Tummy tuck surgery, referred to as Abdominoplasti (Abdominoplasty) in medical literature, is a major surgical procedure aimed at removing excess skin and fat tissue from the middle and lower abdominal region and tightening the muscles in the abdominal wall. After tummy tuck surgery, which dramatically corrects the appearance of a sagging abdomen, scars of varying lengths remain depending on the scope of the surgery.
Ideal Candidates for Abdominoplasty
Individuals who have a good physique but have not been able to eliminate abdominal fat and skin laxity through diet and exercise are the most suitable candidates for abdominoplasty. After several pregnancies, the abdominal skin and muscles may become deformed to an extent that they cannot return to normal, making this aesthetic surgical procedure highly beneficial for women with such problems in the abdominal area. Additionally, very positive results are obtained in older patients who have a slight fat accumulation problem along with skin laxity. It would be more appropriate for those considering significant weight loss to postpone this surgery. Since abdominal muscles tightened during surgery can relax during pregnancy, women planning to become pregnant should also wait until after childbirth.
If you have existing scars from previous abdominal surgery, your aesthetic surgeon may warn you about the possibility of additional scarring. Although these operations can improve your abdominal appearance, they do not guarantee that you will achieve the abdomen you envision. It is beneficial to weigh your expectations in this regard and clearly explain what you expect to your doctor.
Planning the Surgery
Your doctor will review the fat deposits in your abdomen and the condition of your abdominal skin, conduct a general health assessment, and extensively inform you about the risks and limitations. If you are taking medication, various vitamins, or smoking, you must inform your doctor.
Just as you need to be open with your doctor about your expectations, your doctor must be equally open with you about all potential complication risks and limitations. If you have a slight fat accumulation in your lower abdomen, this problem can be resolved with a mini tummy tuck, without the need for a complex surgical intervention. In addition to partial or full abdominoplasty procedures, liposuction can also help you achieve a better contour. Indeed, in some patients, the best results are achieved with liposuction alone. Our clinic’s aesthetic surgeons provide recommendations to help you choose the most suitable procedure that will yield the best results in every situation. During your consultation, our doctors provide clear information about every detail, from anesthesia and surgical technique to costs and the recovery process. Health insurance typically does not cover these surgical procedures, but it is still advisable to check your health insurance policy.
Preparation for Surgery
Your doctor will explain everything you need to pay attention to and follow for surgery preparation, including information on eating, drinking, taking or discontinuing medications and vitamins, and many other aspects. Smokers are advised not to consume cigarettes for “at least” two weeks before the surgery and for two weeks after, or ideally, to quit smoking entirely. It is also beneficial to avoid diet programs that may strain your nerves, as extreme dieting can reduce your potential. In cases of flu or other infections, the surgery may be postponed. Do not forget to arrange for someone to assist you after the surgery and accompany you home.
Location of the Surgery
Tummy tuck surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis without hospitalization, but in some cases, it may require a few days of inpatient stay.
Anesthesia
While general anesthesia, which will keep you asleep throughout the surgery, may be administered, the operation can also be performed with anesthesia combined with sedative medications. With a combination of sedative medication and anesthesia, which keeps you awake but relaxed, you will be insensitive to pain.
Surgery
For procedures requiring a full tummy tuck, the operation can last between 2 and 5 hours. A partial tummy tuck can be completed in about 1-2 hours. Generally, an incision line is made between the hip bones, just above the groin. A second incision is made around the navel to free it from the surrounding tissues. In a partial tummy tuck, this incision line is shorter, and the navel may not need to be repositioned. After the skin is lifted up to the rib cage over the underlying abdominal muscle, the abdominal muscles are brought together and tightened. This tightens the abdominal wall and slims the waistline. Finally, the lifted skin is pulled down, and excess skin is removed. After the abdominal skin is tightened, a new opening is created for the navel, and the navel is placed in this section and stitched. The operation is completed by stitching the incision line, applying dressings, and placing temporary thin tubes to drain accumulated fluid.
Post-Surgery
You may experience pain in your abdominal area due to swelling in the first few days after surgery, but painkillers will alleviate your discomfort. You may be discharged home a few hours after the surgical intervention or after staying in the clinic or hospital for a few days. Your doctor will provide recommendations regarding bathing and clothing, as well as information on posture and sleeping positions. You can start walking shortly, but you will not be able to stand upright in the first few days. Although incision scars are permanent, they will fade and blend with your skin tone over time. The initial dressing will be replaced by a supportive corset. Everyone's recovery is different, but you can expect to go through processes such as the following…
First Week
Surgical drains are removed.
Bruising and swelling will reach their maximum level.
After a Few Weeks
Bruising and swelling subside, and you begin to see the results of the surgery.
You can attend to light tasks.
You can stop wearing protective garments and increase your physical activities.
After a Few Months
The surgical result is clearly visible.
You will be relieved of complaints such as fatigue and weakness.
The red color of the incision scar fades, but you may need to continue applying extra skin care.
You need to protect yourself from sunlight, use protective cream, and avoid dark-colored clothing to prevent hindering your recovery.
Return to Normal and Your New Appearance
If you are in good physical condition and especially have strong abdominal muscles, you will recover much faster after a tummy tuck. It may take weeks, perhaps months, to feel like yourself again. Some individuals return to work after 15 days, while others wait up to 4 weeks. It will also be beneficial for those who have never exercised before the surgery to follow exercise programs to strengthen their muscles and reduce tissue swelling. In the first few months, your scar may appear to be worsening day by day, but this is completely normal, and it can take up to 12 months for the scars to fade.
Both partial and complete tummy tuck surgeries yield excellent results in individuals with loose skin and weakened abdominal muscles. If a balanced diet and regular exercise are maintained, the results will be very long-lasting. If your expectations are realistic and you do not consider the incision scars a major problem, a tummy tuck will be the most suitable answer for you.
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