A tummy tuck, an aesthetic surgical procedure, is an operation where excess skin and fat tissue are removed, providing a flatter and tighter appearance to the abdominal area. Tummy tuck surgery may be preferred by individuals experiencing looseness in the abdominal area after childbirth, weight loss, or due to genetic factors. This operation can help patients achieve aesthetically smoother body contours.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure performed to remove accumulated excess skin and fat tissue in the abdominal area, retighten the abdominal muscles, and flatten the abdominal wall. This operation is generally applied to patients who experience looseness in the abdominal area due to postpartum, rapid weight loss, or aging.
Before undergoing a tummy tuck, patients can decide how they want their abdomen to look. In consultations with the surgeon, details such as the scope of the surgery, duration of the procedure, and recovery process are determined.
Why is a Tummy Tuck Preferred?
Tummy tuck surgery is generally preferred for the following reasons:
- Postpartum Abdominal Sagging: Individuals complaining of looseness and sagging in the abdominal area after childbirth may prefer a tummy tuck.
- Excessive Weight Loss: Sagging that occurs after excessive weight loss can be corrected with a tummy tuck.
- Genetic Factors: Some individuals may genetically have looseness and sagging in the abdominal area. In this case, a tummy tuck offers an aesthetic solution.
- Aesthetic Improvement: A tummy tuck may be preferred to correct a person's body contours and achieve a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
How Does the Pre-Tummy Tuck Selection Process Work?
Tummy tuck surgery should be performed by an experienced aesthetic surgeon. Each surgeon's application method may differ, but the general process consists of the following steps:
- Consultation and Evaluation: Before a tummy tuck, a consultation is held with the surgeon. At this stage, the patient's general health status, expectations, and current abdominal structure are evaluated. The planning of the surgery is shaped according to the patient's body structure and demands.
- Anesthesia Application: A tummy tuck is generally performed under general anesthesia. This way, the patient does not feel pain during the operation.
- Incisions and Stitches: Incisions made for a tummy tuck are carefully placed to remove excess skin and fat tissue in the abdominal area. To achieve an aesthetic result, incisions are usually made in the lower abdomen.
- Recovery Process: The patient's recovery process after surgery can take several weeks. Symptoms such as swelling, bruising, and tenderness are normal and will pass over time. It is important to follow the surgeon's recommendations to speed up the recovery process.
What are the Types of Tummy Tucks?
A tummy tuck can be performed with different techniques. Depending on the need and the patient's condition, the surgeon may prefer various methods.
- Mini Tummy Tuck: In this method, excess skin and fat tissue in the lower part of the abdomen are removed. It is generally suitable for patients with slight sagging in the lower abdomen.
- Full Tummy Tuck: In this method, excess skin and fat tissue in the upper part of the abdomen are also removed. The abdominal muscles are tightened, and excess skin is removed.
Can I Choose the Size Before Tummy Tuck Surgery?
In tummy tuck surgery, the scope of the procedure and which areas will be corrected can be determined in consultations with the surgeon. Your doctor will offer the best options suitable for your body structure.
How Many Hours Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Take?
Tummy tuck surgery generally takes between 2-4 hours. However, this duration may vary depending on the method used and the surgeon's technique.
Is There a Risk of Death in Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery is a safe procedure performed under general anesthesia. However, as with any surgical operation, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, or anesthesia-related complications. These risks are minimal when performed by experienced surgeons.
For Which Age Range is Tummy Tuck Surgery Suitable?
Tummy tuck surgery is suitable for individuals aged 18 and over. However, it is important that the person has completed their physical development.
Am I a Suitable Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
If your general health is good, you do not smoke, and you have realistic expectations, you may be a suitable candidate for this operation.
When is a Tummy Tuck Not Recommended?
- In case of chronic health problems,
- If smoking and alcohol use are not intended to be stopped during the surgical process,
- If there is a risk of active infection.
Can a Tummy Tuck Be Performed After Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?
Yes, but it is recommended to wait at least 6 months. This allows time for the abdominal area to recover naturally.
When Can I Return to Social Life After a Tummy Tuck?
After tummy tuck surgery, patients can return to their normal lives within 2-4 weeks as the recovery process progresses. However, heavy physical activities should be avoided, and the surgeon's instructions must be followed.
Can breastfeeding ability be affected after surgery?
The methods we apply do not include techniques that could harm breastfeeding ability.
Should I postpone the surgery if I am planning a pregnancy?
Having a tummy tuck at a time when you are not planning a pregnancy can help you avoid changes in the abdominal area after pregnancy. The shape of the abdominal area after surgery can be maintained for a long time.
Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Correct Asymmetry in the Abdominal Area?
Yes, with tummy tuck surgery, excess skin, fat tissue, and asymmetric appearances in the abdominal area can be corrected to achieve a smoother and more aesthetic appearance.
What are the Advantages of Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery offers significant benefits both aesthetically and psychologically. Here are some of the prominent advantages of this operation:
- Smoother Abdominal Contours: Tummy tuck surgery removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, providing thinner and smoother contours.
- Increased Self-Confidence: Getting rid of sagging or excess fat in the abdominal area can increase your self-confidence and allow you to make more comfortable clothing choices.
- Physical Improvement: Tummy tuck surgery tightens loose abdominal muscles, especially after pregnancy or weight loss, and corrects body contours.
- Permanent Results: Tummy tuck surgery provides long-term and permanent results, making satisfactory changes in patients' body contours.
What Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Aim For?
Tummy tuck surgery is a surgical procedure for people with excess skin and fat in the abdominal area. This surgery aims to correct sagging in the abdominal wall, remove excess fat, and aesthetically reshape the abdominal area.
- ✔ Removal of Excess Skin and Fat: Excess skin and fat tissue in the abdominal area are removed.
- ✔ Smoother Abdominal Contours: Abdominal contours are corrected to be more aesthetic and proportional.
- ✔ Strengthening of Abdominal Muscles: Abdominal muscles that have loosened, especially after pregnancy or weight loss, are tightened.
- ✔ Physical and Psychological Improvement: Tummy tuck surgery can provide self-confidence by changing body contours and help with psychological recovery.
Can Liposuction Be Performed During Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Yes, liposuction (fat removal) can be performed during tummy tuck surgery. However, this procedure is generally applied to remove excess fat in the abdominal area and helps to make the abdominal contours smoother.
Can Abdominal Muscles Also Be Shaped During Surgery?
Yes, abdominal muscles can also be shaped during tummy tuck surgery. Especially loosened muscles can be strengthened to achieve a flatter and tighter appearance in the abdominal area.
Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed Under or Over the Muscle? What are the Differences?
Tummy tuck surgery is generally performed to remove excess skin and fat in the abdominal area, but placement under or over the muscle usually depends on the body shape and the surgeon's recommendations.
Submuscular Placement: Fat tissue under the abdominal muscles is removed to provide flatter abdominal contours. This placement can help achieve a more natural appearance.
Supramuscular Placement: Excess skin above the abdominal muscles is removed, which can lead to faster recovery. However, more attention may be needed in case of sagging.
Will I Feel Pain During and After Surgery?
You will not feel any pain during the surgery as general anesthesia will be applied. After the surgery, mild to moderate pain may be felt for the first few days. This pain can usually be controlled with painkillers and will decrease over time. There may be a feeling of tension for the first week, but this sensation will decrease within 2-3 weeks.
Will a Drain Be Placed After Surgery? When Will It Be Removed?
A drain may be placed after surgery to remove excess fluid accumulated in the body. However, the use of a drain depends on the surgeon's technique. If a drain is used, it is usually removed within 1-3 days when the fluid flow decreases.