Tummy tuck surgery is an aesthetic surgical procedure to correct excess fat, loose skin and weak muscles in the abdominal area. It offers an ideal solution especially for people who want to combat conditions such as sagging and laxity caused by pregnancy, rapid weight loss or aging. Tummy tuck surgery not only improves physical appearance, but can also help to increase self-confidence. However, it may not be suitable for every individual, so it is very important to identify the right candidate.
What is Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, aims to achieve a flatter, smoother and younger appearance by tightening excess skin, fat and muscles in the abdominal area. The surgery is applied to people who complain of sagging, laxity and excess fat in the abdominal area. During this procedure, a thin incision is made in the lower abdomen, excess skin and fat are removed, the abdominal muscles are tightened and the skin is stretched. As a result, patients achieve a younger and fitter appearance.
Who Is Abdominoplasty Suitable For?
Tummy tuck surgery may be suitable for people who usually experience one or more of the following conditions:
- Changes after pregnancy: Many women may experience problems such as loosening, sagging and stretch marks in the abdomen after pregnancy. Tummy tuck surgery is suitable for women who want to correct this situation and achieve a tighter abdominal appearance.
- After Rapid Weight Loss: People who experience rapid weight loss as a result of conditions such as obesity treatment, bariatric surgery or diabetes may complain of excess skin and sagging abdominal areas. Tummy tuck surgery is ideal for correcting this situation.
- Aging and Genetic Factors: As we age, skin elasticity may decrease and sagging may occur in the abdominal area. Genetic factors can also cause deterioration of body shape. Abdominoplasty is also suitable for people who want to combat such situations.
How is Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes a thin incision in the lower abdomen, removes excess fat and stretches the skin tissue. The details of the surgery may vary according to the needs of the person. If there is loosening of the abdominal muscles, the surgeon reshapes these muscles to make the abdominal wall tighter. Also, in some patients, liposuction can be used to remove excess fat and further smooth the appearance of the abdomen.
What are the Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery offers a variety of aesthetic and health benefits. Here are the main benefits:
- A Firmer and Flatter Abdominal Appearance: Excess fat, sagging skin and loose muscles are corrected, resulting in a smoother and firmer abdomen.
- Self-confidence Increase: Individuals who experience changes that they do not like in their body can have a more aesthetic appearance after tummy tuck surgery, which increases their self-confidence.
- Permanent Results: Tummy tuck surgery usually provides permanent results. However, a healthy lifestyle should be maintained.
Recovery Process After Tummy Tuck Surgery
The recovery process after tummy tuck surgery may vary depending on the general health status of the patient and the size of the operation. However, in general, patients can return to normal life within 1-2 weeks. During the healing process, swelling, bruising and discomfort may be observed for a few weeks, but these decrease over time. It may take several months for the swelling to disappear completely. The most important thing that patients should pay attention to during this period is to follow the surgeon's recommendations exactly. Physical activities should be limited for 4-6 weeks and heavy exercises should be avoided.
How Much Are Tummy Tuck Surgery Prices?
Tummy tuck surgery prices may vary depending on many factors. Factors such as the clinic where the surgery will be performed, the surgeon's experience, the patient's needs and geographical location can affect the price. The prices of tummy tuck surgery can often be high, but the permanent and satisfactory results to be obtained after this procedure pay for the price.
How Should I Prepare Before Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Before tummy tuck surgery, your surgeon will give specific instructions. If you are a smoker, you are advised to stop smoking, because smoking can negatively affect the healing process. Also, blood thinners may need to be avoided before surgery. A healthy diet and regular exercise can speed up your healing process.
Things to Consider After Tummy Tuck Surgery
After tummy tuck surgery, there are several important points to be considered during the healing process:
- Do not sleep with your head up: It is recommended to sleep with your head up to reduce swelling.
- Move Slowly: Avoid heavy movements and exercises in the first few weeks of the healing process.
- Follow the Doctor's Instructions: During the healing process, carefully follow the medications and care instructions given by your surgeon.
- Hiding Scars: Although postoperative scars become less prominent over time, take care not to be exposed to the sun.
Differences Between Abdominoplasty and Liposuction
Although tummy tuck surgery and liposuction are often confused with each other, they are different procedures. While tummy tuck surgery aims to tighten the skin and muscles, liposuction only removes fat. Liposuction is suitable for patients who want to get rid of excess fat, but it does not solve conditions such as sagging and laxity. Therefore, sometimes the best result can be achieved by combining both procedures.
Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Permanent?
Tummy tuck surgery provides lasting results, but these results depend on lifestyle habits and maintaining a healthy weight. Factors such as weight gain, pregnancy or aging can lead to changes in the abdominal area again. Therefore, healthy eating and regular exercise habits after tummy tuck surgery will help maintain the results for a long time.
Do Scars Remain After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
The scars formed after tummy tuck surgery are usually placed in the lower abdomen, hidden in the bikini area. These scars fade over time and are usually not very noticeable. However, it is important to protect the scars from sunlight during the healing process. Your surgeon will use the most appropriate techniques to minimise the scars.
Pregnancy After Tummy Tuck Surgery
It is possible to become pregnant after tummy tuck surgery, but changes in the abdominal area during pregnancy may adversely affect the effects of tummy tuck surgery. If you are planning a pregnancy in the future, you can time this situation in consultation with your surgeon. Pregnancy after tummy tuck surgery can lead to re-loosening and sagging in the abdomen in some patients.
Can Tummy Tuck Surgery Be Performed For Stretch Marks?
Tummy tuck surgery does not directly treat stretch marks, but in some cases it can help stretch marks become less prominent. Since excess skin is removed during surgery, stretch marks, especially in the lower abdomen, can also be removed. However, it is not possible to completely remove stretch marks. The condition of the stretch marks usually depends on the skin structure of the person and the location of the stretch marks. Stretch marks usually occur as a result of rupture of the connective tissue under the skin and may benefit from cosmetic surgery, but a complete recovery should not be expected.
Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed in Summer?
Tummy tuck surgery can be performed in the summer months, but exposure to the sun during the summer season can negatively affect the healing process. Sunlight can cause the scars to darken and become more prominent. Therefore, if you are planning to have surgery in the summer, it is important to follow the sun protection methods recommended by your doctor to protect the scars during the postoperative healing process. In addition, sweating in hot weather can also complicate the healing process, so resting in cool environments and drinking plenty of water can accelerate healing.
