Abdominoplasty, also known as tummy tuck surgery, is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries. The procedure is performed to achieve a firm and flat abdomen when exercise and weight control do not suffice because of aging, heredity, pregnancy, and excess skin caused by weight fluctuations.
Tummy Tuck Procedure
The operation can take from 1 to 5 hours depending on the surgery’s extent and is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.
Incisions are made in the previously agreed area during consultations, most commonly above the pubic hairline, to make the scars as inconspicuous as possible. Excess fat and skin are removed, and muscles tightened to flatten and shape the abdomen.
Sometimes a second incision is made around the navel to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.
Patient Profile
Abdominoplasty is usually sought by patients with excess skin from pregnancy or sudden and significant weight loss.
You should be healthy, at a stable weight, and ideally a nonsmoker in order to have an abdominoplasty. Smokers are instructed to abstain from nicotine for at least a month before and after the surgery to minimize the chances of any complications.
Tummy Tuck Costs
Costs of abdominoplasty can vary widely according to the surgeon’s experience and the exact type of procedure. Costs of tummy tucks in Turkey and many other cosmetic procedures are much lower compared to Europe and the US.
Always inquire about the full price, which considers the price of surgery and additional costs such as anesthesia fees, operating room facilities and hospital costs, examinations, second procedure cost if necessary, etc.
Consultation
During abdominoplasty consultations, the following is discussed: surgical goals; medical history; substances used currently, including medications, supplements, alcohol, drugs, and tobacco; current health status; the expected outcome; postoperative care and potential complications.
Areas of excess skin and fat on the abdomen are measured and marked during the consultation, after which the surgeon recommends an appropriate course of treatment.
It is advised to make full use of the consultation appointment in order to make as informed of a decision as possible. It is essential for the procedure’s success to honestly answer all of the surgeon’s inquiries and openly ask about anything requiring clarification.
Before The Surgery
The following may be requested from you before having your abdominoplasty:
- Getting tests for medical evaluation
- Abstaining from nicotine
- Abstaining from aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements
- Taking specific medications or adjusting current medication
Postoperative Care Recovery
After the surgery, bandages or compression garments are placed over the incisions as they heal. Drains might be placed under the skin for any build-up of excess blood or fluids. You are instructed on how to handle the bandages and drains and what medication to use for healing.
The hospitalization period usually lasts for one day, while roughly 4-6 weeks are needed for overall recovery.
No sport or any form of straining should be done for 2 months after the tummy tuck, nor should the scars be exposed to any form of solar radiation within the same period.
Patients are also instructed to abstain from nicotine for at least a month both before and after surgery.
It is advised to make inquires with your surgeon concerning the period immediately after the surgery and during recovery. You may have questions about where you will be placed after the surgery, what medications you will be given, and when to arrange an appointment for follow-up care.
You should expect to be able to see the final results of your tummy tuck surgery only after external and internal healing is complete. These results may be diminished if abdominal surgeries have been done previously.
The tummy tuck surgery scar usually takes nine months up to a year to fully heal and lighten into a thin, fine line.
Disclaimer
Abdominoplasty cannot replace exercising and weight loss.
Abdominoplasty results are permanent but can be altered through significant weight fluctuations, which is why abdominoplasty is not recommended for individuals considering pregnancy or weight loss anytime in the future.
Stretch marks can be removed with abdominoplasty only when located on excess skin areas to be removed during the procedure.
In some cases, multiple surgeries are needed for the best results.