Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty can be performed with 2 different approaches as full tummy tuck and lower abdomen, mini tummy tuck.

How to perform tummy tuck operations is decided by observing the fat accumulated in the upper and lower parts of the belly button. A full tummy tuck can be applied for people with excess fat and skin above and below the belly button. In the surgery, which is performed by removing all excess skin and fat tissues in the lower and upper abdomen, the weakened abdominal muscles are also tightened. One of the important details about the surgery is to change the position of the belly button. Repositioning the navel according to the procedure performed is one of the elements that distinguishes full tummy tuck surgeries from mini tummy tuck surgeries. Surrounding areas may also need to be intervened in order to provide visual integrity as a result of full tummy tuck surgeries. It is tried to achieve harmony by applying liposuction to areas such as the hips and waist . The surgery, which is preferably performed under general anesthesia and depending on the patient’s health status, can take between 2 and 3 hours.

Mini tummy tuck surgery is performed in a more limited area in cases where excess fat and skin are concentrated in the part below the belly button and there are relatively mild lubrication and sagging problems. The incisions made during the surgery are designed to remain under the underwear. The surgery can take between 1 and 2 hours.

Before deciding which method to perform the tummy tuck, which is planned according to the patient’s physical and psychological needs, the patient’s suitability for surgical conditions and anesthesia is evaluated. A detailed general health status check is made with physical examinations, blood tests and imaging tests.

Patients who smoke should quit smoking at least 2 weeks before the surgery. Smoking can prolong the post-operative wound healing process, as well as cause severe coughing and cause strain on the surgical site. It is necessary to stop the blood thinners before the operation, and if the doctor deems it necessary, the use of some regularly used drugs should be suspended.

After tummy tuck surgery, 1-2 days of hospitalization may be required. Dressing is applied until the drains inserted during the surgery are removed and there is no need to continue the dressing with the removal of the drains. It is necessary to wait at least 3 days for the first bath. In the first week, movements that will force the operation area should be avoided. The patient can return to work and daily life after 1 week. Recovery time may vary depending on the individual effort, care and age of the patient. If the surgery was not performed with the full tummy tuck method, the patient is expected to recover in a shorter time. Depending on the procedures and stitches performed in the surgery, it is normal to experience pain after surgery.

One of the most question marks about tummy tuck surgeries is pregnancy after surgery. In general, a woman with a pregnancy plan is advised to wait for tummy tuck surgery. It is recommended that women who are considering or wanting to have tummy tuck surgery wait at least 1 year for the surgery, so that sagging and crack problems that may occur due to weight gain after delivery can be observed more clearly. It should be known that tummy tuck surgery does not prevent later having a child. However, it would be beneficial for women who want to have children to talk about this situation with their plastic surgeon before deciding on tummy tuck surgery.