Abdominoplasty

The information given below does not contain health advice. If you are considering this procedure, please consult a doctor. Click here to see the health facilities and doctors providing this service on the HealthTürkiye portal.

 

Tummy tuck or correction operations, which are performed to correct deformities in the abdominal area, are especially preferred for the correction of sagging that occurs after bariatric surgery or childbirth. Individuals who are uncomfortable with the deformation in the abdominal area, even if it did not occur after bariatric surgery or childbirth, may prefer abdominoplasty to achieve an aesthetic appearance. This surgery, which is preferred due to aesthetic concerns and called "abdominoplasty" in medical terms, is aimed at correcting the deformity in the abdominal area and is mainly caused by excess skin and subcutaneous tissue. Conditions such as multiple pregnancies, weight loss after obesity, laxity of the abdominal muscles and intra-abdominal fat can lead to sagging in the abdominal area.

 

What is abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure in which excess skin and fat in the abdominal area is removed. During this operation, the connective tissue sheaths (fascia) of the abdominal muscles are usually tightened with sutures and the remaining part is reshaped. In addition, abdominoplasty can also eliminate stretch marks (striae) in the lower abdomen below the belly button; however, this surgery is not capable of correcting stretch marks outside this area.

 

The most common abdominoplasty surgeries are the following:

• Standard abdominoplasty
• Mini abdominoplasty
• Fleur-de-Lys abdominoplasty
• Circumferential abdominoplasty

 

What is standard abdominoplasty?

The standard abdominoplasty involves an incision in the lower abdomen, starting at the site of the caesarean section incision and extending to the anterior prominence of the pelvic bones on both sides. At the same time, an incision is made around the navel so that the abdominal skin is lifted up to the level of the ribs, then the abdominal muscle sheaths are tightened with sutures. Then, the abdominal skin is pulled down to remove excess fat and skin, and the belly button is repositioned. Usually, liposuction is also performed during this operation to remove fat from the anterior and lateral abdominal regions.

 

What is mini abdominoplasty?

Mini tummy tuck is a type of surgery preferred only in the case of fullness of the area known as "apron belly" in the lower abdomen. The incisions used in this procedure are shorter and a more limited operation is performed without the need to relocate the navel. Also during this surgery, the abdominal wall is supported from the inside with strong sutures, the muscle sheaths are tightened and bloating is eliminated.

 

What is Fleur-de-Lys abdominoplasty and circumferential tummy tuck?

Fleur-de-Lys abdominoplasty and circumferential abdominoplasty are more extensive and complex surgical procedures performed in cases of severe skin sagging that occur with excess weight loss after bariatric surgery. In traditional abdominoplasty, excess skin is removed by pulling upwards. However, this method is not sufficient to remove the additional skin and fat tissue towards the sides in patients with excessive sagging and laxity. In this case, two additional incisions are made in the middle of the abdomen, extending from top to bottom, and the excess tissue in these areas is also removed. Thus, at the end of the surgery, in addition to the suture line extending laterally in the lower abdomen, a second suture line extending from top to bottom in the abdomen is created. Circumferential abdominoplasty (belt lipectomy) is a more comprehensive type of surgery performed in such patients when the excess tissue is not limited to the abdominal region but continues towards the waist region.

 

Who is suitable for abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty can be performed on any individual over the age of 18 who is in good health and has no obstacles for surgery. Before the operation, the medical history and habits of the individual should be carefully examined. The effect of previous pregnancies on the abdominal wall should be evaluated, the patient's weight gain and loss process should be discussed, and previous open or closed surgical interventions should be evaluated in detail. If the patient is planning to lose weight or become pregnant, it may be recommended to postpone the operation. Before the operation, it is important to motivate the patient to get as close as possible to the target weight.

 

The following potential risks of abdominoplasty should be considered:

• If a pregnancy is planned within 2 years, surgery should be postponed.
• Severe heart disease, diabetes and diseases that cause blood clotting problems should be considered.
• Wound healing problems due to infection or connective tissue diseases should be taken seriously.
• Medications and herbal supplements should be carefully reviewed, blood thinners, birth control pills, antirheumatic drugs should be reported to the physician.
• If intensive exercise is performed for weight loss before the operation, it should be confirmed that these exercises have been terminated and that the weight has been stable for the last 3-4 months.
• It should be kept in mind that smoking may adversely affect wound healing and pose a risk to the blood supply of the tissues in the operation area, and therefore smoking should be stopped at least 4 weeks before the operation.

During pregnancy, the skin tissue and abdominal muscles are stretched beyond their normal level of elasticity. In the abdominal region, the condition of "diastasis recti" may occur due to the relaxation of the membrane holding together the rectus muscles, which provide forward movement of the abdomen and extend from top to bottom on both sides of the abdomen. After pregnancy, despite the exercises and weight loss, it may not always be possible for the skin to return to its former condition and the abdomen to regain its former form.

Another important factor leading to sagging is excessive weight gain. Losing excess weight through diet or stomach reduction operations can cause sagging of the abdominal wall and excess skin tissue. In addition, deformities following abdominal surgeries are among the less common causes of sagging. In particular, incision scars from gallbladder, intestinal or stomach surgeries can cause abdominal deformities. Abdominoplasty is performed to remove fat and excess skin in the abdominal area that appears sagging or full, and to tighten the abdominal muscles that are generally relaxed.

 

What are the advantages of abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty can eliminate abdominal deformity caused by skin laxity and deformation of the abdominal muscles, which cannot be improved despite exercise and weight loss efforts. Although the main purpose of the surgery is not to achieve weight loss, abdominoplasty for abdominal deformity due to obesity can also allow people to lose a certain amount of weight. In addition, individuals who have a hernia in the abdominal region can benefit from additional advantages such as hernia repair and strengthening of the abdominal wall during this operation. It may not be possible to remove stretch marks on the abdominal skin due to pregnancies or weight gain with surgical or non-surgical methods. However, stretch marks in the skin area removed during abdominoplasty can contribute to the reduction of stretch marks in the abdominal area.

 

Some points to be considered before abdominoplasty are as follows:

• A detailed physical examination should be performed before the operation. Scars of the abdominal wall should be recorded and any abdominal hernias should be noted.
• The condition and tension of the abdominal wall should be evaluated. The amount, elasticity and quality of the skin should be examined in detail.
• Preoperative photographs should be taken and the patient should be given detailed information about the operation. For example, the patient should be informed that the removal of excess skin and adipose tissue will not completely correct the bloating due to abdominal fat.
• It should be stated that the lines (stretch marks) called "striae" in the abdominal area of women who have had more than one pregnancy will not disappear completely after the operation, only the parts under the belly button that will be removed during the operation will disappear.
• The scar that will form as a result of the operation should be explained on the patient's skin or on the photograph. The structure of this scar and possible scar problems should be shared with the patient.

 

What should be considered after abdominoplasty?

Within 5-6 days after abdominoplasty, there may be difficulty in walking upright due to the tension in the suture area. Patients should not force themselves at the beginning and should walk with small steps and leaning forward with the help of someone next to them. Within a few days, individuals are likely to become more comfortable walking upright on their own. During the first 4-6 weeks, using a corset to support the internal sutures and muscles can improve patient comfort. During this time, heavy exercise or activities that strain the abdomen should be avoided.

 

Why choose HealthTürkiye?

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Building on the achievement of HealthTürkiye, Türkiye strives to position itself as the greatest global center for healthcare services. By prioritizing inclusive and readily available healthcare services, as well as embracing cutting-edge technology and specialized knowledge, Türkiye has emerged as an appealing destination for individuals seeking medical tourism opportunities.

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