MEDICAL PARK GAZİOSMANPAŞA
HOSPITAL
Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin,
and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles creating
an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. A flat and
well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through
exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot
achieve our goals.
Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and
proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and
sagging. The most common causes of this include:
Tummy tuck surgery is a highly individualized procedure and
you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's
desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.
Abdominoplasty is a good option for you if:
Although the results of an abdominoplasty procedure are
technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly
diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this
reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or
women who may be considering future pregnancies may be advised to
postpone abdominoplasty surgery.
What you should not expect from a tummy tuck:
Tummy tucks are not a substitute for weight loss or an
appropriate exercise program. Also, tummy tuck operations cannot
correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat
improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that
will be excised, generally the treated areas below the belly
button.
What are the steps of Tummy tuck procedure?
What happens during tummy tuck surgery?
Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during
abdominoplasty surgery. The choices include intravenous sedation
and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best
choice for you.
Step 2 – The incision
A full tummy tuck procedure requires a horizontally-oriented
incision in the area between the pubic hairline and navel. The
shape and length of the incision will be determined by the degree
of correction necessary.
Through this incision, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired
and sutured while excess fat, tissue and skin is removed.
A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove
excess skin in the upper abdomen.
Step 3 – Closing the incisions
Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips close the skin
incisions.
Results
Your abdominoplasty procedure will result in a flatter, firmer
abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type
and weight.
The final results may be initially obscured by swelling and
your inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is
complete.
Within a week or two, you should be standing tall and
confident about your new slimmer profile.
Recovery
Following your surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied
to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage
or a compression garment to minimize swelling and to support your
abdomen as it heals.
A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to
drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect to minimize
swelling after tummy tuck surgery.
