What Is Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty)?
The Aim of the Surgery
Tummy tuck surgery, known medically as abdominoplasty, aims to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and to tighten the abdominal muscles. This aesthetic operation flattens the abdomen, giving the person a fitter and more aesthetic appearance. As a result, the person gains a wider choice of clothing and greater self-confidence.
Who Are the Ideal Candidates?
The ideal candidates for a tummy tuck are generally healthy people who have excessive sagging skin in the abdominal area. This is usually seen after rapid weight loss or more than one pregnancy. However, ageing and genetic factors can also cause the abdominal skin to sag. This operation addresses these problems by reshaping the abdominal muscles and removing the excess skin.
Types of Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty)
Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck is suitable for cases that require major changes in the abdominal area. This procedure is usually performed to remove a large portion of the excess fat and skin and to tighten the abdominal muscles. This operation provides a flatter and firmer abdominal silhouette.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck targets a smaller area and usually removes the excess skin below the navel. This procedure is less invasive and usually requires a shorter recovery period. A mini tummy tuck is ideal for people with mild sagging in the area below the navel.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck also includes the sides of the abdomen and the waist. It is particularly suitable for people with excess sagging skin over large areas, especially after substantial weight loss. This procedure shapes the waistline and the abdominal area.
Preparing for Surgery
Consultation with Your Doctor and Examinations
Before surgery, your consultations with your doctor and your physical examinations are extremely important. During this process, your doctor will share the details of the surgery, the expected results and the possible risks with you. Your doctor will also ask about your general health and explain what you need to do before the surgery.
Personal Health Status and Risks
Before deciding on a tummy tuck, it is important to assess your general health and any risk factors you may have. Smoking, existing health conditions or certain medicines can affect the results of the surgery and the recovery process.
Diet and Exercise Recommendations
A healthy diet and regular exercise are important before and after tummy tuck surgery. This can speed up the recovery process and help maintain the results of the surgery.
The Surgical Process
Anaesthesia Options
Tummy tuck surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia. However, in some cases sedation and local anaesthesia may also be used. The anaesthesia options depend on the type of surgery, your general health and your personal preferences.
Surgical Technique
The techniques used in tummy tuck surgery vary according to the type of procedure chosen. The operation usually involves making an incision and removing excess skin and fat. The abdominal muscles are then tightened and the remaining skin is smoothed out.
Duration of the Surgery
The duration of tummy tuck surgery usually ranges from 2 to 5 hours, depending on the type and extent of the procedure performed. This time can also vary depending on the person's general health and any other procedures performed at the same time.
You can also read the Hürriyet newspaper article How is tummy tuck surgery performed? (in Turkish).
Recovery After Surgery
Length of Hospital Stay
The hospital stay after tummy tuck surgery is usually 1-2 days. However, this period may vary depending on the type of procedure performed, the extent of the surgery and the person's general health.
Home Care and Recovery Recommendations
Home care after surgery is important for a fast and healthy recovery. This may include changing dressings regularly, taking certain medicines and avoiding certain physical activities. A balanced diet and adequate fluid intake can also speed up the recovery process.
Possible Complications and Risks
Although tummy tuck surgery is generally a safe procedure, like any surgery it carries certain risks. These include infection, bleeding, anaesthesia-related complications and scarring.
How Long the Results Last
The results of tummy tuck surgery are generally permanent. However, gaining or losing weight and pregnancy can affect the results. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help the results last longer.
The Cost of Tummy Tuck Surgery
Overall Cost of the Surgery
The cost of tummy tuck surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure, the experience of the surgeon performing it and the geographical region where it is carried out. The overall cost includes the surgeon's fees, hospital or surgical centre fees, anaesthesia fees and other related costs such as medicines.
Insurance Coverage
Most insurance companies regard tummy tuck surgery as a cosmetic procedure and therefore usually do not cover this type of surgery. However, in some cases, particularly when the surgery is a medical necessity, insurance coverage may be possible. It is important to talk to your insurance provider to understand what your policy does and does not cover.
Additional Costs
The total cost of tummy tuck surgery usually also includes additional costs such as pre-operative tests, post-operative care and medicines, bandages and other medical supplies, and follow-up visits. These costs may not be included in the overall cost of the surgery and should also be taken into account.
This content provides general information to help you understand tummy tuck surgery. Talk to a plastic surgeon for more detailed information about your own situation. As always, following your doctor’s instructions before and after the operation is important for the results and the recovery process.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ and Tummy Tuck Surgery
About Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ is a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery practising at her office on Bağdat Avenue, Istanbul. Her areas of expertise include tummy tuck surgery. The treatment plan is chosen from among current techniques according to each patient’s needs and goals.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ’s Approach to Tummy Tuck Surgery
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Karadağ takes an individual approach to tummy tuck surgery. She understands that every patient is different and that each operation should therefore be tailored to the patient’s specific needs and goals. With this approach, the aim is a result and recovery process suited to each patient’s condition.
To watch Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ’s video explanation of tummy tuck surgery on Instagram, click here.
Tummy Tuck Surgery in Istanbul with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ
Tummy Tuck Surgery in Istanbul
Istanbul is known as Türkiye’s largest city and the heart of its medical services. In Istanbul, tummy tuck surgery is performed by specialists in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Istanbul has become a centre of aesthetic surgery services for both local and international patients.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ: Her Approach to Tummy Tuck Surgery
Experience and Expertise: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ is a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery and performs tummy tuck operations.
Individual Approach: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Karadağ offers each patient a tailored approach. She understands that every patient is different and that each treatment plan should therefore be personalised to the patient’s specific needs and goals.
Modern Techniques and Technologies: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Karadağ uses current techniques in tummy tuck surgery. The technique to be applied is determined according to the patient’s condition.
Realistic Expectations: Before the operation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Karadağ evaluates the patient’s expectations and the achievable results together with the patient.
Hospital Options: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Karadağ performs her operations at two hospitals in Istanbul: Altunizade Acıbadem Hospital and Medipol Acıbadem Regional Hospital.
Trained and Friendly Staff: All the staff at Assoc. Prof. Dr. Karadağ’s office are trained to make patients feel comfortable and at ease. They are there to make each patient's experience as positive as possible.
Location: Her office on Bağdat Avenue, Istanbul, is in an easily accessible location, which allows patients to come and go to their appointments comfortably.
For more information about tummy tuck surgery, you can visit the office or get in touch via the website.
Honest and Open Communication: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Karadağ informs her patients openly and honestly throughout the entire surgical process. She is always ready to manage expectations, help patients understand the surgical process and answer any questions or concerns they may have.
Follow-up Care: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Karadağ follows up her patients regularly in the post-operative period. Follow-up helps to monitor the recovery process.
Hospitals: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ performs her operations at Altunizade Acıbadem Hospital and Medipol Acıbadem Regional Hospital.
For every patient considering tummy tuck surgery, their needs, goals and possible risks are evaluated in detail during the consultation.
You can also read our article on plastic and aesthetic surgery services in Istanbul.
