What is Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?
Abdominoplasty, also known as a 'tummy tuck', is a surgical procedure that targets the removal of excess fat and skin from the front abdominal wall, including the area above the belly button.
It's important to recognize that this body sculpting surgery serves more than just aesthetic purposes. It plays a crucial role in effective therapeutic strategies for preventing spine curvature due to excess weight, as well as mitigating risks of varicose veins and vascular stagnation in the lower limbs.
The surgical suite includes muscle reshaping, contributing to a well-toned appearance and well-defined, attractive body contours. The primary aim of abdominoplasty is to provide effective shape correction and volume reduction. If required, the surgery can also involve repositioning the belly button to its natural location, suturing the aponeurosis (a tendinous sheath of collagen fibers that can provoke diastasis when stretched), and removing an umbilical hernia.
Please remember that any surgical procedure carries potential risks and benefits, and it's always essential to consult with a healthcare professional before deciding on any medical intervention.
Types of Abdominoplasty
There are different methods of performing abdominoplasty, and the optimal approach is determined based on the patient's present condition and the desired outcomes.
The types commonly performed include:
• Traditional (full) abdominoplasty: This method involves the removal of excess fat and sagging skin folds, suturing of muscles, and correction of the belly button's position.
• Mini-abdominoplasty: This technique focuses on a small area above the pubic region, performing a lift. It's effective for eliminating stretch marks and a minor amount of fat that forms a fold. However, it's not suited for cases involving significant navel displacement and major skin deformity.
Each procedure is performed under anesthesia and can last anywhere from 1 to 5 hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery. After a successful procedure and the completion of the recovery phase, patients can expect to have a smooth and well-contoured abdomen.
As always, it's crucial for potential patients to consult with a healthcare professional to understand fully the risks and benefits associated with any surgical procedure.
Indications for Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty, or a 'tummy tuck', may be considered necessary in the following situations:
• When there's a separation in the inner edges of the rectus muscles or the appearance of stretch marks;
• If there are visible fat folds, causing the stomach to protrude and appear unappealing;
• When an excess of subcutaneous fat is present;
• If the abdominal muscles have become loose and weakened, causing the waist to lose its well-defined contours;
• When wide postoperative scars are disrupting visual aesthetics.
Many women seek to regain their pre-pregnancy figure after childbirth. Their journey towards a slim waist can often be hindered not by lack of effort, but by individual physiological challenges such as hernias, muscle atrophy, separated fibers, and reduced skin elasticity.
Men who have experienced significant weight loss can also benefit from abdominoplasty to address sagging skin. Rapid weight reduction can lead to stretching of the white line (fibrous structure) of the abdomen.
Additionally, diastasis, often accompanied by back pain and constipation, could occur due to hereditary factors.
When rigorous workouts and strict diets fail to yield visible results, abdominoplasty becomes an effective option to restore tissue firmness and promote constant involuntary muscle tension.
As always, it's important for patients to discuss any surgical procedure with a healthcare professional to understand the potential risks and benefits.
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Preparation for abdominoplasty can be divided into two main stages: preparation by the patient for surgery and preparation of the patient for surgery.
1. Before abdominoplasty, the patient should be prepared in advance on some points:
• Follow a diet that your doctor or out staff will provide you with information about. This will help to cleanse the intestines of excess food and reduce weight;
• 14 days before the scheduled operation, the doctor may prescribe vascular strengthening drugs;
• A week before the procedure you should stop smoking because nicotine significantly slows down wound healing. In addition, it is necessary to exclude the intake of alcohol and other pharmaceutical drugs that affect blood clotting.
2. When you arrive in Turkey, you are prepared for a number of procedures:
• Initial consultation with a doctor. At this stage, an examination is carried out, during which the surgeon determines which type of intervention will achieve the desired results. Conclusions are made based on the assessment of the position of the muscles, the condition of the skin, the volume of subcutaneous fat;
• Collection of anamnesis. The surgeon must know all medical history like the presence of allergic reactions, chronic diseases, monitoring of the current indicators of the body.
• Conducting practical research. For a full-fledged diagnosis, various blood tests, urine, ECG, fluorography, etc. are prescribed. Also, the doctor should be aware of what drug course the patient is undergoing (or has recently undergone). If the list of medications includes medications that have an effect (to varying degrees) on blood clotting ability, they should be discarded. Consultation and coordination of therapeutic measures with the attending physician are necessary under any circumstances!
Description of the Procedure
Preparation for
Abdominoplasty
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The complexity of the operation is determined individually, but the following procedures are distinguished:
• Anesthesia. Anesthesia can be general or epidural, according to the individual characteristics of each specific case;
• Formation of sections. They are localized above the pubis and are carried out strictly according to the previously applied markings. During endoscopy, punctures of 1-1.5 cm are formed near the navel;
• Closing of incisions. With open plastic surgery — cosmetic suture and bandage.
With classical plastic surgery, a horizontal section is created, the tissue is detached to the lower edge of the chest and the necessary manipulations are performed — the elimination of stretch marks, hernial defect and diastasis. If there is a pronounced deformation on the sides, a vertical section is possible, after which the skin is stretched down and to the center.
With mini-abdominoplasty, manipulations are performed through a small incision located above the pubis.
Performing Abdominoplasty
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Recovery After Abdominoplasty
Duration of the Operation
From 1 to 5 hours.
Hospitalization
From 1 to 5 days.
Return to Work
After 2-3 weeks, the patient begins to lead a normal lifestyle.
Restriction of Sports
In the first 30 days - exclude completely, in the future, until the end of recovery - physical therapy.
Taking a Shower
It is allowed after 1-3 days, it is impossible to wet the stitches, compression devices for the period of the procedure and treatment of the stitches can be removed.
Sleeping Position
In te first month, it is recommended to sleep only on your back and bend your legs (to avoid stitches tension), turning on your side is allowed no earlier than two weeks later. During the first month, you can not remove the bandage at night.
Full Recovery
From 2 weeks to a year.