Restructuring the Core Area with Tummy Tuck Aesthetics (Abdominoplasty)
The abdominal area is one of the parts of the body most susceptible to deformation due to reasons such as pregnancy, rapid weight gain and loss cycles, and the aging process. Especially resistant fat tissue accumulating in the lower abdomen, skin sagging, and loosening of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) lead to significant aesthetic and functional concerns in individuals. Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Osman Kelahmetoglu develops solutions that offer a permanent, flat, and tight contour to these problems with Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty).
Two Main Components of Abdominal Deformation
Looseness and sagging in the abdominal area usually occur as a result of a combination of two basic structural problems, and an effective abdominoplasty targets both:
- Skin and Fat Excess: Excess and sagging skin tissue on the abdominal wall.
- Muscle Laxity (Diastasis Recti): The weakening of the abdominal muscles (rectus muscles) by separating from each other at the midline. This situation leads not only to aesthetic but also to functional problems due to the bulging of the intra-abdominal organs.
Abdominoplasty Techniques and Surgical Details
Tummy tuck operations are planned individually using two main techniques, full or mini, depending on the severity and prevalence of the deformation:
1. Full Tummy Tuck Surgery (Full Abdominoplasty)
It is performed for patients with advanced skin sagging, significant muscle laxity, and deformation around the belly button area.
- Incisions: It usually involves a horizontal incision made in the groin area that remains under underwear/bikini, and a second incision around the belly button.
- Muscle Repair: The critical stage of the operation is the tightening of the loosened abdominal muscles by bringing them closer to the midline with sutures (diastasis recti repair). In this way, the abdominal wall is strengthened and the waist circumference is thinned.
- Skin Repositioning: Excess skin and fat tissue are removed, and the remaining skin is stretched and reshaped. The belly button is adapted to its new position.
2. Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery (Mini Abdominoplasty)
It is preferred in cases where sagging is concentrated only in the area below the belly button and muscle laxity is minimal.
- Incisions: A single, shorter incision is sufficient, and no incision around the belly button is required.
- Duration: It is shorter than a full tummy tuck (approximately 1 to 1.5 hours).
Operation Time and Anesthesia: Full tummy tuck surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and lasts an average of 2 to 5 hours. Drains are temporarily placed to drain excess fluid that may accumulate during and after surgery.
Recovery Process and Final Result
A hospital stay of 1 to 3 days may be recommended in the postoperative period. Initially, swelling, tenderness, and mild pain are normal and are controlled with prescription painkillers.
- Return to Daily Life: Patients can usually return to desk jobs within 2 weeks. Full recovery and the abdominal contour taking its final shape can take approximately 6 months to 1 year.
- Scar Management: Although incision scars are initially prominent, they are planned to remain under swimwear or underwear and, with proper care, they lighten and largely fade over time (usually within 1 year).
- Longevity: The flat and tight abdominal appearance obtained with a tummy tuck is permanent, provided that the patient maintains healthy eating and regular exercise habits.