Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

An overweight woman holding her tummy before Tummy Tuck operation

What is a Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty)?

In a tummy tuck surgery, excess fat and skin tissue are removed from the lower and middle areas of the abdomen; then, the abdominal wall muscles are tightened. This operation can significantly reduce the protruding appearance of the abdomen. While a tummy tuck can make your appearance more beautiful, it can also increase your self-confidence.

Tummy tuck operations create excellent results in patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. In most cases, if you maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly, the results are long-lasting.

How is a Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?

Before the surgery, your doctor will decide on the technique to be applied and the area where the skin will be removed during the examination. This operation removes the area where the skin quality below the belly button is weakened and where stretch marks are most common, repairs muscle separation and, if necessary, hernias, and creates a new belly button. The belly button can be repositioned to an appropriate position. Separated muscles are brought closer together, creating a corset effect, giving you a flat abdomen.

The incisions from the surgery are closed with aesthetic stitches to prevent unsightly scars. This provides a solution to skin problems such as abdominal sagging, looseness, and stretch marks, especially those caused by pregnancy or significant weight gain and loss.

What are the Methods of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Various techniques are used in tummy tuck surgeries. The most suitable technique is determined according to the patient’s anatomy, the amount and location of excess skin, and even their preferred clothing. For this reason, plastic surgeons may ask their patients to bring their favourite or most frequently worn swimwear, underwear, or pants to make markings to ensure the possible scar/incision area stays under the clothing.

It is always ideal to make the horizontal incision in a region that will be concealed by underwear so that the underwear can hide the scar. Some patients may have to accept scars that are longer than ideal and higher up. This may be necessary for patients with a large amount of excess skin in their upper abdomen.

There are three commonly used tummy tuck techniques

Full Tummy Tuck Surgery (Full Abdominoplasty)

This procedure is performed by making incisions that extend from the middle of the lower abdomen near the pubic region to the upper front protrusion of the hip bones on both sides. In a full tummy tuck surgery, the abdominal muscles are tightened, and loose skin and fat deposits from both below and above the belly button are removed. The belly button is separated from the surrounding skin, and after the skin is tightened, a new circular incision is created for the belly button. This is because the original location of the belly button is removed along with the excess skin. This situation offers an opportunity to create a smaller and more proportionate belly button.

Extended Tummy Tuck Surgery (Modified Abdominoplasty)

The modified tummy tuck is recommended for patients who only complain of skin laxity or abdominal muscle weakness. The horizontal incision is designed to be longer than that of a full abdominoplasty, extending towards the sides of the waist, which means that the incision line may be visible from the sides when viewed from the back.

The extended tummy tuck surgery is generally used for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, as it removes more skin from a larger area compared to the standard technique. It also requires a circular incision to release the abdomen and reposition it after removing the excess skin.

This technique allows for a slight contouring of the body lines, but the results are not as pronounced as those of a full tummy tuck.

Mini Tummy Tuck (Mini Abdominoplasty)

The mini tummy tuck operation is only suitable for certain patients as it provides minimal improvement, which is dependent on the natural distribution of excess skin after weight loss or pregnancy.

The mini tummy tuck is performed by creating an incision 10-20 centimeters above the pubic area and does not address issues such as excess skin in the upper abdominal area or repositioning the belly button.

The mini tummy tuck is generally applied for problems of loose skin and muscle weakness below the belly button. However, it can also be applied above the belly button. Since the amount of excess skin removed is minimal and the muscle tightening applied is not extensive, the belly button does not need to be separated. The incision created is much shorter than that of a full tummy tuck surgery.

Who is a Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

The most suitable candidates are relatively fit women and men who complain of large fat deposits or loose abdominal skin that they cannot eliminate through diet and exercise. This surgery is especially beneficial for women who have had multiple pregnancies, stretching their abdominal muscles and skin to a degree that cannot be corrected on its own. It is also effective for older patients experiencing skin elasticity loss, often seen alongside mild obesity.

Patients who intend to lose a significant amount of weight should postpone the surgery. Women planning future pregnancies should also delay the tummy tuck, as the vertical abdominal muscles tightened during the surgery could separate again during pregnancy.

If you have scars from previous abdominal surgeries, it might be recommended to avoid a tummy tuck as the scars could become more prominent.

What to Pay Attention to Before a Tummy Tuck Surgery

Your surgeon will provide you with detailed information on how to prepare for the surgery. These instructions will include information about eating and drinking, smoking, and the use of vitamins and medications.

If you smoke, you should quit several weeks before the surgery and refrain from smoking for a specific period afterward. Smoking can increase the risk of complications and delay healing. To ensure you are healthy enough to undergo the surgery, certain tests and examinations may be necessary.

You will need someone to accompany you at the hospital and take you home after discharge. Therefore, arrange for a companion before the surgery.

Rest is very important during the recovery process. You may need to take a week off from work and social activities. This period may vary from patient to patient. Most people can return to desk jobs within 1-2 weeks after surgery. Following all the preparation instructions will contribute to achieving the ideal results from the surgery.

What Are the Risks of a Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Thousands of tummy tuck surgeries are performed successfully every year. When done by a specialist aesthetic surgeon, excellent results are achieved in body contouring. However, as with any surgery, there are risks of complications after a tummy tuck.

Post-surgery complications such as infection and blood clots are rare. Infections can be treated by draining the inflammation and with antibiotics, but this may extend your hospital stay. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by starting to move as soon as possible after the surgery.

You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon’s instructions for before and after the surgery, especially regarding when and how to resume physical activity.

Tummy Tuck Surgery Process

Tummy tuck surgeries are mostly performed under general anesthesia. However, local anesthesia can be used in mini abdominoplasty surgeries.

The incision is made as low as possible to ensure it can be easily hidden with jeans and bikinis. The operation begins with the surgeon marking the area on the lower abdomen where the incision will be made. Depending on the technique used, the incision may extend from one hip bone to the other and around the belly button, or it may be a shorter pubic incision, usually half the length of the former. Then, the skin is separated from the abdominal wall, and the abdominal muscles are tightened with stitches. If necessary, another incision is made in the skin to reposition the belly button. Finally, the incisions are closed, and drains are usually placed to prevent fluid accumulation.

Depending on your condition, a full tummy tuck, modified tummy tuck, or mini tummy tuck (partial tummy tuck) surgery will be performed.

After a Tummy Tuck Surgery

In the first few days, there will be swelling in the abdomen and pain and discomfort that can be controlled with medication.

Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be discharged the same day or stay in the hospital for 2-3 days. Initially, you may have difficulty standing upright; however, you should start walking as soon as possible.

The surface stitches are removed within 5-7 days after the surgery. Deeper stitches, whose ends protrude from the skin, are removed within 2-3 weeks. The bandages over the incision can be replaced with a compression garment.

It may take weeks or months to feel like yourself again. If you have strong abdominal muscles and are in good physical shape, the recovery process will be much faster. Some patients can return to work within 1-2 weeks, while others may need 3-4 weeks to rest and recover.

Exercise supports the recovery process. Even those who have never exercised before should start an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the risk of clots, and strengthen muscles. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise until you can do it comfortably.

During the first 3-6 months of the recovery process, the tummy tuck scars may seem to worsen. This is normal. It takes 9-12 months for your scars to flatten and lighten. These scars will never completely disappear, but they will be unnoticeable under most clothing, even swimwear.

What to Pay Attention to After a Tummy Tuck Surgery

The scars from the surgery will depend on the technique used, the length, location, and number of incisions. Women who have had a cesarean section may see their previous scars merge with the abdominoplasty scars. The scars will not completely disappear, and it takes several months to a year for the scars from this surgery to fade. To reduce scarring, patients must avoid excessive movement or strain on the incision area during the healing process. Patients should ask their surgeons what they can do to minimize the remaining scars.

The final results of the surgery may not be immediately visible. This is partly because the patient may not be able to stand upright and due to swelling. It usually takes several weeks or longer to see the final results.

Another important topic is post-surgery nutrition. Many individuals may experience complaints such as gas and bloating after a tummy tuck surgery. To minimize these complaints, it is necessary to pay attention to the diet. Foods that cause gas, such as legumes, raw vegetables, and milk, can increase gas complaints and should be avoided. It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, try to keep an ideal weight throughout life, drink enough water during the day, and stay away from gas-producing foods as much as possible.

What Should I Expect After a Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Pain and discomfort experienced after a tummy tuck surgery are considered quite normal. Additionally, the pain and discomfort caused by the surgery can be alleviated with the painkillers prescribed by your doctor. It is important to protect the operated area well after surgery. You should avoid any external trauma and sudden movements.

Be cautious with reflexes like sneezing, coughing, startling, and straining; if you can control these movements, minimize them. Severe reflexes can cause the stitches to open or break.

Another important aspect to consider is your posture during the recovery process. Trying to stand upright immediately after surgery is dangerous and incorrect. It is recommended to maintain a bent posture at an angle of 10 to 30 degrees after the surgery.

Additionally, it is recommended to avoid substances that can affect the body’s immune system, such as smoking and alcohol, after a tummy tuck surgery. These substances should also not be used for at least one month before the surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tuck

How Long Should a Compression Garment Be Worn After a Tummy Tuck Surgery?

The use of a compression garment after a tummy tuck surgery plays a very important role. The garment is put on the patient before they leave the operating room. While wearing the garment after the surgery, it will help flatten the abdomen and create a tight layer that provides significant protection. To ensure the abdomen remains flat, it is necessary to wear the compression garment continuously for 6 weeks.

How Long Does a Tummy Tuck Surgery Take?

The duration of a tummy tuck surgery varies depending on the technique used and the individual. A full tummy tuck surgery typically takes about 3-3.5 hours, but it can sometimes take longer. In the case of mini tummy tucks, the surgery duration is shorter, lasting about 1-1.5 hours.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Tummy Tuck Surgery?

The results of your tummy tuck surgery are not immediately visible. In fact, it is common to experience redness, bruising, stiffness, and swelling in the first few weeks. This gradually improves over the next 4-6 weeks, and the results become visible. However, residual swelling may persist for six months or longer.

Temporary numbness or loss of sensation along the incision line is normal and will disappear over time. You should feel like yourself again after a few months, but it can take up to a year for the abdomen to fully heal and for the final results of the surgery to be visible.

Can Stretch Marks from Pregnancy Be Removed with a Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Sagging, stretch marks, and fat deposits resulting from caesarean sections, pregnancy, and constant weight gain and loss can be easily addressed with a tummy tuck surgery.

Is a Tummy Tuck Surgery Painful?

Patients can expect to experience some pain and discomfort for a week after the surgery, along with plenty of rest and limited movement.

Will There Be Scarring After a Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A tummy tuck surgery is one of the most valued and effective cosmetic surgeries today. However, it does leave a scar along the abdomen. This scar runs horizontally from hip to hip, just above the pubic bone. The scar will fade over time but will remain visible for years. An experienced plastic surgeon will pay attention to the placement of the scar and ensure that it can be neatly covered by clothing, underwear, and bikini bottoms.

Can You Get Pregnant After a Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Yes, you can get pregnant after a tummy tuck surgery. You can consider having a child months or years after the surgery. There are no disadvantages for the mother or baby related to the surgery during pregnancy. You can enjoy your pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby without any concerns related to the surgery.

Can a Tummy Tuck Surgery Be Done After Giving Birth?

Postpartum abdominal sagging and skin stretching are quite bothersome for women. A tummy tuck surgery is a solution to eliminate this disturbing appearance. After giving birth, to achieve an aesthetic look for the abdominal structure that has sagged and stretched due to weight gained before delivery, a tummy tuck surgery is performed.

Is a Tummy Tuck Surgery Suitable for Men?

Cosmetic surgeries are becoming increasingly popular among men. As the number of weight loss surgeries rises, more and more men are opting for tummy tuck surgeries to tighten and enhance the appearance of their midsection. Ideal male candidates for a tummy tuck are those who are in good health and have realistic expectations about what the surgery can and cannot achieve. Additionally, these candidates should be at their ideal weight. Not everyone is a good candidate for a tummy tuck. For instance, if a man has a significant amount of intra-abdominal fat surrounding his organs, a tummy tuck will not improve the appearance of this area. These individuals might prefer to try dieting and exercise or even consider weight loss surgery.

What Is the Recovery Process Like After a Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Despite being a popular and frequently performed procedure, it is important to know what to expect in the recovery process after a tummy tuck surgery. The duration of recovery varies from person to person and depends on the technique used. Factors such as age and the patient’s overall health condition will also affect the recovery time.

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