Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

What is tummy tuck surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery is a procedure in which sagging skin in the abdominal area is tightened and excess skin is removed, loss of muscle tone is corrected and the muscles are strengthened, thereby achieving a younger abdominal appearance.

What is the purpose of tummy tuck surgery?
The purpose of tummy tuck surgery is to correct deformities in the abdominal area caused by aging, pregnancy and weight loss.

Is tummy tuck surgery a difficult operation, and how long does it take?
Tummy tuck surgery is not a very difficult or painful operation. It is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 2.5 hours.

How is tummy tuck surgery performed?
In tummy tuck surgery, an incision is made in an area that can be hidden under underwear, approximately 8-10 cm below the navel and above the pubic hairline. The abdominal skin is lifted from above the level of the navel up to the ribs, pulled downward and the excess skin is removed. The navel is moved to its new position and sutured.

During tummy tuck surgery, in some patients, depending on the condition, the abdominal skin may be thinned with liposuction (vacuum fat removal). This thinning procedure is performed in a limited manner in order not to put blood circulation at risk.

During tummy tuck surgery, if there is significant separation of the rectus muscles in some patients, the muscles are tightened with sutures. Several tubes called drains may be placed to remove excess fluid that may accumulate in the area.

What are the possible risks and complications of tummy tuck surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, bruising-swelling, asymmetry and scarring after tummy tuck surgery. These risks will be minimized as much as possible with the appropriate approach of your surgeon and by the patient strictly following the recommendations.

Are there any side effects of tummy tuck surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery does not have any specific side effects, and the surgical risk is not higher than that of other aesthetic surgeries.

Will there be scars after tummy tuck surgery?
In tummy tuck surgery, there will be a surgical scar that can be hidden under underwear, extending from one side of the pelvis to the other and located approximately 8-10 cm below the navel and above the pubic hairline. In patients with a very large amount of excess skin, it may be necessary to remove this excess skin by leaving an additional vertical scar extending from top to bottom along the midline. These scars fade over time and become less noticeable. Most patients are not bothered by these scars.

How long do the effects of tummy tuck surgery last, and will I need another operation in the future?
In most cases, the effects of tummy tuck surgery last for many years.

What should be done before tummy tuck surgery?
Before tummy tuck surgery, our doctor evaluates the patient and a plan is made regarding the procedure to be performed. The surgery date is decided. As with all other surgeries, smoking should be stopped 2 weeks before surgery. Blood-thinning medications, herbal teas, vitamins and weight-loss medications should not be used starting 1 week before surgery. Only medications that the patient needs to use because of existing diseases should be taken with the doctor’s knowledge. You will be informed about how many hours you need to fast on the day of surgery.

Why is it important to stop smoking before tummy tuck surgery?
Since smoking significantly affects wound healing, it is strongly recommended that you do not smoke for 15 days before and 15 days after surgery. The patient should be aware that smoking is one of the main causes of poor healing.

How should we sleep after tummy tuck surgery?
After tummy tuck surgery, in order to prevent swelling from increasing and to allow it to decrease over time, you should sleep with your head elevated using 2-3 pillows. Sleeping on your side is not recommended for a few weeks. After 2 months, you may sleep in any position.

How is dressing performed after tummy tuck surgery?
As long as the tapes applied during surgery are not removed, no additional dressing is required. There may be minimal leakage in the dressing area. Your doctor will check the wounds through the tapes at certain intervals, and the tapes are removed after 20 days. After that, no dressing is required. Your doctor may recommend creams for the wound line.

When can I return to work after tummy tuck surgery?
After tummy tuck surgery, your tissues will have healed sufficiently within 7 days. However, in most cases, completing 14 days is sufficient before going out in public and returning to work.

When can I start exercising after tummy tuck surgery?
For the first 3 days after tummy tuck surgery, you are generally advised to rest, walk around the house and perform simple daily activities. After 3 days, you may take short and careful walks outside. However, lifting weights and strenuous exercise are not recommended during the first weeks. Generally, all types of sports activities are allowed after 2 months.

Will I need to wear a compression garment after tummy tuck surgery?
After tummy tuck surgery, a compression garment and bandages will be applied over the dressing to provide pressure to the area. Due to this dressing, some itching and discomfort may occur in the dressing area. You should wear the abdominal compression garment continuously for as long as your doctor recommends. Generally, it is recommended to use the compression garment for 8 weeks.

Will drains be used in tummy tuck surgery?
After tummy tuck surgery, your doctor will use drains to prevent blood from accumulating in the area. This closed vacuum system removes blood and fluid accumulated under the tissues. The drain is generally removed easily on the third day, so please do not worry.

Will the stitches be removed after tummy tuck surgery?
Since the sutures used in tummy tuck surgery are completely hidden, there is no need for stitch removal.

Is tummy tuck surgery very painful?
Some pain is expected after tummy tuck surgery. However, most patients state that their pain decreases significantly within a few days and that the pain is minimal when they regularly use the prescribed antibiotics and painkillers.

When can I take a shower after tummy tuck surgery?
During the first days after surgery, the wound areas should not be wet. However, since the appropriate time for showering varies according to the condition of the wound, you may take a shower when your doctor gives approval. Generally, showering is allowed after 9 days. Extremely hot or extremely cold water is not recommended during the early period.

When can I swim in the pool or sea after tummy tuck surgery?
It is recommended to wait 2 months before swimming in the pool or sea.

When can I travel after tummy tuck surgery?
After tummy tuck surgery, short-distance road travel can be made after 5 days. For a 1-2 hour flight, it is appropriate to wait until 10 days have passed.

How long should sexual intercourse be avoided after tummy tuck surgery?
During sexual intercourse, blood pressure increases and muscle tension occurs. Since this may cause unwanted bleeding and pain, it is recommended to wait 4-6 weeks before sexual intercourse.

When can I start sunbathing or use a solarium after tummy tuck surgery?
After tummy tuck surgery, sunbathing and solarium use are not appropriate for the first 3-4 months because the surgical areas may be affected and the scars may become darker.

Does pregnancy cause problems after tummy tuck surgery?
Patients may become pregnant after 1 year has passed following tummy tuck surgery. However, it should be known that the deformity that may occur after pregnancy may be greater.

How much does tummy tuck surgery cost?
In order to provide clear information about the cost of tummy tuck surgery, the patient’s complaints and aesthetic expectations need to be evaluated objectively, and the procedures required need to be determined. Pricing information will be provided after the examination.

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.