What is Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck Surgery)?
Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is an aesthetic procedure applied to remove excess skin and fat tissue from the abdomen and to tighten the abdominal muscles at the same time.
Abdominoplasty Surgery is Performed to whom?
Muscles and skins cannot return to their former form due to the deformation that develops after the aging process, excess weight gain or pregnancy period. This method is often preferred especially in order to remove sagging and cracks and thus to have a more fit appearance.
People with a body mass index below 30 have much more permanent and effective results. It is recommended that people quit smoking at least 2 weeks before the procedure to accelerate recovery process.
How to Perform Abdominoplasty?
The area where the skin will be taken is examined in detail. Under general anesthesia, a line is drawn on both sides at the level of the cesarean section mark and the procedure is performed over this line. The process takes an average of 2-3 hours.
If there is excessive fat tissue, the liposuction method can also be used, depending on preference.
Since aesthetic stitches are used, its clarity disappears within 6 months-1 year. Since it can be hidden in underwear, the scars do not create an uncomfortable appearance. However, if it feels uncomfortable, its appearance can be completely improved with laser. If there is already a cesarean section scar, the procedure is performed using the same scar.
It is recommended not to become pregnant for 2 years after the procedure in order to avoid a re-deformation.
Types of Abdominoplasty Surgery?
Depending on the level of sagging and fat in the patient, mini tummy tuck or full tummy tuck methods can be used.
Mini Tumy Tuck Surgery
The procedure is performed with a small incision in the cesarean section incision area or the groin. There is no need to place a drain in this surgery and dissolving sutures are used. It can be applied to people who have given birth or whose fat tissue is only in the lower part of the abdomen.
Full Tumy Tuck Surgery
In full tummy tuck surgery, excess abdominal skin is removed to stretch the lower and upper abdominal skin, looseness and herniation in the abdominal muscles are repaired and treated. During the procedure, regional fats can be removed with liposuction, preferably these fats can be applied to the hip or breast tissue. In full abdominoplasty, the location of the belly button may change and more scars are formed compared to mini tummy tuck.
Points to consider After Abdominoplasty?
The patient is discharged after being hospitalized for one or two days. In the first week, the patient may have pain in conditions such as coughing or straining. But these complaints pass after a short time. In this process, heavy cutters recommended by the doctor can be used.
In the first few days, patients are recommended to walk with a slight lean forward and lie in a semi-sitting position so that there is no pressure on the stitches. In general, it is seen that patients return to their normal daily lives after a few days.
A dressing is applied to the surgical area to prevent edema (swelling). You can take a shower within 2-3 days after the dressings are removed.
Drains are removed in 2-3 days. No dressing is required due to the bands in the surgical area.
Since it is an aesthetic suture, the internal stitches dissolve on their own. Therefore, there is no need for sutures to be removed.
Lifting heavy things and heavy physical activities should be avoided for a while. After 2-3 weeks, light exercises can be started. However, heavy exercises can be done after 3 months.
Sexual life should be avoided for two weeks.
A medical corset should be worn for 4-6 weeks to control edema. The full shaping of the body takes place at the end of this process, and it is even more obvious after a few months. It is very important to eat healthy and exercise in order not to encounter the same problem again.
Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Dangerous?
As in almost every operation, there are some risks such as bleeding and infection in this operation. However, if the given drugs are used regularly and the controls are not interrupted, the probability of any problems is very low.
Cost of Tummy tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty)?
Abdominoplasty varies according to the method applied and combined procedures..