Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic procedure performed on both men and women to treat skin laxity and sagging in the abdominal area that may occur after pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations. This procedure aims to tighten the abdominal skin and restore a firmer, smoother abdominal contour.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
After pregnancy or weight changes, the abdominal skin may develop looseness, sagging, elasticity problems, and muscle separation. In addition, some individuals may struggle with stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise.
These deformities in the abdominal area may create an unpleasant aesthetic appearance, making it difficult to choose certain clothing and affecting overall body proportions. This situation may also lead to reduced self-confidence and discomfort with body image.
If you feel that the excess skin and sagging in your abdominal area are affecting your appearance and you would like to achieve a flatter abdomen and feel comfortable wearing fitted clothing or swimwear, abdominoplasty surgery may be an appropriate solution—provided that your surgeon confirms your suitability for the procedure.
What Are the Types of Tummy Tuck Surgery?
There are two main types of tummy tuck procedures:
Mini Tummy Tuck
This technique is preferred when sagging or skin looseness is minimal. The incision is smaller, and no incision is made around the belly button.
Full Tummy Tuck
This technique is preferred when there is more significant skin sagging or abdominal deformity.
In both techniques, liposuction can be performed in the abdominal and flank areas to improve contour. During the surgery, abdominal muscle tightening or hernia repair may also be performed if necessary.
Your suitability for mini or full tummy tuck surgery will be determined by Op. Dr. Ercan Demiray after a comprehensive medical examination. During the consultation, it is important to clearly discuss your expectations and desired results with your surgeon.
What Type of Anesthesia is Used and How Long Does the Surgery Take?
Abdominoplasty procedures are performed under general anesthesia. The surgery typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure.
How Long Should Patients from Outside the City or Abroad Stay in Istanbul?
The recovery period may vary depending on the chosen surgical technique, but most patients can return to their daily routine within about one week.
Patients usually stay one night in the hospital after surgery, and during the following week they attend regular follow-up appointments as recommended by the medical team.
For patients traveling from outside Istanbul or from abroad, hotel and transfer arrangements can be organized by our team if needed.
Can I Have Children After a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty is usually recommended for patients who have developed abdominal deformities, skin laxity, and muscle separation after pregnancy, particularly when liposuction alone is not sufficient.
Although it is not strictly forbidden to become pregnant after the procedure, it is generally recommended to have tummy tuck surgery after completing planned pregnancies. Pregnancy may again cause stretching of the abdominal muscles and skin, potentially affecting the surgical results.
In most cases, tummy tuck surgery can be performed approximately one year after childbirth.
Will I Need to Wear a Compression Garment After Surgery?
Yes, wearing a compression garment after tummy tuck surgery is necessary. It helps support the healing process, improves comfort, and assists in achieving the desired postoperative shape.
The medical team will provide the compression garment immediately after the procedure, and your doctor will inform you about how long it should be worn.
Should Smoking Be Stopped Before Surgery?
Ideally, smoking should be avoided entirely. However, for abdominoplasty surgery, it is extremely important to stop smoking at least 2–4 weeks before the procedure.
While in some other plastic surgery procedures stopping smoking 15 days prior may be sufficient, for tummy tuck surgery it is strongly recommended to stop smoking at least one month before the operation.
Smoking affects blood circulation, delays wound healing, and significantly increases the risk of complications. If smoking has not been stopped as recommended, the surgery may need to be postponed.
Important Things to Know Before Tummy Tuck Surgery
These procedures are performed under general anesthesia, so you must fast for approximately 8–9 hours before surgery.
Smoking must be stopped at least one month before the procedure.
Herbal teas, blood-thinning medications (such as aspirin), and certain vitamins should be discontinued 7–10 days before surgery.
On the day of surgery, makeup, nail polish, and cosmetic products should not be used.
If you have had previous surgeries or are using regular medications, inform your anesthesiologist and surgeon about all medical details.
You will be asked to visit the hospital approximately one week before surgery for blood tests and anesthesia evaluation.
Patients generally stay one night in the hospital, although in some cases the stay may extend to two nights depending on the surgeon’s recommendation.
How Long Does Recovery Take After a Tummy Tuck?
Most patients can return to their normal daily activities within 7–10 days after abdominoplasty. However, the healing process may vary from person to person.
The abdomen usually takes 6 months to 1 year to fully settle into its final shape and achieve the optimal result.
Will There Be Scars After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
As with many surgical procedures, some scarring is inevitable after a tummy tuck. However, when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, the incisions are carefully placed in natural body folds or less visible areas.
In most cases, scars are located below the bikini line, allowing patients to comfortably wear swimwear or bikinis. Over time, the scars typically fade and become lighter, usually within about one year.
If necessary, laser treatments may help make the scars even less noticeable. Most patients find that the improved body contour and proportion outweigh the presence of faint scars.
What Are the Prices for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Due to legal regulations, we cannot publish tummy tuck surgery prices on our website. The cost of the procedure depends on the patient’s condition and the extent of the surgery, and it will be determined after a comprehensive consultation.