Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

What Is the Tummy Tuck Operation?

It is a surgical procedure in which excess fat and skin on the abdomen are removed, and the abdominal muscles that have weakened over time are repaired and supported in the midline. The aim is providing the individual with a smoother and flatter abdomen in this way.

In tummy tuck aesthetics, long-term permanent results are obtained after the procedure is completed. Even if the results of the operation remain visible for many years, rapid weight gain, insufficient exercise, or getting pregnant can adversely affect the abdominal region.

Tummy tuck and other abdominal and waist shaping procedures are very popular among women, especially after pregnancy. Today, the number of men applying for tummy tuck surgery is increasing.

A tummy tuck can be combined with liposuction to treat excess fat that persists despite diet and exercise.

What Are the Purposes of Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

Even the most athletic people with normal body weight can have sagging in the tummy, a belly and a protruding abdomen. The most common reasons for this include advancing age, frequent weight gain and loss, genetics, previous surgeries or pregnancy. Abdominoplasty is mostly preferred by people who experience loss of elasticity in their skin.

How Is Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Carried Out?

Although this operation is mostly applied for cosmetic reasons, whether the person is suitable for tummy tuck aesthetics is assessed by the plastic surgeon during the consultation.

During the pre-operative consultation process, the body structure is examined by the plastic surgeon. At this point, it is very important to clearly express the complaints. During the consultation process, the images obtained using the Vectra device are modeled in 3D.

This model is important for the doctor to demonstrate the procedure. It provides the opportunity to visualize the post-operative profile or symmetry before the operation, and to analyze the problem correctly and yield the correct results.

There are multiple methods for Tummy Tuck application. The procedure that is suitable for the body structure in accordance with the doctor’s recommendation is selected. In operations performed under general anesthesia, steps are followed for the method found appropriate.

Who Can Get Abdominoplasty?

• Those whose bodies are unresponsive to diet or exercise,
• Those experiencing loss of elasticity,
• Men and women who have gained and lost a lot of weight,
• Individuals who were overweight during pregnancy, especially those whose abdominal muscles have weakened due to twin or multiple pregnancies.

Who Cannot Get Abdominoplasty?

Tummy Tuck is not an alternative weight loss method. Therefore, it should not be resorted to to lose excess weight. Apart from this, the conditions that make this operation difficult to perform are as follows:

• Vascular occlusions that cause low blood flow,
• Coronary artery disease and occlusion in the heart,
• Diabetes,
• Weak immunity.

At the same time, women who plan to get pregnant in the near future should wait to undergo this operation as the vertical muscles tightened during this operation can be separated again during pregnancy.

What Is Complete Abdominoplasty?

It is suitable for people with severe loss of elasticity in the tissue in the abdominal region, excessive fat and abdominal muscle separation. The nsavel is preserved by making an incision around it; A long horizontal incision is made at the bottom where excess skin and fat are removed from.

Unless there is a hernia in the abdominal wall, it does not affect the internal organs. Abdominal muscles above and below the navel are tightened as with a corset.

Although these operations leave a long horizontal incision, they provide the greatest improvement in the shape of the abdomen. It is performed under general anesthesia and requires an average of 2 to 3 days overnight stay in the hospital.

What Is A Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tuck)?

A mini tummy tuck is more suitable for people who only have a small amount of skin sagging under the tummy.
During the operation, skin and fat are removed from the lower abdomen and a horizontal suture is made. Mini tummy tuck has smaller and less effective results in comparison to complete tummy tuck operations.
It is performed under general anesthesia and requires an overnight stay in the hospital of 2 to 3 days on average.

What Measures Should Be Taken Before An Abdominoplasty Operation?

• If you smoke, it should be ceased at least 1 to 2 weeks prior to the operation and you should not smoke until at least two weeks after the operation.
• You should avoid strict diet programs as they can negatively affect the healing process.
• In particular, you should not expose your abdomen to excessive sunlight.
• Your doctor will advise you on how to prepare for the operation, including your diet, drinking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.