Abdominoplasty
08.08.2022Lipoidosis, excess skin, sagging etc. deformations can be seen in the abdominal region due to many reasons such as weight gain, pregnancy, body structure. With the increase in aesthetic concerns recently, both men and women resort to various methods to be recovered from this problem. One of the most effective and permanent results among these methods is tummy tuck surgery.
What is Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is a surgery performed in the department of aesthetic plastic and reconstructive surgery. Tummy tuck surgery is one of the most effective among the abdominal aesthetic procedures applied to the abdominal region, that is, around the abdomen and belly.
Since the elasticity of the tissues and skin around the abdomen is impaired after pregnancy in women, this area may not regain its former appearance. This leads to an aesthetically unpleasant appearance. Especially if there is excessive weight gain during pregnancy or if more than two births have been made, the deformation is much more. Many methods can be applied to correct this deformation and to reshape the abdominal area. However, if the person wants to fully return to his/her former condition and wants to achieve a much more ideal appearance, tummy tuck surgery will be a very effective option.
Tummy tuck in men is preferred due to the sagging caused by weight gain and loss and loosening of the tissues with age. With the tummy tuck surgery, the excess skin is removed and the area is given a tighter and more stretched appearance.
How is Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?
The technique to be used in the tummy tuck procedure varies depending on the sagging and excess skin in the area to be operated. By taking into account the patient's complaints and the appearance he/she wants together with the detailed examination and radiological inspections to be performed by an aesthetic surgery specialist, it is decided how much intervention should be made in which areas. The surgery is usually performed by drawing a line from the lower abdomen to the sides, removing the sagging and cracked skins in the part up to the belly button area and stretching the skin in the upper part of the belly button downwards. At this time, the belly button should also be intervened in order to be in the appropriate position.
In the abdominoplasty procedure, collector sutures are placed on the abdominal wall membranes and the abdominal muscles that have been loosened are tightened and restored to their former stiffness thanks to these sutures. After the tummy tuck surgery, aesthetic suture is made so that the incisions are not too apparent when looked from the outside and unpleasant scar appearance is largely prevented. When the person looks in the mirror after the tummy tuck surgery, she/he will feel better physically because he has a tighter abdomen.
If there is excessive lipoidosis in the area as well as sagging and looseness, tummy tuck can be performed together with liposuction (fat removal). Especially in cesarean section, abdominal fat removal and tummy tuck are frequently requested by pregnant women. However, this procedure is not recommended because there will already be a recovery in the abdominal muscles after birth.
How Long Does the Tummy Tuck Surgery Take?
Tummy tuck surgery may vary according to the person's complaint and what kind of appearance he/she wants. Full tummy tuck surgery, called total abdominoplasty, can take approximately 3-4 hours. However, if the abdominal area is wide or if other additional procedures such as liposuction are to be performed on the patient, this period will be longer.
Mini abdominoplasty surgery, which does not cover an area as large as total abdominoplasty and is applied in cases of less looseness and sagging, can be completed in a much shorter time. Whether it is total abdominoplasty or mini abdominoplasty, tummy tuck in all its forms is performed under general anesthesia. This procedure must be performed by a surgeon who is an expert in the field in a hospital environment with appropriate conditions and equipment.
How Is the Recovery Process After the Tummy Tuck Surgery?
After tummy tuck, discharge period may take 1 or 2 days depending on the interventions made during the operation and the complications that the person may experience. During the recovery period, patients are usually advised to wear a special corset for 1 month. This corset makes it easier for the abdominal area to reach the desired form. Approximately 3-4 hours after the end of the operation, the patient can stand up and walk with the help of a relative, and the day after the operation, he/she can start walking slowly without help.
It is normal to have pain for a while due to postoperative procedures and stitches. These pains can be alleviated with painkillers recommended by the doctor. The person can take a bath 2-3 days after the operation and take care of daily tasks on his/her own. Since the stitches do not knit completely in the first week, as coughing, sneezing, straining can cause pain, it is necessary to be careful.
The time to return to work may take 7-10 weeks depending on the nature of the work.
Pregnancy after Tummy Tuck Surgery
Many women who want to have abdominoplasty are most often curious about what will happen when they become pregnant after this surgery. Tummy tuck is not a procedure that adversely affects pregnancy or causes any complications related to it. However, if a new pregnancy occurs after the operation and birth is given, some of the problems such as sagging and excess skin may occur again.
Tummy Tuck Surgery Prices
Tummy tuck surgery prices may vary depending on the deformation in the area to be operated and the variety of procedures to be performed. In addition, the area where the tummy tuck procedure will be performed can also be considered as another factor that is effective in determining the prices for tummy tuck surgery. For detailed information and to learn tummy tuck prices you can make an appointment at our aesthetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery department.