Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure commonly known as tummy tuck surgery. This operation is performed to remove excess skin and fat tissue in the abdominal area, as well as to tighten loose or separated abdominal muscles. It is an ideal solution especially for women who have given birth and people who complain of sagging skin after excessive weight loss.

What is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty is the surgical removal of excess skin and fat in the abdominal area and tightening of the abdominal muscles. It is generally preferred by individuals who experience laxity and sagging in the abdominal area due to factors such as weight loss, pregnancy or aging.

Abdominoplasty is not only an aesthetic operation, but also a functional surgical procedure that gives the person a firmer, flatter and fitter abdominal appearance.

Who is Abdominoplasty Suitable for?

Abdominoplasty is suitable for individuals with the following conditions

✅ Sagging After Pregnancy: The abdominal skin and muscles that expand during pregnancy may not return to their original shape after delivery.

✅ Skin Sagging After Excessive Weight Loss: In people who lose a large amount of weight, the skin may lose its elasticity and sagging may occur.

✅ Skin Laxity Due to Aging: With age, the skin loses its elasticity and the abdomen may sag.

✅ Weight Controlled Individuals: It is important for the patient to be able to maintain his/her weight in order to achieve permanent results after surgery.

🚫 Who is not suitable for?

• Women planning a pregnancy
• Those who tend to gain and lose weight after surgery
• Individuals who smoke and do not plan to quit (smoking negatively affects recovery)

How is Abdominoplasty Performed?

Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia and the operation usually lasts between 2-5 hours. The procedure stages are as follows:

1️⃣ Preoperative Evaluation

The patient's health status is evaluated and it is determined whether he/she is suitable for surgery. Patients who smoke are advised to quit smoking before the operation.

2️⃣ Surgical Procedure

• First, an incision is made in the bikini area (along the pubic line).
• The abdominal muscles are tightened and loose muscles are stitched and strengthened.
• Excess skin and fat tissue is removed.
• The incision site is closed with aesthetic sutures.

3️⃣ Postoperative Process

• Patients usually stay in hospital for 1-2 days.
• There may be mild pain and swelling in the first week.
• The use of a corset is recommended and it may take time for the patient to stand upright.

Advantages of Abdominoplasty

✔ A Flatter and Firmer Abdominal Appearance: Loose abdominal muscles are tightened and excess skin is removed to achieve a more aesthetic appearance.

✔ Improves Body Contour: A slimmer waist line can be created by shaping the abdominal area.

✔ Increased Self-Confidence: Elimination of sagging and deformations in the abdominal area increases the self-confidence of the individual.

✔ Opportunity to Exercise and Move More Comfortably in Daily Life: Mobility increases with the elimination of excess skin and sagging tissues.

Recovery after Abdominoplasty

The recovery process after tummy tuck surgery may vary from person to person. However, in general, the process proceeds as follows:

First Week

• Patients are usually hospitalized for 1-2 days.
• Drainage tubes can be used for the first few days.
• Swelling and mild pain are normal and medications prescribed by the doctor should be used.
• Walking upright can be difficult, but gentle walks are recommended.

First Month

• Corset use is essential and should be worn regularly for 4-6 weeks.
• Heavy activities should be avoided.

After 3-6 Months:

• The swelling is completely reduced and the final results start to appear.
• Doctor's approval should be sought for sports and heavy physical activities.

Are There Risks of Abdominoplasty?

As with any surgical procedure, abdominoplasty has some risks:

⚠ Infection
⚠ Bleeding and bruises
⚠ Stitch line healing problems
⚠ Temporary loss of sensation
⚠ Scarring after surgery

To minimize these risks, the surgery should be performed by an experienced surgeon and the patient should follow the doctor's recommendations meticulously.

Does Abdominoplasty Provide Lasting Results?

If the patient leads a healthy lifestyle and maintains weight control, tummy tuck surgery can offer permanent results. However, conditions such as excessive weight gain and loss or pregnancy can lead to skin loosening again.

Frequently Asked Questions

1️⃣ Will there be a scar after tummy tuck surgery?
Yes, but incision scars can usually be hidden because they remain in the bikini area.

2️⃣ When can I do sports after surgery?
Generally, light sports can be started after 6-8 weeks, but doctor's approval should be awaited for heavy exercises.

3️⃣ Can liposuction be performed together with tummy tuck?
Yes, many patients have a combined procedure with liposuction to get more pronounced results.

4️⃣ What happens if I get pregnant again?
After pregnancy, the abdomen may become loose again, so women planning a pregnancy are advised to postpone the surgery.

Conclusion

Abdominoplasty is an effective and permanent solution for individuals who experience sagging and laxity in the abdominal area. This procedure, which provides both aesthetic and functional benefits, can increase self-confidence. However, choosing the right doctor and carefully managing the postoperative process is critical for long-term success.