Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery aims to address issues such as excess abdominal skin, laxity, and muscle separation resulting from childbirth, weight fluctuations, or aging. The goal is not merely to remove excess skin; rather, it is to evaluate the proportions of the waist, abdomen, and torso as a whole, in order to create a more balanced, natural-looking abdominal contour that is in harmony with the individual's own anatomy.

What Is a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?
Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
How Is a Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?
What Should Be Considered After Surgery?
Getting a Tummy Tuck in Istanbul
Frequently Asked Questions

Anesthesia Type:
General

Surgery Duration:
3 Hours

Hospital Stay:
2 Days

Stay in Istanbul:
7 Days

Return to Life:
10 Days

What Is a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

Abdominoplasty (abdominoplasty) is the procedure of surgically correcting the loosening, sagging, excess fat accumulation and separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) that occur in the abdominal area over time. Deformations of the anterior abdominal wall due to pregnancy, excessive weight gain or loss, or aging cannot be eliminated by exercise or diet alone. With tummy tuck surgery, excess skin and fat tissue is removed, weakened abdominal muscles are tightened, and a flatter, tighter and more aesthetic abdominal profile is obtained.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Those who experience sagging, cracks and muscle separation (diastasis recti) in the abdominal skin after pregnancy
Those who develop tissue discharge and sagging skin in the abdominal area due to significant weight loss (after bariatric surgery or dieting)
Those who cannot remove the accumulated fat and sagging in the lower abdominal area despite diet and exercise
Those who have loosening of the abdominal muscles and bulging forward (tendency for umbilical hernia)
People whose general health condition does not prevent surgery, who have stabilized their weight and who are not planning a new pregnancy in the near future

How Is a Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes an average of 2 - 3.5 hours, depending on the scope of the technique applied:

Incision and Approach:

A transverse incision is made along the cesarean scar line, under the underwear.

* Total Abdominoplasty: It covers the entire area above and below the belly button. It is freed from around the belly button and moved to its new aesthetic position.

* Mini Abdominoplasty: It is preferred in cases where the sagging is only below the belly button; The location of the belly button is not changed.

Muscle Toning (Corset Effect):

The relaxed or separated abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis) are brought together with stitches in the midline to create an internal corset effect.

Tissue Removal and Contouring:

The upper abdominal skin is stretched downwards and excess skin and fatty tissue are removed. When necessary, it is combined with liposuction to slim the waist area.

Closure and Drain Placement:

Tissues are closed in aesthetic layers, drains are placed to prevent fluid accumulation and a medical corset is worn.

What Should Be Considered After Surgery?

Corset Usage: The medical corset recommended by the doctor should be worn uninterruptedly for 4-6 weeks in order to settle the post-operative tissues, relieve edema and support the abdominal wall.
Walking and Standing Position: For the first 7-10 days, you should walk slightly leaning forward to reduce the tension on the stitch lines and rest in a "V" position with a pillow under your knees while lying down.
Early Mobilization: In order to stimulate blood circulation and prevent the risk of clots, short, light-paced walks should be taken around the house starting from the day after the surgery.
Physical Activity Limitation: Heavy lifting should not be done for the first 4 weeks, and movements that strain the abdominal muscles should be avoided. Heavy sports and fitness activities should be started after 6-8 weeks with physician approval.
Drain and Incision Care: The doctor's instructions should be followed until the drains are removed, dressings should be made regularly and the incision area should be protected from moisture.

Getting a Tummy Tuck in Istanbul

Istanbul is a global aesthetic center that stands out with its world-renowned experienced expert staff in the field of body shaping and plastic surgery, fully equipped hospitals with international accreditation and advanced technological facilities. In tummy tuck operations performed in Istanbul; Pre-operative personalized body analysis, high-level sterilization standards and post-operative professional follow-up protocols are meticulously carried out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be a scar after a tummy tuck surgery?

As with any surgery where a surgical incision is made, scars remain in tummy tuck surgery. However, the incision is planned to be in the lower abdomen where the cesarean section is located and completely below the underwear/bikini line. The scars fade over time (within 12-18 months) and become a thin line close to the skin color.

Is a tummy tuck a weight-loss method?

No, tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss surgery, it is a body shaping and contour correction procedure. The patient's ideal weight or close to the target weight before the surgery directly affects the success and aesthetic appearance of the surgical result.

Is it possible to become pregnant again after the surgery?

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) does not prevent pregnancy or childbirth. However, since the abdominal skin and muscles will stretch again during pregnancy, the aesthetic results achieved through the surgery may diminish. For this reason, it is recommended to undergo the procedure only after completing any plans for future pregnancies.

Do stretch marks disappear with a tummy tuck surgery?

Since the sagging skin tissue in the area below the belly button is completely removed, the stretch marks in this area disappear with the surgery. Stretch marks above the belly button will be shifted downwards, making them less visible, but they may not be completely erased.