia (the patient will be asleep). The routine protocol includes that the patient wears anti-embolism socks during surgery, usage of urinary catheter and postoperative drainage. After the surgery, a corset will be put on the patient. Approximately three to four hours after the surgery, the patient will be orally fed, and s/he will walk around. In the first couple of days, the patient needs to walk bending a little forward, so that the abdominal sutures are not strained.

After the mini or full tummy tuck surgery, there will be a surgical scar little longer than a c-section scar. In the first couple of days, the pain is managed with medication. Your surgeon will also inform you about how to best position yourself when sitting or laying down to reduce your pain.  Since the sutures will be left under your skin, there is no need to perform a suture removal. After the surgery, following the instructions of your doctor and not smoking will speed up your healing process.

The patients can go back to their daily lives after one week unless there is an unexpected situation. After three weeks, the patients can do sports apart from the abdominal exercises and after eight weeks all sports activities are allowed.

What are the complications and side effects of the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?
Although rarely seen, the most serious complication is pulmonary embolism. This risk is more than normal for older individuals, obese and diabetic patients, and smokers. One other complication is skin loss and non-healing wounds / delayed healing.

With skin types, which need to be stretched more to be closed, problems such as excessive scarring can occur. 

What are the types of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?
Full Abdominoplasty:

This option is preferred when a larger correction is needed. The incision will be made between the abdomen and groin in the middle of the hips. The skin and muscles are then properly positioned. Tummy tuck procedure is often performed for patients either gave birth or gain-lost excessive weight. After the surgery, upper and lower areas of the belly button will be tightened, the waist will be thinner, the abdominal wall will be tighter, and the belly button will have a vertical and younger appearance.

Partial or Mini Abdominoplasty:

Mini- abdominoplasties are performed through a smaller incision and is recommended for patients with fat deposition at the lower abdomen. During this procedure, your belly button will probably not be moved. This surgery can be performed endoscopically (a long tube with a camera located at the tip).

Circumferential Abdominoplasty:

This procedure is usually performed when loosed skin extends to the back together with the abdomen. It might be combined with liposuction. Your body will be shaped 360 degrees.  

How you should prepare for an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?
Since smoking increases the complication risk and delays the healing, the patient should quit for a while. Apart from smoking, at least two weeks before and after the surgery, consumption of nicotine gum, patch and e-cigarette should be stopped.

Before the surgery, our staff and your surgeon will inform you about the medications, which you will use before and after the surgery, and the diet that you need to follow. You must inform us about the medications you take regularly.

How will your home care continue after abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?
Please do not forget to buy the prescribed medication, the ointment or crème, which is recommended for the incision site, and comfortable large buttoned shirts.

After tummy tuck operations, patients need to watch their weight and have a balanced diet. To reduce the intraabdominal far deposition, it would be beneficial to consume less alcohol. Patients need to regularly use body lotions and moisturizers so that the stretched skin does not crack. Regular exercises will help to preserve the postoperative appearance by strengthening the abdominal muscles.