Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Tummy tuck surgery is a surgical procedure, also known medically as “abdominoplasty”. This surgery involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tightening the abdominal muscles.

It is usually preferred for the following conditions:

1. Changes after pregnancy: During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles and skin are stretched. After childbirth, these muscles often do not return to their former state and excess skin may accumulate.
2. Large weight loss: Especially in people who lose a large amount of weight after bariatric surgery, the skin may lose its elasticity and sag. Tummy tuck surgery helps to remove this sagging skin.

The surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia and can take about 2 to 5 hours. The surgeon determines the incision site and removes excess skin. The abdominal muscles are tightened as necessary and the skin is stretched and closed with sutures. A recovery period is required for several weeks after the operation.

Tummy tuck surgery can be an option to improve one’s body shape, restore a tighter abdominal profile and increase self-confidence. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications. Therefore, it is important to meet with a plastic surgeon prior to surgery and discuss all options and possible outcomes.

Is tummy tuck surgery risky?

Surgical procedures such as tummy tuck surgery carry any risks. However, the degree of these risks may vary from person to person and depending on the complexity of the surgical procedure.
Potential risks of tummy tuck surgery may include:

1. General anaesthetic risks: Since general anaesthesia is used during surgery, anaesthesia-related complications may occur. These can include blood clots, breathing problems, allergic reactions and heart problems.
2. Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. Wound infection may develop in the postoperative period. This risk can be reduced with antibiotics and proper wound care.
3. Bleeding: Bleeding may occur during or after surgery. In this case, the source of bleeding should be checked and blood transfusion should be performed if necessary.
4. Wound healing problems: In some cases, wound healing problems may occur. The wound may open, skin necrosis or poor scarring may occur.
5. Complications after anaesthesia: The effects of anaesthesia may persist after surgery. Some people may experience nausea, vomiting, headache or urinary retention.
6. Sensory changes: Loss of sensation or hypersensitivity in the abdomen may occur after the operation. This is usually temporary, but in some cases it may be permanent.

Most of these risks can be reduced by the careful work of an experienced plastic surgeon performing the surgery and ensuring proper care before and after surgery. In any case, it is important to be informed about all risks and complications before surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the risks and possible outcomes specific to you and guide you on whether the surgery is appropriate for you.

Who can not have a tummy tuck?

Abdominoplasty is generally not recommended for people with the following conditions:

1. People with health problems: People with serious health conditions can increase the risks of surgery, including conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung problems, diabetes or autoimmune diseases. General health status should be carefully assessed before surgery.
2. Those who have not reached the ideal weight: Tummy tuck surgery is preferred to remove excess skin and fat after weight loss or after pregnancy. However, this surgery is generally not recommended for people who are in the process of losing weight or have not reached their ideal weight. It is recommended to complete your weight loss goals first.
3. Those with future pregnancy plans: Tummy tuck surgery involves procedures such as tightening the abdominal muscles and skin removal. If you are planning a pregnancy in the future, it is recommended to postpone this surgery. Because pregnancy can affect the results of surgery.
4. Smokers: Smoking can adversely affect healing after surgery. Smokers may have a higher risk of wound healing problems and infection. Your surgeon will probably ask you to stop smoking before surgery.
5. Those who are not psychologically ready: Before any type of cosmetic surgery, it is important that the person is physically and emotionally ready. Surgery is not recommended for people who do not have realistic expectations and a sound mental state.

These are only general guidelines and it is important to make a comprehensive evaluation with a plastic surgeon to decide whether tummy tuck surgery is suitable for the person. Your surgeon will take into account the factors specific to your situation and give you the best advice.

How many months does a tummy tuck take to heal?

The full recovery time of tummy tuck surgery varies from person to person and depending on the complexity of the surgery. In general, a complete recovery process can range from 3 to 6 months. However, the first few weeks after surgery include an important recovery process.

Here is a general timeline of the recovery process of tummy tuck surgery:

1. First few days: Immediately after surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for some time. Postoperative drainage tubes and a tight garment may be used. Pain and swelling are normal during this period.
2. First few weeks: Activities are restricted for the first few weeks after surgery. Gradually return to daily activities according to the recommendations of your surgeon. Physical activity and heavy lifting should be avoided.
3. First 6 weeks: During this period, wound healing continues. Especially during the first 2-3 weeks, rest and wound care are important. You may need to dress the wound in accordance with your surgeon’s instructions. Exercises are usually aimed at light activities.
4. 3 to 6 months: During this period, wound healing is completed and swelling decreases. The abdomen is gradually normalised and the results are evident. Physical activities can be gradually increased.

The complete healing process may vary depending on the person’s body characteristics, the complexity of the surgery and the person’s own healing speed. Your surgeon will follow your recovery process by providing regular postoperative check-ups and instructions. During the recovery process, it is important to carefully follow your surgeon’s recommendations and act in accordance with your body’s requirements.

Is tummy tuck surgery very painful?

Pain and discomfort after tummy tuck surgery is normal. However, the level of pain may vary from person to person. Some people experience minimal pain or discomfort, while others may experience more severe pain. The level of pain varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the surgery, the individual’s pain tolerance and the surgical method.

After surgery, your surgeon may recommend analgesic (painkiller) medications that may be prescribed for pain management. These medications can help relieve pain after surgery. In addition, methods such as ice application or regional anaesthesia can also help reduce pain.

In the postoperative period, it is important that you take the following precautions to minimise pain and promote healing:

• Take prescribed medication regularly as recommended by your surgeon.
• Follow wound care instructions and dress the wound regularly.
• Use tight clothing or an abdominal band as recommended by your surgeon.
• Increase activities gradually and avoid heavy lifting.
• Rest as recommended by your surgeon and pay attention to your sleep patterns.
• Have a supportive relative or carer with you during the recovery process.

Pain usually subsides in the first few days or weeks and becomes less noticeable as the healing process progresses. However, if you experience any extreme pain, severe swelling or other worrying symptoms, it is important to contact your surgeon immediately. Your surgeon may suggest further pain management methods or other treatment options.

Does the State Hospital do tummy tuck?

Plastic surgery services are offered in state hospitals, but the facilities and specialities of each hospital may be different. Aesthetic surgery procedures such as tummy tuck surgery may generally be offered more limited in state hospitals. Plastic surgery units in state hospitals focus more on reconstructive surgery (such as treatment of wounds after accidents, breast reconstruction) and treatment of patients with medical requirements.

Procedures such as tummy tuck for aesthetic purposes are mostly performed in private sector plastic surgery centres or private hospitals. Plastic surgery clinics operating in the private sector tend to have experienced plastic surgeons and relevant technological infrastructure.

However, plastic surgery units in public hospitals may sometimes offer specific aesthetic surgery procedures or, in some cases, refer for aesthetic surgery. This depends on hospital characteristics and specialities.
If you prefer a public hospital for tummy tuck surgery, I recommend that you first contact the plastic surgery unit of a public hospital near you to get information about the services and facilities. Specialised doctors will guide you and offer you the most suitable options.

Does a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?

Tummy tuck surgery is not performed to directly remove stretch marks (striae). Tummy tuck surgery is a surgical procedure usually performed to correct sagging skin and muscles in the abdominal area. In this procedure, excess skin and fat in the abdominal area are removed, the abdominal muscles are tightened and the abdominal area gains a smoother and firmer appearance.

Stretch marks are lines that appear when the elastic fibres of the skin are stretched and torn. They usually occur as a result of conditions such as rapid weight gain, weight loss, pregnancy or hormonal changes. During tummy tuck surgery, some stretch marks may also disappear or become less prominent as excess skin is removed. However, stretch marks under the skin do not disappear completely and the main goal of the surgery is not to treat stretch marks.

Different treatment methods can be used to treat stretch marks completely. For example, methods such as laser treatments, microdermabrasion, chemical peeling, dermaroller can be used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. In addition, topical creams or oils can also alleviate the appearance of stretch marks. The effectiveness of these treatment methods may vary from person to person and complete results cannot be guaranteed.
If you are concerned about your stretch marks, you can consult a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to evaluate the most appropriate treatment options for you.