How is Abdominoplasty Surgery Done?

Tummy tuck surgery is usually a surgical procedure and may include the following steps:

Anesthesia: Before surgery, the patient is usually anesthetized under general anesthesia or local anesthesia.

Incisions: The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen, usually along the bikini line. The size and shape of the incision depends on the type of surgery and the patient’s needs.

Removal of skin and fatty tissue: The surgeon removes excess skin and fatty tissue and can trim the abdominal muscles more tightly.

Correction of the abdominal muscles: The abdominal muscles are tightened if necessary.

Stretching the skin: The surgeon stretches the remaining skin more tightly and closes the incision.

Stitches: Stitches are used to close the incision and promote healing.

Recovery process: After the surgery, the patient goes through a recovery process for several weeks.

What is the Aim of Abdominoplasty? Why is it done?

Abdominoplasty surgery is usually performed for the following goals:

Removing excess skin and fat tissue: Removing excess skin and fat tissue in the abdominal area is important to obtain a smoother abdominal profile.

Tightening the abdominal muscles: Tightening the abdominal muscles that have become loose after pregnancy or excessive weight loss.

Aesthetic corrections: To correct unwanted sagging or cracks in the abdominal area.

To Whom and In What Conditions is Abdominoplasty Applied?

Abdominoplasty is usually performed in the following situations:

Sagging or loosening of the abdomen after pregnancy.

Skin sagging after extreme weight loss.

Fat accumulation and sagging problems in the abdominal area.

Sagging or aesthetic problems in the abdominal area due to genetic reasons.

What should be done in preparation for tummy tuck surgery?

Preparation for tummy tuck surgery may include:

Following your surgeon’s instructions.

If you smoke, quit before surgery.

Stopping taking medications for the specified time before surgery.

Arranging support at home for the post-operative recovery process.

Telling your surgeon in detail about your medical history and current health condition.

What Operations Can Be Performed Along with Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty can sometimes be combined with other aesthetic operations. These operations may include:

Liposuction: Liposuction can be performed together with tummy tuck surgery. With liposuction, excess fat tissue can be removed and the abdominal area can gain a slimmer appearance.

Breast Aesthetics: Abdominoplasty and breast aesthetic operations (breast enlargement, reduction or lift) can be performed together.

Facial Aesthetics: Can be combined with facial aesthetic procedures (face lift, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty).

Other Body Aesthetic Operations: Other body aesthetic operations such as arm or leg lift operations can be performed along with abdominoplasty.

Can it be applied together with liposuction?

Yes, liposuction and tummy tuck surgery can be performed together. This approach is a common option for patients who want to reduce abdominal fat accumulation and achieve a better result. By removing excess fat with liposuction, the abdominal area can gain a slimmer and more contoured appearance. However, the most appropriate procedures for each patient may vary depending on individual needs and goals, so it is important to consult with a specialist.

How long does tummy tuck surgery take?

The duration of tummy tuck surgery may vary depending on the type and complexity of the surgery. Generally, tummy tuck surgery takes between 2 and 4 hours. The exact duration of the surgery may vary depending on the size of the area the surgeon will be operating on, other procedures to be performed, and the individual condition of the patient.

Recovery Process After Abdominoplasty Surgery

The recovery process after abdominoplasty may vary from patient to patient. Usually, patients stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery and then continue to recover at home. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort may occur during the healing process. The full recovery process may take several weeks or even months. Resting, wound care, and making activity arrangements in accordance with your surgeon’s recommendations support the healing process.

Pregnancy After Abdominoplasty

Pregnancy is possible after abdominoplasty, but there are some factors to consider. Pregnancy may affect postoperative results. After pregnancy, the abdominal area may tighten and sag again, so it is important to talk to your surgeon if you are considering becoming pregnant after surgery. Additionally, extra care and monitoring may be required during pregnancy, as pregnancy may put pressure on the stitches created by the tummy tuck surgery.

What are the Advantages of Abdominoplasty Surgery?

The advantages of tummy tuck surgery may be:

Obtaining a smoother and tighter abdominal profile.

Removal of excess skin and fatty tissue in the abdominal area.

Tightening the abdominal muscles that have become loose after pregnancy or excessive weight loss.

Making aesthetic corrections.

Increased self-confidence and better fit of clothes.

What are the Abdominoplasty Surgery Techniques?

Abdominal stretching surgery can be performed with different techniques. Two common methods are:

Full Abdominoplasty (Full Abdominoplasty): This method involves a long incision along the bikini line. Excess skin and fat are removed, abdominal muscles are tightened, and the belly area is reshaped.

Mini Tummy Tuck (Mini Abdominoplasty): This method involves a smaller incision and usually targets the lower belly area. Abdominal muscles can be tightened and less tissue is removed.

Abdominoplasty Surgery Prices

Abdominoplasty surgery prices may vary depending on many factors. These factors include the complexity of the surgery, local market conditions, the surgeon’s experience, and the costs of the hospital or surgical facility. It is important to contact a local plastic surgeon to get a quote for tummy tuck surgery. The cost of the surgery is determined in detail during the consultation and before the surgery.

Can I Get Pregnant After Abdominoplasty? Can I Give Birth After Birth?

It may be possible to become pregnant and give birth after abdominoplasty. However, it may affect postoperative results. Pregnancy can increase the risk of sagging and stretching in the abdominal area again. Additionally, extra care and monitoring may be required during pregnancy as it may put pressure on post-operative stitches. If there are plans to become pregnant, you should discuss this issue in detail with your surgeon.

Can Postpartum Stretch Marks Be Healed by Tummy Tuck?

Abdominal stretching surgery is not a method to treat postpartum stretch marks. Abdominoplasty surgery is usually performed to remove excess skin and fat tissue, tighten the abdominal muscles and reshape the abdominal area. Other procedures or treatment methods should be considered to treat postpartum stretch marks.

Is Abdominoplasty Painful? Will There Be Any Scars Afterwards?

There may be pain and discomfort after tummy tuck surgery, but medications are prescribed for pain management. During the healing process, these pains decrease. Scars may vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s recovery ability. There is usually a scar along the bikini line, but this scar may fade and become less noticeable over time.

When Can I Return to Work After Tummy Tuck?

The time it takes to return to work after abdominoplasty depends on the patient’s recovery speed and the type of work. Generally, patients prefer to rest for a few weeks after surgery. It may be necessary to wait a few weeks to work in light jobs, and a few months to work in physically demanding jobs. It is important to follow your surgeon’s recommendations before returning to work.

Can Those Who Had Tummy Tuck Surgery Wear Bikini? Why Is It Necessary to Use a Corset Afterwards?

You can wear a bikini after tummy tuck surgery, but scars or swelling may bother you. A brace can help reduce post-operative swelling and preserve surgery results. Wearing a corset for the period recommended by your surgeon is important to support your post-operative recovery process. A corset provides support to the abdominal area and can help improve results.

Can Abdominal Hernia Be Removed with Abdominoplasty?

Abdominal hernia and abdominoplasty are two different surgical procedures and the surgeries are performed for different purposes. An abdominal hernia occurs when internal organs protrude through a weak area in the abdominal wall, and this hernia is usually treated with hernia repair, a surgical procedure. Abdominal stretching surgery is performed to remove excess skin and fat tissue, tighten the abdominal muscles and make aesthetic corrections. An abdominal hernia requires a separate surgical procedure.

Is Surgery Performed in Summer?

Abdominoplasty surgery can be performed depending on the season, but there are some factors to consider during the summer months. Hot weather may cause discomfort after surgery, so a more comfortable period may be preferred for the healing process. Additionally, it is important to avoid exposing post-operative scars to the sun, as the risk of exposure to sunlight is higher in the summer months. Ideally, the date and season of surgery should be determined in consultation with your surgeon and taking into account your personal preferences.

When Does Swelling Go Away After Abdominoplasty?

Swelling after tummy tuck surgery may vary from person to person. Swelling is usually observed during the first few weeks after surgery, but will subside over time. The full recovery process may take several weeks or even months. It is important to follow your surgeon’s recommendations for rapid swelling reduction.

Can I Lose Weight After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Tummy tuck surgery is performed to remove excess skin and fat tissue, but the surgery itself is not for weight loss but to achieve a tighter abdominal profile. After surgery, patients usually lose weight because excess skin and fatty tissue are removed. However, it is the patient’s responsibility to maintain weight control after surgery.

When Are Drains Installed During the Operation Removed? When Are Stitches Removed?

Drains installed during the operation are removed according to the time period recommended by your surgeon. This can usually happen within a few days after surgery. Stitches may vary depending on the type of surgery and the suture material used. Some stitches may dissolve and disappear on their own, while others may need to be removed. Your surgeon will inform you about when the stitches need to be removed.

How Long After the Operation Can You Exercise?

The duration of exercise after tummy tuck surgery may vary depending on the patient’s recovery rate and the type of surgery. You may need to avoid strenuous exercise for several weeks or more after surgery, usually according to your surgeon’s recommendations. Light exercises and starting slowly can support your recovery process. However, you should determine your post-operative period and when you can start exercising by consulting your surgeon.

Can I Get Pregnant After Abdominoplasty? Is this a problem?

Although it is possible to become pregnant after abdominoplasty, pregnancy may affect the results of the surgery. During pregnancy, the risk of re-stretching and sagging in the abdominal area may increase. Additionally, post-operative stitches and the surgical area may be subjected to pressure during pregnancy. If there are plans to become pregnant, you should discuss this issue in detail with your surgeon.

If I Get Pregnant After a Tummy Tuck, Will I Gain More Weight Than Normal?

Weight gain during pregnancy may vary from person to person and may have an impact on post-operative tummy tuck results. Normal weight gain is important during pregnancy, and excess weight gain may affect postoperative outcomes. Additionally, fat accumulation may occur in the abdominal area again during pregnancy. However, every situation is different and results may vary from patient to patient. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle before and after pregnancy can help maintain results.

Will There Be Many Stretch Marks If I Get Pregnant After Tummy Tuck?

Becoming pregnant after abdominoplasty may affect the results of the surgery and increase the risk of stretch marks. During pregnancy, the skin in the abdominal area stretches and this stretching can cause stretch marks, especially on scars that have formed after surgery. It is important to carefully care for scars and skin after pregnancy. If there are plans to become pregnant, you should discuss this issue in detail with your surgeon.

Do I Need to Lose Weight Before Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Losing weight before tummy tuck surgery may improve the results of the surgery. Ideally, trying to lose weight before surgery and reaching the target weight can increase the success of the surgery. However, every patient is different and your surgeon will help you determine the appropriate weight for surgery.

How Long Does It Take for Abdominoplasty Scars to Disappear?

Scars of tummy tuck surgery may vary from person to person and depending on the healing speed of the skin. Usually, postoperative scars begin to fade over time and become less noticeable. However, full recovery may take several weeks or even months. It is important to follow the care methods recommended by your doctor to reduce the appearance of scars.

How Long Does It Take for a Tummy Tuck Incision to Heal?

Complete healing of the incision site after abdominoplasty may vary from patient to patient. Usually, postoperative stitches heal within a few weeks and the incisions gradually become less noticeable. It is important to follow your surgeon’s recommendations to speed up the healing process, which may include wound care and preventive measures.

When Can I Return to Work After Abdominoplasty?

The time it takes to return to work after tummy tuck surgery may vary depending on the patient’s recovery rate and type of work. Generally, those who work in light jobs can return to work within a few weeks after surgery. However, those who work in physically demanding jobs may require a longer recovery period, which may take up to several months. You should consider your surgeon’s recommendations and limitations before returning to work.

How Many Days After Abdominoplasty Can I Take a Shower?

Showering time after abdominoplasty may vary depending on your surgeon’s recommendations and the suture material used. It is generally recommended to avoid contact with water for a few days after surgery. It is important to follow the time period recommended by your surgeon. After taking a shower, it is important to gently dry the seams and take care of the scars.

Can Fat Removal Be Performed Along with Abdominoplasty?

In some cases, tummy tuck surgery and fat removal (liposuction) can be performed together. However, these two procedures serve different purposes. While tummy tuck is performed to remove excess skin and fat tissue and tighten the abdominal muscles, liposuction is performed to remove excess fatty tissue. Depending on your surgeon’s recommendations and surgery plan, it may be possible to perform both procedures together. You should discuss this issue in detail with your surgeon.

Can Abdominoplasty be Applied to Those with Obesity Problems?

Abdominoplasty may not be a suitable option for people with obesity problems. Generally, suitable candidates for surgery must have a certain body mass index (BMI). In case of obesity, other methods or surgeries may be recommended to lose weight and reduce body mass index. Your surgeon will perform an evaluation to evaluate the most appropriate treatment option for you.

Can You Still Have a Baby After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

It may still be possible to have a baby after tummy tuck surgery, but it may have an impact on the results of the surgery. During pregnancy, the risk of re-stretching and sagging in the abdominal area may increase. Additionally, post-operative stitches and the surgical area may be subjected to pressure during pregnancy. If you have pregnancy plans, you should discuss this issue in detail with your surgeon and learn the precautions you should take before and after pregnancy.