Tummy Tuck

What is Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

Tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical operation that aims to achieve a flatter and taut abdominal appearance by removing excess skin and fat in the abdominal area and tightening the abdominal muscles.
Generally, sagging, laxity and fat accumulation occur in the abdominal area as a result of pregnancy, excessive weight loss, aging or genetic factors.
Such conditions can lead to aesthetic problems that are difficult to correct with diet and exercise.
Tummy tuck surgery reshapes the abdominal area, giving it a younger, firmer and more aesthetic appearance.

A tummy tuck is both an aesthetic and functional procedure.
In addition to the removal of excess skin and fat, abdominal muscle separations (diastasis recti) are also corrected during this operation, resulting in a stronger and flatter abdomen.

Who is Abdominoplasty Suitable for?

Tummy tuck surgery is a suitable option for people who have sagging and laxity in the abdominal area and who cannot improve this situation despite diet and exercise.
The following situations are some of the situations where tummy tuck surgery is suitable:

• Sagging after pregnancy: During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles and skin are stretched.
  After childbirth, sagging and laxity may occur in the abdomen.
• Excessive weight loss: After rapid and large weight loss, excess skin may remain in the abdominal area and this skin may be difficult to recover.
• Aging With age, the skin may lose its elasticity and sagging may occur in the abdominal area.
• Genetic factors: Some people may genetically develop abdominal fat accumulation and laxity.
• Muscle separation Abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti) can cause protrusion of the abdomen, which can only be corrected surgically.

The most suitable candidates for tummy tuck surgery are individuals in good general health, non-smokers and close to their ideal weight.
It is important for people to have realistic expectations before surgery.
Tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss method, but a body shaping procedure.

Before Tummy Tuck Surgery

It is important to have a detailed consultation with your surgeon before tummy tuck surgery.
During this meeting, your surgeon will evaluate your health history, listen to your expectations and create the surgical plan.
He/she will also inform you about the possible risks of the surgery, the healing process and the results that can be achieved.

Some important points to be considered before surgery are as follows:

• Health assessment: The surgeon will assess your general health and determine whether surgery is appropriate for you.
  It is important to provide information about your current health problems and medications.
• Surgery planning: Tummy tuck surgery is planned individually.
  Your surgeon creates the surgery plan according to the condition of your abdomen, skin elasticity and fat deposits.
• Preoperative preparations: If you smoke, you must stop at least two weeks before surgery.
  It is also important to tell your surgeon if you are taking blood thinners.
  Such medications can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.

How is Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?

Tummy tuck surgery is a surgical procedure that is usually performed under general anesthesia and can take 2 to 5 hours.
The duration of the surgery may vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the needs of the person.
Abdominoplasty is performed in the following steps:

1. Anesthesia General anesthesia is applied so that you do not feel any discomfort during the operation.

2. Making the incisions: In tummy tuck surgery, a horizontal incision is usually made in the groin area.
   This incision is placed so that it stays within the underwear or swimsuit line.
   The length of the incision may vary depending on the amount of excess skin.

3. Tightening of the abdominal muscles: During surgery, the surgeon tightens the abdominal muscles and brings together the separated muscles in the abdomen.
   This procedure results in a flatter and firmer abdomen.

4. Removal of excess skin and fat: Excess skin and fat tissue in the abdominal area is removed.
   This procedure helps to achieve a flat appearance in the abdomen.

5. Repositioning the belly button: If the tummy tuck procedure covers a large area, the belly button can be repositioned.
   This is necessary to achieve a natural and aesthetic appearance.

6. Closing the incisions: After the procedure is completed, the incisions are closed with stitches.
   Postoperative scars will fade over time and become less noticeable.

After the surgery is completed, a special corset is worn to apply pressure on the abdomen and reduce swelling.

Postoperative Recovery Process

The recovery process after tummy tuck surgery may vary from person to person, but in general, the full recovery process can take 6 to 8 weeks.
The main points to be considered after surgery are as follows:

• Pain and swelling: After surgery, swelling and pain may be felt in the abdomen.
  This is normal and your surgeon may prescribe medication to relieve the pain.
• Use of a special corset: You will need to wear a special corset to support the abdomen and reduce swelling during the healing process.
• Physical activities: You should avoid heavy lifting and physical activity in the first weeks.
  However, taking short walks can speed up the healing process.
• Doctor check-ups: Regular post-operative check-ups are important for a healthy recovery.

Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions about postoperative care and recovery.
Following these instructions carefully will help you have a faster and smoother recovery.

Risks of Tummy Tuck Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, tummy tuck surgery has some risks.
These risks are as follows:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Delayed wound healing
• Scar tissue formation
• Sensory changes (numbness in the abdomen)
• Fluid accumulation (seroma)

To minimize these risks, it is important that you carefully follow your surgeon’s recommendations and pay attention to the postoperative care process.

Results of Tummy Tuck Surgery

The results of tummy tuck surgery are usually noticeable immediately, but it can take several months for the body to fully take shape and swelling to subside.
The result is a firmer, flatter and more aesthetic abdominal appearance.
It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and pay attention to weight control so that the postoperative results are permanent.