
What is a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat tissue in the abdominal area, giving the abdominal area a firmer, flatter and younger appearance. This operation is usually performed for people who have aesthetic concerns due to abdominal sagging and excess fat accumulation. A tummy tuck not only removes excess fat, but also strengthens the abdominal wall and reshapes the loose skin and muscles.
What is Targeted with Tummy Tuck Surgery?
The following goals are achieved with tummy tuck surgery:
- Removal of Excess Fat: Excess fat in the abdominal area is removed.
- Tightening the Sagging Skin: Sagging skin caused by natural aging, pregnancy or rapid weight loss is tightened.
- Strengthening the Abdominal Muscles: The looseness caused by the relaxation of the abdominal muscles, especially after pregnancy, is eliminated.
- Reshaping the Abdominal Wall: Aesthetic deformations in the abdominal area are corrected and a smoother appearance is achieved.
- Smoothing Body Contours: Tummy tuck provides a younger and healthier appearance by making the body contours smoother.
To whom and for which conditions is abdominoplasty applied?
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is usually applied in the following cases:
- Excess Skin and Fat Accumulation: Excess skin and fat formation in the abdominal area after weight loss.
- Changes After Pregnancy: Deterioration in the appearance of the abdomen as a result of relaxation of the abdominal muscles and sagging skin during pregnancy.
- Aging: Loss of skin elasticity and loosening of the skin in the abdominal area with aging.
- Body Contouring: Those who want to achieve smoother body contours by eliminating aesthetic concerns in the abdominal area.
- Advanced Age: Loosening of the abdominal wall with age, sagging and fat deposits.
What should be done during the preparation process for tummy tuck surgery?
The preparation process for tummy tuck surgery usually includes the following steps:
- Comprehensive Physical Examination: Before the surgery, the doctor will evaluate your general health condition and check for any health problems.
- Tests and Analyzes: Tests such as blood tests, urine tests, electrocardiogram (ECG) may be ordered.
- Oral Medication: Blood thinners and some prescription medications may be stopped before surgery.
- Smoking: If you smoke, you are advised to quit smoking before surgery to speed up the healing process.
- Body Mass Index (BMI): If auxiliary techniques such as liposuction will be applied, your body mass index (BMI) should be below 30.
- Eating and Drinking Arrangements: You may need to refrain from eating or limit fluid intake before surgery.
What are the techniques of tummy tuck surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery can be performed with several different techniques:
- Full Abdominoplasty: This technique is the most comprehensive method in which all excess skin and fatty tissue in the abdominal area is removed and the abdominal muscles are reshaped. A large incision is usually made and the belly button is repositioned.
- Mini Abdominoplasty: In this technique, which is performed through a smaller incision, only excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen are removed. Abdominal muscles are usually not performed.
- Combination with Liposuction: Tummy tuck combined with liposuction allows the fat in the abdominal area to be removed more efficiently.
- Endoscopic Tummy Tuck: It is a technique performed through smaller incisions and is generally suitable for less invasive procedures.
Surgery and Recovery
The process after tummy tuck surgery works as follows:
- Surgical Process: The surgery usually takes between 2-4 hours. It is performed under anesthesia and patients usually stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights.
- Recovery Process: In the first days, there may be swelling and pain in the abdomen. This will subside within a few weeks.
- Scars and Stitches: Tummy tuck usually leaves a long scar along the bikini line. Mini tummy tuck procedures leave shorter scars.
- Complications: Bleeding, infection and difficulties in the healing process may occur. However, these are usually rare.
- Recovery Time: After a tummy tuck, most patients can return to work within 1-2 weeks, but full recovery usually takes 4-6 weeks. Exercise and heavy activities may need to wait 2-3 months.