TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY)

Tummy tuck surgery is among the aesthetic operations most preferred by those who have regional weight problems, those who gain and lose weight frequently, postpartum women or those who genetically experience aesthetic problems only in the abdominal area. In those who are not satisfied with the appearance in the abdominal area despite doing sports, the enlarged fat layer may not improve despite sports, diet and exercise. In addition, skin problems such as stretch marks due to collagen breaks in the skin structure of the person can also pose a regional problem. This deformation of the abdominal muscles, known as a caesarean section belly, which can often occur after high weight babies, can also cause this area to no longer support itself and to sag. Thanks to abdominoplasty, after tummy tuck surgery, the person can have the ideal fit body image.

Since getting pregnant can negatively affect the results of tummy tuck surgery, women who plan to have children in the near future should postpone the surgery. However, according to scientific research, women who become pregnant and successfully give birth from the sixth month after tummy tuck surgery are also included in the literature.

HOW IS TUMMY TUCK SURGERY PERFORMED?

Two types of tummy tuck surgery provide an aesthetic appearance in this area: Full tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck. Full tummy tuck surgery should be preferred as the most appropriate procedure for patients with severe loosening and sagging of the skin, excessive fat and abdominal muscle separation. It is performed under general anesthesia and may require an average hospital stay of 2-3 days. In this surgery, which is performed by making an incision around the navel and protecting the belly button, a long and horizontal incision is made at the bottom and the sagging excess skin and fat are removed. Abdominal muscles above and below the navel are tightened mutually like a corset and a taut image is obtained. Although a long horizontal incision scar remains after surgery, the most dramatic improvement in the shape of the abdomen can be achieved with this surgery.

Mini tummy tuck surgery is preferred as a more ideal method for patients with only a small amount of sagging skin below the navel. This surgery is also performed under general anesthesia. In the operation, skin and fat are removed from the lower abdomen and the incision is closed with a horizontal suture. Mini tummy tuck provides a smaller effect than full tummy tuck operations. However, it is possible to achieve an ideal appearance with appropriate patient selection. Liposuction can also be used in combination with tummy tuck surgeries.

WHAT IS THE POST-OPERATIVE PROCESS?

Abdominal swelling is usual in the first few days after surgery. Depending on the severity of the surgery, the patient can be discharged within a few hours. Sometimes hospitalization for 2-3 days may be required. During the operation, a drain is placed to prevent blood or fluid from accumulating inside. The drains are removed within 3 to 7 days after surgery. At first, the patient has difficulty standing upright to avoid stretching the surgical area, but it is important for the patient to start walking as soon as possible.

Patients are advised to wear a special corset for about a month. This corset also increases the success of the surgery by helping the abdominal area to reach the desired form. The patient can take a bath 2-3 days after the surgery and return to daily work. Since the stitches do not fully fuse in the first week, it is necessary to avoid movements such as severe coughing, sneezing and straining.