What is abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to remove excess skin and laxity in the abdominal area, correct abdominal contours, and repair separation (diastasis) between abdominal muscles in suitable patients. The goal is to achieve a flatter and firmer abdominal appearance.

Who is it suitable for?

You may be a suitable candidate for evaluation if you have any of the following conditions:
- Sagging and laxity in the abdomen after childbirth(s)

- Laxity of abdominal skin with excess/stretch marks after weight gain and loss

- Significant laxity and a feeling of "failure to tighten" in the anterior abdominal wall

- Suspicion of separation (diastasis) in the abdominal muscles

- Stubborn excess skin in the lower abdomen (may be a candidate for mini tummy tuck)

Important: Abdominoplasty is not a "weight loss surgery". The best results are usually obtained in patients who have achieved weight control, are close to their ideal weight if possible, and have maintained a stable weight for a long time.
 

What are the types of abdominoplasty?
Based on your examination findings, different options may be planned:
- Mini abdominoplasty: Primarily for limited excess skin in the lower abdominal area.

- Full (classic) abdominoplasty: For significant excess/laxity of skin in the upper and lower abdomen; often involves repositioning the navel.

- Extended abdominoplasty: In patients with more excess skin on the sides, a wider incision may be planned.

- Inverted T / fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty: May be considered, especially after significant weight loss, if there is significant excess skin both horizontally and vertically.

 

Is abdominal muscle repair (diastasis) performed?
Separation between abdominal muscles can occur after childbirth or weight changes. In suitable patients, muscle repair (tightening) can be performed during abdominoplasty. This can contribute to a more toned waistline; however, the feeling of tightness and limited movement may be slightly more pronounced during the healing process.

 

Can it be done in combination with liposuction?
In selected patients, liposuction can be added to areas such as the abdomen, waist, flanks, or back to better shape the contour. Combination; The procedure is planned individually, taking into account skin circulation, safety, and desired results.
 

Where is the scar (incision)?
The incision is usually planned to remain at the underwear/bikini line.
In full abdominoplasty, there is usually also an incision scar around the navel (due to the reshaping of the navel).
The quality of the scars depends on factors such as tissue structure, wound healing, smoking, and compliance with scar care. Anesthesia and surgery time
Abdominoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia. The duration varies depending on the scope of the procedure, but is approximately 2-4 hours for most patients (this may vary from person to person). Combined procedures may cause the duration to be longer.

 

Pre-operative preparation
Frequently recommended topics:
- If you smoke: quitting/reducing smoking to lower the risk of healing and wound problems (as recommended by your doctor)

- Adjustment of blood thinners and some supplements

- Necessary examinations (blood tests, etc.) and anesthesia evaluation

- Plan of companionship to support you in the first few days after surgery

- Planning of post-operative corset/garment use

 

Recovery process and return to daily life
A general timeline (may vary from person to person):
- First 1–3 days: There may be tension, edema, and difficulty moving. Starting walking early (short and frequent) is generally recommended.

- First 1–2 weeks: Gradual increase in daily activities; some patients may require drainage/seroma monitoring.

- 2–4 weeks: Return to desk work is possible for most patients (depending on the nature of the job).

- 4–6 weeks: Gradual return to light exercises; heavy lifting and intense core exercises are generally postponed until this period.

- 6–8 weeks and beyond: Gradual return to more intense sports/abdominal exercises (to be clarified at follow-up appointments).

- 3–6 months: Most of the swelling subsides; the contour becomes clearer. Scar maturation may take longer.
Wearing a corset, walking, diet, avoiding constipation, and follow-up appointments are important parts of the healing process.
 

Safety, risks, and “what you need to know”
Abdominoplasty is a comprehensive surgery and, like any surgical procedure, carries risks. Most frequently discussed topics:
- Fluid accumulation (seroma), bruising, edema

- Bleeding, infection

- Wound complications (opening, delayed healing), scarring

- Temporary or rarely permanent loss of sensation in the skin/lower abdomen

- Asymmetry, irregularities

-Rarely, the need for revision (additional correction)

Significant (rare but serious) risks:
-Clot-related conditions such as deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism
To reduce these risks, surgery time, early mobilization, varicose vein/clot risk factors, and protective measures are planned for patients where deemed necessary.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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1) How much weight can be lost with abdominoplasty?
The goal of this surgery is not weight loss, but to correct contour and remove sagging skin. The change on the scale varies from person to person.
 

2) I plan to have children; can I still have it?
Since pregnancy can stretch the abdominal wall again, abdominoplasty is more suitable for most patients after childbirth is planned. However, individual circumstances will be evaluated during the examination.
 

3) If there is diastasis (separation of the abdominal muscles), will it definitely be repaired?
The degree of diastasis and your complaints (back pain, core weakness, feeling of abdominal dislocation) will be evaluated. Repair can be planned in suitable patients.
 

4) Will my belly button change?
In full abdominoplasty, the belly button is often repositioned/shaped. The goal is a natural appearance.
 

5) Is it necessary to perform it together with liposuction?
It is not necessary. In some patients, it is sufficient to remove only the excess skin; in some patients, liposuction significantly improves the contour. The safest and most effective combination is determined during the examination.
 

6) Will there be a lot of pain after surgery?
There may be pain that increases with tension and movement in the first few days. Pain management is planned with medications and recommendations. The feeling of tension may be more pronounced in patients who have undergone muscle repair.
 

7) How long will I walk hunched over?
A slight forward lean may be seen, especially in the first few days, due to tension. It usually improves gradually within days to weeks.
 

8) Will a drain be inserted?
A drain may be used in some techniques; in some patients, different approaches may be preferred instead of a drain. The decision depends on the surgical plan and the surgeon's technique.
 

9) When can I shower?
It varies depending on incision care and the dressings used. It is usually allowed within a short time; specific instructions will be clarified at check-up and discharge.
 

10) When can I drive?
It is recommended when your need for pain medication has decreased and your reflexes and mobility are safe (usually a few days – 1-2 weeks, depending on the individual).
 

11) When can I return to work?
For most patients, return to desk work is possible within 2-4 weeks. For physically demanding jobs, a longer recovery period may be required.
 

12) When can I do sports?
Light walking can begin early. For heavy lifting and abdominal exercises, 6 weeks and beyond is a safer period for most patients; a definitive plan will be given during follow-up appointments.
 

13) Will the scars be very noticeable?
The scar may be more prominent in the first few months; it usually fades over time. Scar quality is related to individual healing, skin type, and compliance with scar care.
 

14) When will the result “settle”?
It takes weeks to months for the edema to subside and the tissues to settle. In most patients, it becomes noticeable around 3 months; the final contour may take longer to settle.
 

15) Is the result permanent?
If weight control is maintained and there are no situations that will re-stretch the abdominal wall, such as pregnancy, the result can be long-lasting. Aging and tissue elasticity may change over time.
 

16) Is a revision necessary?

It is not necessary for most patients; However, in rare cases, additional correction may be planned in situations such as scarring, asymmetry, seroma, or contour irregularities.

 

The content on this page is for general informational purposes only; it does not replace diagnosis and treatment. Appropriate surgical methods and planning will be determined through face-to-face examination and medical evaluation.