Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure based on removing excess skin and fat tissue in the abdominal area and repairing separated abdominal muscles.
After pregnancy and significant weight changes, the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall may separate from the midline (rectus diastasis). This can lead to a forward bulge that does not resolve even when weight is lost and exercise is done. Likewise, skin that has lost its elasticity does not tighten with exercise.
For this reason, abdominoplasty is a procedure for a structural problem that cannot be resolved with sports or diet.
Being close to the weight target and having stable weight are important for planning.
1. Examination. The amount of excess skin, the degree of muscle separation, fat distribution and, if present, a hernia are assessed.
2. Planning. The incision is generally planned along the bikini line, so that it stays within clothing. It is stated openly that an incision scar is unavoidable. If necessary, it can be evaluated together with liposuction.
3. Procedure. Excess skin and fat are removed, the separated muscles are repaired with sutures, and the navel is repositioned.
4. Follow-up. A drain may be used; use of a compression garment is recommended.
Tightness, swelling and tenderness in the abdominal area are pronounced in the first days. In the early period, walking slightly bent forward may be necessary.
As with every surgical procedure, this one carries certain risks. Being aware of them is necessary for a sound decision:
This list does not cover all possibilities. Your personal risk profile, medical history and current health status are assessed in detail at the examination and shared with you as part of the consent process.
No. This is not a weight-loss method. It is appropriate to plan it at a time when you are close to your weight target and your weight is stable.
Yes. An incision scar is unavoidable; it is generally planned along the bikini line, so that it stays within clothing. The scar fades over time but does not disappear.
Separated muscles and skin that has lost its elasticity are not repaired by exercise. Exercise alone is not enough for these structural conditions.
A new pregnancy may again affect the repaired muscle structure and skin. For people who plan a pregnancy, waiting is generally more appropriate; this is discussed at the examination.
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is an operation within the specialty of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. Op. Dr. Harun Tekin is a specialist physician in this field; the assessment is carried out face to face at his practice in Antalya.
Excess loose abdominal skin and the repair of separated abdominal muscles require a surgical procedure. Device-based treatments may provide a limited contribution to skin quality; however, they do not remove excess skin and do not repair muscle separation.
During a tummy tuck, removal of fat to a limited extent for contouring purposes may come into consideration. Its scope is determined with regard to circulatory safety, tissue thickness and healing risk.
Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. A graduate of Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine; he completed his specialty training at the University of Health Sciences, Afyonkarahisar Health Application and Research Center. He works at Antalya Yaşam Hastanesi (Şirinyalı, Muratpaşa / Antalya).
