WHAT IS TUMMY TUCK? HOW IS IT MADE? (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess fat from the middle and lower abdomen, correction of sagging skin, and strengthening of abdominal muscles. Abdominoplasty can effectively eliminate abdominal fat and skin sagging. There are various techniques used in tummy tuck surgery, which can also be combined with other procedures such as liposuction.

Who is a Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is typically sought by individuals who have excess fat in their abdominal area despite their diet and exercise efforts. It is also a popular cosmetic surgery option for people who have experienced body deformities due to factors such as weight gain or cesarean delivery. In cases where the skin and muscle of the abdomen do not return to their expected state, tummy tuck surgery can help individuals regain their desired shape. However, it is important to note that tummy tuck surgery is not recommended for individuals with chronic diseases that may prevent proper blood coagulation, such as diabetes, as this can pose a significant obstacle to the surgery's success. Additionally, patients must be suitable for anesthesia and should not have any discomfort or complications that could hinder the healing process.

Surgery and Recovery PROCESS

The recovery process following tummy tuck surgery can vary depending on a person's metabolism and overall quality of life. Typically, patients stay in the hospital for an average of two days after the procedure. Pain and sensitivity are normal in the first few days after surgery and can be managed with antibiotics and painkillers prescribed by your doctor.

Following your doctor's advice on matters such as showering and regular dressing changes can help speed up the healing process. Stitches on the skin surface are usually removed after about a week, while other stitches are aesthetic and will dissolve on their own. While scars gradually diminish over time, they may not completely disappear after a year. However, the presence of scars along the bikini line make them barely noticeable at first glance. Although patients are not expected to have a fully straight posture during the first week, it is important to start walking and engaging in physical activity as soon as possible to promote faster recovery and regain old form. It is important to avoid exercises that may impede recovery, especially heavy sports, even for patients who have a background in athletics.

Post-Surgery New Look

Tummy tuck surgery can give you a perfect silhouette, which can boost your self-confidence and transform you into a happier and more positive individual. By adopting a balanced lifestyle and maintaining a stable and healthy diet, you can continue to enjoy your new image for many years. It is important to note that tummy tuck surgery is not recommended for women who plan to have a new pregnancy in the short term or for men who have not yet reached their ideal weight. Maintaining a stable weight is important for the permanence of the results. Tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss method, so it is recommended to control weight gain and avoid frequent large weight fluctuations. The recovery period following surgery takes about 3-4 weeks, depending on the individual's body structure and recovery rate. It is important to avoid lifting heavy objects and engaging in intense physical activities immediately after the healing process to ensure a healthy recovery period. Not only will you see yourself happier in the mirror after the surgery, but the positive reactions you will get from people around you will also make tummy tuck surgery a definite and perfect solution for correcting imperfections that cannot be removed by other methods.

Umbilicoplasty and Abdominal Lift

Abdominal lift, also known as a lower body lift, is a surgical procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks by removing excess skin and fat. This procedure is commonly performed after significant weight loss, where the skin loses elasticity and fails to retract. It can also be performed as part of a mommy makeover, which combines different procedures to restore the body after pregnancy.

During an abdominal lift, an incision is made in the lower abdomen, and excess skin and fat are removed. The remaining skin is then lifted and tightened to create a smoother, more toned appearance. The procedure can take several hours, and recovery time can vary depending on the individual's health and the extent of the surgery.

Overall, both umbilicoplasty and abdominal lift are cosmetic surgeries that can improve the appearance of the belly button and abdomen. These procedures should be performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon, and patients should have realistic expectations about the outcome and recovery process.

How is the Operation performed?

Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed by a plastic surgeon. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, meaning the patient is completely unconscious during the operation.

The surgeon begins the procedure by making an incision across the lower abdomen, typically from hip to hip. The length of the incision depends on the extent of the excess skin and fat that needs to be removed. The surgeon then separates the skin from the abdominal wall and lifts it up to access the underlying muscles.

If necessary, the surgeon will then tighten and repair any weakened or separated abdominal muscles before removing any excess skin and fat. This step is important to achieve a flatter, more toned-looking abdomen.

Once the desired amount of skin and fat has been removed, the remaining skin is re-draped over the abdomen and the incision is closed with sutures. A small opening is left for a drainage tube, which is usually removed a few days after surgery.

The entire tummy tuck procedure typically takes between two to four hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. The patient will need to stay in the hospital for a few days for post-operative monitoring, and full recovery can take several weeks.

What are the risks of the surgery?

The overall success rate of this surgery is very high. However, as in any surgery, since there are risks such as swelling, bruising, edema, seroma and infection, the physician and the patient should fulfill their responsibilities in the best way.

Is the Transaction permanent?

While the effects of tummy tuck surgery can be long-lasting, it is important to note that it is not a permanent solution. Aging, weight gain, and pregnancy can all potentially impact the results of the surgery over time. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, to help maintain the results of the surgery.

What to do if the post-operative image is not liked?

It's important to have realistic expectations before undergoing any surgical procedure and to discuss your goals and concerns with your surgeon prior to the operation. However, if after the surgery, the patient is not satisfied with the outcome, they should communicate their concerns to the surgeon and discuss possible revision options. In some cases, a second surgery may be necessary to achieve the desired results. It's important to wait until the initial surgery has fully healed before considering a revision procedure.

What Kind of Appearance Is Obtained After the Surgery?

It is important to note that the appearance obtained after surgery can vary from person to person and depends on individual factors such as the quality of the skin, the amount of excess skin and fat, and the patient's overall health. However, in general, tummy tuck surgery results in a flatter and firmer abdominal area with a more defined waistline. The belly button is also repositioned to a more natural-looking position. The final result is a more toned and contoured abdomen, which can improve the patient's self-confidence and quality of life.