About Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty (also known as “tummy tuck”) is a cosmetic surgery to make the abdomen thinner and firmer. It includes removing excess skin from the lower abdomen and tightening the muscle fascia of the abdominal wall. There are two common types of Abdominoplasty; complete Abdominoplasty and mini (partial) Abdominoplasty. In some cases a liposuction is combined with Tummy Tuck surgery for an improved and better result.

Complete Abdominoplasty Procedure

Firstly, above the pubic hairline an incision is made from hip to hip, and then a second incision is made to free the belly button. Secondly, the skin is removed from the abdominal wall and the muscle fascia is tightened with sutures. Then, the surgeon removes the excess skin and fat. The next step is to move the belly button to a new hole and then the new belly button will be sutured into its new place. Finally the patient may need dressing and/or drainage for excess bleeding.

Complete Tummy Tuck surgery is usually done with general anaesthesia so the patient will be put to sleep during the surgery. Complete Abdominoplasty can last from 1- 5 hours depending on the extent of the surgery.

Mini (partial) Abdominoplasty Procedure

Mini Tummy Tuck involves much smaller incisions than complete Tummy Tuck surgery. The skin and fat of the lower abdomen is removed in a more limited way from the muscle fascia, then the skin is stretched down and excess skin is removed. The belly button can be divided and moved on the lower abdominal wall. A part of the abdominal muscle can be tightened depending on the case of the surgery and it’s most likely that the belly button will not be moved.

Mini Abdominoplasty is generally done with local anaesthetic and can last from 1-2 hours.

Suitable Patients for Abdominoplasty

• Both male and female patients can have Abdominoplasty surgery

• Patients at a good health condition and healthy both mentally and physically

• Patients with excess fat and skin in the lower abdomen

• Patients must be over the age of 18 before the surgery

Before Abdominoplasty

• Patients must completely quit smoking from at least 2 weeks before the surgery.

• Patients must tell the surgeon everything they use such as herbal medicine, prescription drugs and others.

• Patients must be in good health, at a stable weight and not thinking of getting pregnant soon.

After Abdominoplasty

  • Patients must not carry on smoking for at least 2 weeks after the surgery as smoking can slow down healing.
  • Patients have to make sure they are taking medication correctly on time, which has been prescribed by the surgeon such as painkillers and antibiotics.
  • Activity will be to minimum for at least 6 weeks from the surgery, so maybe a short rest from work will be ideal.

Recovery after Abdominoplasty

Full recovery can take from 3 – 6 months for a complete Abdominoplasty and much shorter for mini Abdominoplasty. After the surgery from the effect or anaesthesia the patient will probably feel tired and a bit weak. The patient will need to stay in hospital for a couple of days for a complete Abdominoplasty but with mini Abdominoplasty the patient can be sent home in a few hours after the surgery. After the surgery together with some bruising there can be some swelling. To reduce swelling patients must drink plenty of water and keep hydrated, maintain a healthy diet, resting is very important, ice or cold compress can be done and if instructed by the surgeon a compression garment must be worn.

Risks of Abdominoplasty

Just like every surgery having some risks, of course Abdominoplasty has some risks as well, even though they are rare

• Anaesthesia Complications

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Blood clots

• Poor circulation

• Fluid accumulation

• Numbness of skin

• Scarring

• Bruising

• Patients with illnesses such as diabetes, heart, liver and lung disease are more likely to experience these risks.

Definition

Liposuction – cosmetic treatment done to improve the appearance of the body by removing the fat from the body using suction

Incision – surgical cut made in the skin during surgery or treatment

Sutures – also called stitches, used to hold the tissues together

General anesthesia – variety of medications given to ensure unconsciousness, loss of control of reflexes. The patient is put to sleep to not feel any pain or discomfort.

Compression garment – special clothing to provide extra support especially after surgeries

First day of Abdominoplasty

The patients will attend a consultation with the surgeon and will be advised about the procedure and their condition. The patient will then be taken through a couple of tests that are required before the surgery. If desired, patients can spend the day to rest and attend the hospital the next day.

Second day of Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty will be performed. The surgery will be performed using general or local anesthesia depending on the type of the surgery. The surgery will take between 1 to 5 hours to perform depending on the extent of the surgery. Once the surgery is over, the patient will be taken to a private room where they will be staying in hospital for resting.

Third day of Abdominoplasty

Patients will be resting in their room and the surgeon will perform a check up and if they are approved to be in a good, healthy condition and the surgery results are all successful; the patients are advised with post treatment care requirements and are ready to be discharged from hospital to their settlements. The patient will be advised on their medication and their dressing routine. Once discharged from hospital the patient must rest.

Fourth, fifth and sixth day of Abdominoplasty

Patients are advised to continue resting at their settlements. They must avoid heavy activities like bending and lifting. Patients are able to go on little tours around the city if they are feeling better and carry on taking their medications correctly.

Seventh day of Abdominoplasty

Patients will attend a post surgery appointment for a final check up and consultation. The stitches will be removed and dressing will be changed. The patient will be advised on further medication. If everything is right then the patient is ready to return to their destination.

Notes

• Trip schedule may vary. medicTurkey patient relations will provide you a detailed trip schedule before the travel.

• For details on accommodation, transportation and other services, please check the SERVICES page.

What is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty (also known as “tummy tuck”) is a cosmetic surgery to make the abdomen thinner and firmer.

How is Abdominoplasty done?

Abdominoplasty is done by removing excess skin from the lower abdomen and tightening the muscle fascia of the abdominal wall.

When can I return to work?

Most patients can return to work 2 weeks after the surgery depending on the type of job. The surgeon will give advice on the best time to return to work.

What are the risks of Abdominoplasty?

Just like every surgery Abdominoplasty has some risks as well such as anaesthesia complications, bleeding, infection, blood clots, poor circulation, fluid accumulation, numbness of skin, scarring and bruising.

Patients with illnesses such as diabetes, heart, liver and lung disease are more likely to experience these risks.

How long does Tummy Tuck last?

Complete Abdominoplasty lasts from 1 to 5 hours depending on the extent of surgery using general anaesthesia. Mini Tummy Tuck lasts from 1 to 2 hours usually with local anaesthetic.

How long do I need to stay in hospital?

The recommended stay for patients having any type of Tummy Tuck is usually 2 days including the day of the surgery.

How long do I need to stay in Turkey?

The recommended stay in Turkey for Tummy Tuck is 7 days including consultation before the surgery and after the surgery.

How long does recovery take?

Recovery from a complete Abdominoplasty can take from 3 to 6 months after surgery and much shorter for a mini Abdominoplasty.

How can I reduce swelling?

To reduce swelling patients must drink plenty of water and keep hydrated, maintain a healthy diet, resting is very important, ice or cold compress can be done and if instructed by the surgeon, a compression garment must be worn.

Devices used in Abdominoplasty

There are no special technical devices used in an Abdominoplasty surgery.

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