360° Tummy Tuck

What is a 360° tummy tuck?
A 360° tummy tuck, also known as circumferential abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure in which excess and sagging skin around the abdomen and waist is removed, weakened abdominal muscles are tightened when necessary, and the contour of the abdomen and waist is improved to achieve a firmer and more youthful appearance.

What is the purpose of a 360° tummy tuck?
The purpose of a 360° tummy tuck is to correct excess, loose and sagging skin around the abdomen and waist, particularly in patients who have experienced significant weight loss.

Is a 360° tummy tuck a difficult procedure, and how long does it take?
A 360° tummy tuck is generally not considered an excessively difficult or painful procedure. It is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes approximately 3.5 hours.

How is a 360° tummy tuck performed?
During a 360° tummy tuck, a circumferential incision is made in an area that can usually be concealed beneath underwear. The incision is positioned approximately 8-10 cm below the navel and above the pubic hairline, extends around both sides of the waist and meets in the lower back near the tailbone.

The abdominal skin is lifted from above the level of the navel toward the ribs, pulled downward, and the excess skin is removed. The navel is repositioned and sutured into its new location. Excess folds of skin around the waist and lower back are also removed.

In selected patients, liposuction may be performed during the procedure to reduce excess fat and improve the contour of the abdomen and waist. Liposuction is performed conservatively in order to avoid compromising blood circulation to the tissues.

If significant separation of the rectus abdominis muscles is present, the muscles may be tightened with sutures. Several drainage tubes may also be placed to remove excess blood and fluid that may accumulate beneath the tissues.

What are the possible risks and complications of a 360° tummy tuck?
As with any surgical procedure, a 360° tummy tuck carries certain risks, including bleeding, bruising, swelling, asymmetry and scarring. These risks can be minimized as much as possible through an appropriate surgical approach and by carefully following your surgeon’s postoperative recommendations.

Are there any side effects of a 360° tummy tuck?
A 360° tummy tuck does not generally carry risks greater than those associated with other aesthetic surgical procedures. Temporary swelling, bruising, tightness, discomfort and changes in sensation may occur during the healing period.

Will there be scars after a 360° tummy tuck?
A 360° tummy tuck leaves a circumferential surgical scar that is generally positioned so that it can be concealed beneath underwear. The scar extends from one side of the pelvis to the other, continues around both sides of the waist, and meets near the tailbone. It is typically located approximately 8-10 cm below the navel and above the pubic hairline.

In patients with a very large amount of excess skin, an additional vertical scar extending along the midline of the abdomen may sometimes be necessary in order to remove the excess tissue effectively.

These scars generally fade and become less noticeable over time. Most patients find that the improvement in body contour outweighs the presence of the scars.

How long do the results of a 360° tummy tuck last, and will I need another operation in the future?
The results of a 360° tummy tuck are generally long-lasting and can be maintained for many years, especially when body weight remains stable.

What should be done before a 360° tummy tuck?
Before a 360° tummy tuck, your surgeon will evaluate your condition, discuss your expectations and determine the most appropriate surgical plan. The surgery date will then be scheduled.

As with other surgical procedures, smoking should be stopped at least 2 weeks before surgery. Blood-thinning medications, herbal teas, vitamins and weight-loss medications should generally be discontinued 1 week before surgery unless otherwise advised by your doctor.

Medications that are necessary for existing medical conditions should only be continued with your doctor’s knowledge and approval.

You will also be informed about how many hours you should avoid eating and drinking before surgery.

Why is it important to stop smoking before a 360° tummy tuck?
Smoking can significantly impair blood circulation and wound healing. For this reason, patients are strongly advised not to smoke for at least 15 days before and 15 days after surgery. Smoking is one of the most important factors associated with delayed or poor wound healing.

How should I sleep after a 360° tummy tuck?
After a 360° tummy tuck, it is recommended to sleep with your upper body elevated using 2-3 pillows in order to help control swelling.

Sleeping on your side may be restricted for the first few weeks. After approximately 2 months, patients can generally return to their preferred sleeping position.

How is wound dressing performed after a 360° tummy tuck?
As long as the surgical tapes applied during the operation remain in place, additional dressing is generally not required. A small amount of drainage or staining may occur around the dressing area.

Your surgeon will examine the incision sites through the tapes at regular intervals. The tapes are generally removed after approximately 20 days. After this period, additional dressing is usually unnecessary.

Your surgeon may recommend specific creams or scar-care products for the incision line.

When can I return to work after a 360° tummy tuck?
The tissues generally begin to heal sufficiently within approximately 7 days after surgery. However, in most cases, waiting approximately 14 days before returning to work and normal social activities is recommended.

When can I start exercising after a 360° tummy tuck?
During the first 3 days after surgery, patients are generally advised to rest, take short walks at home and perform only light daily activities.

After the third day, short and careful walks outside may be possible. However, heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided during the first few weeks.

Most sporting activities can generally be resumed after approximately 2 months, depending on the healing process and your surgeon’s recommendations.

Will I need to wear a compression garment after a 360° tummy tuck?
After a 360° tummy tuck, compression garments and bandages are generally applied over the surgical dressing to provide support and controlled pressure to the treated areas.

Mild itching or discomfort may occur beneath the garment or dressing. The abdominal compression garment should be worn continuously for the period recommended by your surgeon. In many patients, compression garment use is recommended for approximately 8 weeks.

Will drains be used after a 360° tummy tuck?
Your surgeon may place drains after a 360° tummy tuck to prevent blood and fluid from accumulating beneath the tissues.

These drains use a closed vacuum system to remove excess blood and fluid from the surgical area. They are usually removed easily after approximately 3 days, depending on the amount of drainage and your surgeon’s assessment.

Will the stitches need to be removed after a 360° tummy tuck?
The sutures used during a 360° tummy tuck are generally placed beneath the skin and are usually absorbable. Therefore, removal of external stitches is typically not necessary.

Is a 360° tummy tuck painful?
Some discomfort and pain are expected after a 360° tummy tuck. However, most patients report that the pain decreases significantly within the first few days.

When prescribed pain medication and other medications are used regularly as directed, postoperative discomfort is generally manageable.

When can I take a shower after a 360° tummy tuck?
During the early postoperative period, the incision areas should generally be kept dry.

The appropriate time to take a shower may vary depending on wound healing, so patients should wait until their surgeon gives approval. In many cases, showering is permitted after approximately 9 days.

Extremely hot or cold water should be avoided during the early recovery period.

When can I swim in the sea or a swimming pool after a 360° tummy tuck?
It is generally recommended to wait approximately 2 months before swimming in the sea or a swimming pool.

When can I travel after a 360° tummy tuck?
Short-distance road travel may generally be possible after approximately 5 days. For a short flight lasting 1-2 hours, it is usually advisable to wait approximately 10 days after surgery.

How long should sexual activity be avoided after a 360° tummy tuck?
Sexual activity may increase blood pressure and place tension on the abdominal muscles and surgical area. This may increase the risk of bleeding, pain or discomfort.

For this reason, it is generally recommended to avoid sexual activity for approximately 4-6 weeks after surgery.

When can I sunbathe or use a solarium after a 360° tummy tuck?
Sunbathing and solarium use should generally be avoided for the first 3-4 months after surgery.

Excessive sun exposure during the healing period may affect the surgical areas and cause scars to become darker or more noticeable.

Can pregnancy cause problems after a 360° tummy tuck?
Patients can generally become pregnant after approximately 1 year following a 360° tummy tuck.

However, pregnancy may stretch the abdominal tissues again and may cause new changes or deformities in the abdominal contour. Therefore, patients should be aware that pregnancy may affect the long-term aesthetic result of the surgery.

How much does a 360° tummy tuck cost?
In order to provide accurate information about the cost of a 360° tummy tuck, the patient’s concerns, aesthetic expectations, body structure and individual treatment requirements must first be evaluated.

The final surgical plan and pricing information can be determined after a medical consultation.

If you have any questions regarding surgeries or would like to be evaluated by Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Fatih Söylemez, you can request an appointment via WhatsApp or Contact Form now.