Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
General Anesthesia
What is a Tummy Tuck?
The name of the aesthetic surgery procedure applied to remove the sagging in the abdominal region that has a negative effect on the psychology of the person is called “tummy tuck” among the public and “Abdominoplasty” in medical terminology.
The type of surgery that manages to significantly correct the physical silhouette of the body after surgery carries certain risks, as in all other surgical interventions. Those risks, which will be explained to you in detail by your surgeon, are closely related to your standard lifestyle habits. Smoking and alcohol use, insufficient exercise or lack of exercise in your life have an effect on the success of the operation.
The protruding belly protrusion, which negatively affects the posture of your clothes such as pants, skirts and dresses, will largely disappear after this surgery. The operation, which clarifies the waist line and promises a flatter abdomen than before the operation, is performed through an incision made just above the pubic area and under the navel. This incision, which is longer than the cesarean line, is sufficient to perform a mini abdominoplasty operation. When the stretching process of the upper abdomen is in question, the location of the belly button is change
What is Targeted with Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgery?
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) operation is aimed at a flat stomach and a younger body silhouette. Apart from excessive fat and sagging in the belly and abdominal area, if there is fat in the waist and hip area, abdominoplasty can be performed with liposuction. Loosening of the skin tissue due to old age can also be removed with this surgery. Some weight loss is also observed by tensing the abdominal muscles and skin. After abdominoplasty surgery, 1-2 size reduction is expected in body size. Thanks to a flat stomach and a belly that is no longer sagging, it is also easier to achieve a bikini body. It is possible to make the silhouette obtained with the operation more smooth with the help of the exercise you will start after the postoperative recovery process. With the tummy tuck operation, the physical appearance improves and the person’s self-confidence is refreshed. Thanks to the aesthetic intervention that contributes significantly to the person psychologically, high self-confidence and a positive mood are aimed.
Who are the right candidates for Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)?
It is a body shaping method used by women and men in people who have excess in the abdominal region that cannot be removed despite all diet and exercise efforts. Abdominoplasty, which is a preferred aesthetic surgery type after birth, is applied to people whose body is deformed after cesarean delivery or in cases where excessive weight gain is caused such as multiple pregnancy. After such situations, people with abdominal skin and muscle structure that do not spontaneously return to their normal and tense state can easily regain their old form. Abdominoplasty surgery is recommended for patients who do not have chronic diseases and are suitable for anesthesia. Because chronic diseases that may prevent blood coagulation, such as diabetes, are an important obstacle to performing this type of surgery. It is important that the patient does not have such ailments in terms of healing the wounds, preventing various complications and the successful completion of the operation process.
What Should Be Done During the Preparation Process for Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)?
After the decision of abdominoplasty surgery, it is very important for the success of the result to follow the doctor’s instructions on the use of vitamins and various drugs, smoking and alcohol consumption. If you have a habit of smoking and alcohol use, it is recommended that you completely quit these habits at least 2 weeks before the surgery. If a cold, flu or any other illness develops while waiting for the surgery, it would be more useful to postpone the surgery. It is also beneficial to avoid activities such as excessive exercise, sunbathing, and low-calorie diets during this period. Activities such as balanced nutrition, meditation, and outdoor walking that positively affect the healing process provide benefits both psychologically and physically. Tummy tuck surgeries are not covered by insurance coverage in many cases. Therefore, you should also find out if your pre-operative insurance policy covers this operation.
What are Abdominal Stretching Techniques?
Comprehensive tummy tuck surgeries are normally expected to be completed in 2-4 hours. In mini abdominoplasty surgeries, this period is performed in approximately 1-2 hours. In general abdominoplasty, the incision positioned above the pubic area is opened between both hip bones. A second incision is made to cut the relationship between the navel and other tissues. While the location of the belly does not change in mini abdominoplasty surgeries, the location of the belly button may change in general tummy tuck surgeries. The skin tissue is stretched from all sides towards the ribs and a large surface is lifted from its fixed location to clarify the underlying muscles. The resulting abdominal muscles are brought together in the middle and fixed in their newly formed form. After these procedures, the skin on the upper surface is pulled down and stretched well. The belly button is placed in its new place, stitched and fixed. In order to expel the blood and edema that do not accumulate inside, a resistance is attached to the operation area during the intervention. These tubes allow the blood and fluid in the wound to be expelled. Tummy tuck surgeries are often performed under general anesthesia. However, local anesthesia is also applied in mini abdominoplasty surgeries. Nevertheless, being aware of stretching and pulling procedures in local anesthesia is not preferred because it may cause sensitivity in the patient even though no pain is felt.
How is Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgery Performed and How is the Recovery Process?
The recovery period after surgery differs according to the metabolism and quality of life of the person. The hospital stay can range from a few hours to several days. It is normal to experience pain and pain sensitivity in the first few days. You are expected to overcome this situation with antibiotics and painkillers given by your doctor. Acting according to your doctor’s advice on issues such as showering and renewing dressings will speed up the healing process. The stitches on the skin surface are removed after about 1 week and the other stitches are aesthetic stitches and disappear by themselves. Scar scars gradually get lighter after about 1 year. However, it is not expected to disappear completely. However, since it is located on the line of the bikini area, it is not possible to notice it at first glance. Although a sufficiently straight posture is not expected after the first week, it is important that you start walking. It is helpful to start physical activities and exercises as soon as possible in order to feel your old form faster. It is important that exercises that will speed up recovery after surgery, including those who have exercised before, should not be chosen from heavy activities.
How is your look after Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)?
In terms of physical appearance, you gain a perfect silhouette after surgery. Thanks to the self-confidence gained by your new and flawless appearance, your transformation into a happier and more positive individual is one of the most successful results of abdominoplasty surgeries. By adopting a balanced life and keeping your diet in a stable and beneficial line, you can continue to use your new image for many years. Since tummy tuck surgery is an appropriate type of operation for women who do not think of a new pregnancy process in the near term and men who have reached their ideal weight, even partially, maintaining this position is important for the permanence of the result. As in all medical operations, performing abdominoplasty surgeries in full-fledged hospital conditions and specialist physicians is the first step to be followed. Since tummy tuck operations are not a type of slimming method, it is recommended to control the weight and not to gain large amounts of weight frequently. Return to work and social life after surgery takes 3-4 weeks depending on the person’s body structure and recovery speed. Not lifting heavy objects and not resorting to intense physical activity immediately after the healing process is also a great benefit for a healthy recovery period.In addition to seeing yourself happier in the mirror, you will get positive reactions from the people around you, so tummy tuck surgery is a definite and perfect procedure for correcting imperfections that cannot be removed by other methods solution.