Tummy Tuck

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgical procedure for improving the appearance of the abdomen. It means removal of the excess skin and fat from the abdomen. Patients with excess fat or skin around their belly button prefer the surgery. Reason of the extra fat and skin can be maternity or weight loss. Abdominoplasty is unsuitable for patients who plan to lose weight or consider pregnancy. Patients with a body mass index above 30 are also not suitable for the surgery. Chronic diseases like diabetes are also a major red flag for the operation. An abdominoplasty includes risks such as blood clots or seroma, due to intensive nature. On the other hand the fatality rate of the operation is extremely low.

Patients are usually asked to stay in the hospital for a few nights after the surgery. Drainage tubes are placed around the incisions to lower seroma risk. After discharge, patients are advised to wear a special corset for 4-6 weeks. Corset helps patients to relieve pain and prevent stitches from reopening.

Recovery time varies from person to person based on several factors. Age, health condition or weight can be classified as personal factors. Surgery method and post-surgery care are medical factors. Surgeons suggest avoiding weightlifting, swimming, and driving for at least 2-3 weeks post-surgery. Patients will not be completely recovered from the operation until approximately eight weeks.

Two main types of tummy tuck are a complete tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck. Complete one includes a large incision above the pubic hairline from hip to hip. Another incision is made to separate the skin across the lower belly. Excess fat and skin removed through that incision.

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What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

Patients with no excess fat above the belly button are ideal mini tummy tuck candidates. The surgeon makes an incision on the lower tummy to separate the skin from the abdominal wall. Excess fat and skin are removed during a mini tummy tuck. Similar to a complete tummy tuck, the surgeon makes a new hole for the belly button. The tissue is stitched back together afterwards. The incision is shorter in a mini tummy tuck compared to complete tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck scar will be on the lower abdomen. It is quite easy to hide with underwear or a bathing suit.

The difference between two procedures is the different levels of abdominal fat in target groups. A complete tummy tuck addresses the excess skin over the entire abdomen. Alternatively a mini tummy tuck addresses skin and fat below the belly button. The surgeon will help choose which one to have. It also depends on the patient's needs and goals from the surgery.

How Long Does a Tummy Tuck Surgery Last?

The exact duration depends on the type of tummy tuck. Procedure usually lasts between 2-5 hours. The abdominoplasty is done under general anesthesia, so surgery time also changes from person to person. Reanimation and post-surgery care are also heavily depend on body situation. The surgery team will place a special tummy tuck underwear around the tummy after surgery. Underwear gives the patient stability, reduce swelling, and ensure drains and sutures are not loose.

How Long Does Swelling Last After Tummy Tuck?

Swelling is common after a tummy tuck. It is a normal part of the recovery process. The swelling usually resolves between 2-6 months. Patients should take the necessary precautions and follow post-operation guidelines. Patients can minimize how long the swelling lasts, and see the results of the operation sooner. What to consider post-operation for swelling to last shorter:

Wear abdominoplasty underwear until your surgeon says otherwise to reduce seroma risk.
Pursue a healthy diet, including protein, fat, vegetables, and fruits, and drink enough water.
Avoid strenuous exercise after surgery. Do not miss to take short walks as it helps with circulation and minimizes swelling.

What Does an Abdominoplasty Include?

Anesthetists inject sedative medications.
Surgeons start incisions depending on the procedure type. For instance, a complete abdominoplasty requires a horizontal incision between the belly button and the inguinal region, depending on the excess skin amount.
Occasionally, surgeons may make a second incision to remove the excess skin on the upper abdomen.
The surgeon pulls the upper abdominal skin down, trims the excess, and sutures the remaining skin. Finally, the surgeon creates a new hole for the belly button.
The surgeon closes the incisions, places the sutures and drains, and does the final checks on vitals.
After the final controls, the surgery team takes the patients to the recovery room and monitors their condition.

Is an Abdominoplasty Painful?

Abdominoplasty is a major surgery. Patients have to rest throughout the recovery period to completely heal before returning to their daily routine. Regular recovery time is between 2-3 weeks. During recovery, patients can feel tired, sore, and experience moderate pain. They can feel numb in the affected areas. Following all post-operative instructions after the surgery, such as avoiding lifting heavy objects and sleeping in the recommended position, will minimize the pain caused by the surgery. Taking medicine such as painkillers as prescribed by the surgeon is also essential in post-op pain relief.

How to Sleep After an Abdominoplasty?

Another thing to consider after abdominoplasty surgery is the sleeping position. Sleeping position is vital for abdominoplasty recovery as pressure on the incisions can cause problems and delay healing. Patients should lie on their backs and hold their upper body straight to ease the pressure off the incision and reduce postoperative complication risk. It is only safe to sleep on the stomach about six weeks after the procedure.

How much Does Tummy Tuck Cost?

Tummy Tuck operation costs an avearage of 7.000-9.000 £ in UK. Prices can go above 10.000 £ according to surgeons’ experience and clinic’s physical attributions. This price may go well above 15.000 $ in U.S and 12.000 € in top clinics of Germany. Tummy Tuck in Turkey is quite price competitive compared to Western Europe. Average abdominoplasty cost in Turkey lies around 3.000 £. Prices can change according to hospital’s facility quality and the experience of the surgeon.

What is a Tummy Tuck?