Sagging in the abdomen can occur with excessive weight gain or loss, pregnancy or age. Tummy tuck surgery removes excess fat and sagging skin tissue under the belly button, while tightening the loosened abdominal muscles in the midline.

FOR WHOM IS A TUMMY TUCK OPERATION PERFORMED?

Tummy tuck surgery is not performed especially for those with intraabdominal fat to lose weight, and it should be noted that tummy tuck surgery cannot replace weight loss with diet and sports.

You should have realistic expectations about the operation. Before the operation, your doctor will perform your examination and determine the appropriate surgical technique for you. Depending on the condition of the excess skin, a short incision (mini tummy tuck) or classical tummy tuck is preferred.

PREPARATION FOR SURGERY

Detailed examination of the patient is the first and most important step. The general condition of the patient, accompanying diseases, medications used, and whether expectations are realistic are the most important points for us. During the detailed examination, the most appropriate method is decided for the patient. Detailed examination together with the anesthesiologist is a must for pre-operative preparation. If the patient smokes, it is recommended to stop 3 weeks beforehand, and blood thinners to be discontinued before the specified time. Preoperative planning is an important step in surgical preparation.

METHOD OF SURGERY

The operation lasts an average of 2-3 hours under general anaesthesia. With incisions extending from the lower part of the abdomen to the groin, excess sagging skin and adipose tissue are removed. Loosened abdominal muscles are tightened by stretching, and the navel is stitched to its new place. If necessary, liposuction is also performed on the sides of the waist to try to obtain a thinner waist curve. Drains are used to prevent blood accumulation, when the drains are removed, you will only be  ollowed up with dressing and corset.

Possible Risks:

• Infection, bleeding, seroma (fluid accumulation in the surgery area:
  it will regress with periodical monitoring and drainage of the fluid)
• Loss of sensation in the skin of the abdomen; can be temporary or permanent.

This surgery leaves permanent scars on the lower abdomen and around the belly button. If your stitches are to be removed, they will be removed after 2 weeks, you need to wear the corset for 4-6 weeks. The recovery process after tummy tuck surgery is slow, full recovery may take months. The lightening of the colour of the scars occurs after the 6th month.