TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY)
WHAT IS TUMMY TUCK?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a popular procedure that helps to get rid of excess fat and skin in the abdomen, thus tightening the stomach muscles and bringing them back to their original form. There are variations of tummy tuck surgery and the procedure is arranged according to the specific needs of each patient. The basic tummy tuck involves working on the abdomen from the bottom of the rib cage to the hip.
IN WHICH SITUATIONS SHOULD YOU HAVE A TUMMY TUCK OPERATION?
Abdominoplasty, which is preferred after caesarean births or in cases that cause excessive weight gain such as multiple pregnancy, is also applied for people whose body is deformed or who have sagging skin after gaining and losing excess weight.
WHAT ARE THE TECHNIQUES USED IN TUMMY TUCK SURGERY?
Tummy tuck surgery is usually performed under anesthesia, but the operation can also be performed as an outpatient treatment. Patients can return home on the same day after the procedure is completed. In order to prevent the appearance of scarring after surgery, the incision is made from hip to hip to coincide with under underwear or bikini. After the incision is made, the excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is tightened. In addition, liposuction is performed on the sides to remove excess fat during tummy tuck. Finally, the incisions are closed, and the abdominal muscles are reattached and tightened before sutures are placed.
POST-OPERATION RECOVERY PROCESS
In tummy tuck surgery, patients are expected to devote at least one to two weeks to rest and recovery. Pain may be observed, especially if the procedure involves muscle tightening. Painkillers may be offered to patients during the recovery period.
After the procedure, drain tubes can be placed to prevent the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. These are removed one to two weeks after the surgery, when the patient comes for a check-up. After surgery, patients should wear a special compression suit for several weeks to help reduce swelling and bruises.
Many of the patients recover so that they can return to work after about a week, but some need more time to recover. After the first or two weeks after surgery, daily activities gradually restart.
DOES MY BELLY BUTTON LOOK BAD AFTER TUMMY TUCK SURGERY?
Tissue manipulation can change the position of the belly button, but our plastic surgeon, who specializes in the field, repositions and shapes the belly button to look natural and attractive.
DOES PREGNANCY AFTER TUMMY TUCK IMPAIR THE OUTCOME OF THE SURGERY?
Since the stomach and abdominal muscles will be stretched again when pregnancy occurs, women who will undergo tummy tuck surgery are advised to wait until they have children.
HOW EXTENSIVE ARE THE SCARS OF TUMMY TUCK SURGERY?
The incision, which typically moves from hip to hip, is strategically placed so that it is hidden under a standard bikini bottom. The surgeon, who is an expert in the field, can minimize the scar to some extent. How your body heals past scars is an excellent indicator that gives you an idea of how to heal after a tummy tuck.
IS THE RESULT OF TUMMY TUCK PERMANENT?
As long as patients do not gain weight and become pregnant, the results of tummy tuck surgery improve over time. Aging can slightly affect the results, but tummy tuck is a permanent solution for taut skin and muscles.