What is Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck) Surgery?
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure in which excess fat and sagging skin tissue in the middle and lower abdomen are removed and the abdominal muscles are tightened by stretching, it is not a treatment for obesity. Obese people should lose as much weight as they can before this surgery. With this surgery, the appearance of the fat belly and abdomen is dramatically improved; Although the scar due to the surgery is permanent, it is hidden in the underwear. There are many techniques used by plastic surgeons for abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty can also be performed together with surgeries for body contour correction (aesthetic breast surgeries, liposuction, etc.) or some other surgeries (hernia, gallbladder, uterus, ovary surgeries, etc.).
Who is a Candidate for Abdominoplasty?
Men and women who have sagging abdominal skin that does not respond to diet and exercise, but whose body contours are smooth, are candidates for this surgery. This surgery is especially beneficial for women who have given birth several times, have cracked and sagging abdominal skin, and weakened abdominal muscles. Patients who intend to lose weight should postpone this surgery. It is also beneficial for women who plan to give birth in the future to postpone this surgery until after the birth. An abdominoplasty surgery will improve your appearance and your self-confidence.
How to Plan a Surgery
In the first examination, your general health status, the amount and distribution of fat in the abdomen, sagging and excess of the abdominal skin and skin quality are evaluated. During this examination; You should provide accurate and detailed information about the diseases you have had, your current health problems (diabetes, etc.), your habits (smoking, alcohol, etc.) and the drugs you use (aspirin, tranquilizers, etc.). Another thing you should say during this examination is why you want this surgery and what is your expectation from this surgery. As a result of your expectations and examination findings, you may be a suitable patient for full or partial abdominoplasty alone or in combination with liposuction, or liposuction alone may be sufficient for you. During this examination, the type of anesthesia, how many days you will stay in the hospital and possible problems you may encounter after the surgery should be discussed.
Pre-Surgical Preparation
During this period, your surgeon will have some demands from you. Especially if you smoke, you should take a break 4 weeks before and 2 weeks after the surgery. If you are using it, take a break from Vitamin E and Aspirin and avoid heavy diet regimens before surgery. A cold or another infection may cause the operation to be delayed.
Surgery Process
The operation is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia in hospital conditions. Full abdominoplasty may take 2-5 hours, partial (mini) abdominoplasty may take 1-2 hours depending on the extent of the surgery. In full tummy tuck, an incision line that extends from one hip to the opposite hip but can be hidden inside the swimsuit, and a second round incision around the navel are required. In partial abdominoplasty, the incision line is shorter and the navel location does not change. During the surgery, the skin of the abdomen is released from the muscles below it from the groin to the level of the ribs. If there is a weakness or hernia in the abdominal muscles, it is repaired with special sutures and the loosened abdominal wall tension is restored, excess skin is cut and removed. In partial abdominoplasty, these procedures are more limited. After the operation, the wound is closed with hidden (intradermic) sutures and covered with a dressing. One or two tubes called drains can be placed under the skin to absorb the excess fluid that will be collected in the area.
After Surgery
In the first few days, there may be swelling in the abdomen and pain that can be controlled with painkillers. Drains are taken after 1-3 days on average. Generally, dissolving sutures are used and do not need to be removed. 10-12 if there are non-dissolving stitches. day can be taken. On average, you need to stay in the hospital for 1-3 days. It may take a few months for you to feel the same as before. You can return to work after 1-2 weeks. The scar may appear slightly red and puffy for the first 3-6 months, and this is normal. It may take 9 months to 1 year for the scars to flatten and fade, and can be easily hidden under a bikini. Partial or full abdominoplasty procedures provide good or excellent results for patients with abdominal muscle weakness and skin sagging. In most patients, the result obtained with regular exercise and diet can be maintained for years. However, body contour and shape changes may develop due to aging, pregnancy and weight gain.
What are Alternative Treatments?
Vacuum liposuction can be considered as an alternative or in conjunction with tummy tuck surgery if there is good quality tight skin and limited fat accumulation to the abdominal wall. Diet and exercise programs can also be effective in reducing total body fat, but they are not effective on skin sagging.
What are the Risks of Abdominoplasty?
If this surgery is performed by a plastic surgeon who specializes in body contouring, the result is usually satisfactory. Every surgical procedure has a certain amount of risk and it is essential to compare the risks and benefits of the surgery in order for the person to accept the surgical procedure. Even if many women or men do not experience the complications below, discuss it with your plastic surgeon until you are sure you understand the risks, possible complications, and consequences. Complications such as infection and bleeding are rare in this surgery, which is performed by a plastic surgeon in appropriate hospital conditions with a good pre-operative examination and evaluation. The infection is treated with antibiotics and drainage of the abscess if it has formed, but may prolong hospital stay. Rarely, delayed or poor wound healing may occur and result in significant scarring. In these conditions, a second surgery may be required. Complications in skin loss and wound healing are slightly more common in smokers.