What Is Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Surgery?

The tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, has become the most used procedure in recent years to eliminate the problems of excess fat, skin laxity, and sagging in the abdominal region for various reasons in both female and male patients. A tummy tuck has been a good option for many women who complain of looseness and sagging in the abdomen, especially in the post-pregnancy period. With the help of developments in medicine, the appearance of sagging skin in the midsection is eliminated, excess fat is removed, and the abdomen is flattened. The stretch marks under the belly button are also removed with a tummy tuck operation. 

The Procedure

Tummy tuck surgery can be combined with liposuction surgery if necessary. In tummy tuck surgery, a skin incision is made from the lower part of the abdomen to the transverse side. The abdominal skin and the fat tissue underneath are thinned, and excess tissue is removed. Afterward, the loosened abdominal wall muscles are stitched together to relieve the looseness of the abdomen.

Excess abdominal skin and laxity in the muscles are concentrated in the lower part of the navel in some patients. A mini tummy tuck is recommended for these patients.

Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia. A full tummy tuck surgery takes 3-4 hours, while a mini tummy tuck usually takes about 1-1.5 hours.

After the Procedure

Since a tummy tuck is a major surgical operation, the first few days after the surgery are painful. The patients are discharged after staying in the hospital for two days. In this way, the patient's pain is easily controlled, and the general health status is monitored. After discharge, patients should use painkillers and antibiotics as prescribed by their doctors. The patients are given a compression garment by the doctor/team before they discharge. They should wear this compression garment for 3 to 6 weeks after tummy tuck surgery. It helps reduce edema and swelling in the abdomen and helps shape the abdominal region.

You can take a bath three days after the operation and start doing your daily work yourself. Your stitches will only begin to heal after a week, so it's relevant to stay away from any activity that will tire you out. If you work at a desk job, you can return to work in about 7-10 days. 

After mini tummy tuck surgery, you can return to your daily life and work within 3-4 days.