Tummy Tuck Surgery
The abdomen is an aesthetically important body area that directly reflects outward appearance. Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) achieves successful results in both women and men, though the majority of patients are women who have given birth.
The Operation
The resistance and aesthetic flat posture of the abdominal wall are provided by a pair of muscles called rectus abdominis that run longitudinally on the anterior abdominal wall. In women, these muscles are most deformed during pregnancy; in men, during significant weight gain.
During late pregnancy, the excessive abdominal growth causes these muscles to separate and deform (rectus diastasis). After repeated pregnancies, the abdominal wall loses all resistance and its anatomical structure is disrupted.
In addition to muscle deformation, the abdominal skin is also affected. Deep stretch marks (striae) form, skin sags and loses quality. These changes do not reverse with exercise, diet or skin care.
How is Tummy Tuck Performed?
Tummy tuck surgery has 3 stages:
- Fat tissue in the front and sides of the abdomen is removed with liposuction to achieve a slim abdomen and waist.
- The sagging abdominal section with dense stretch marks below the navel is removed (skin + subcutaneous tissue). The abdominal skin is tightened and the navel is repositioned.
- The deformed abdominal muscles are brought together to flatten the abdomen.
Post-Operative Process
Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 2 hours. The patient leaves the operating room wearing a special corset, which should be worn for 4-6 weeks. The patient begins walking 4 hours after surgery and stays in the hospital for 1 day.
Pregnancy After Tummy Tuck
There is no contraindication to becoming pregnant after tummy tuck surgery. However, if you plan to become pregnant within 12 months, we recommend postponing the surgery until after pregnancy.
Risks
As with any surgery, tummy tuck has some risks. The most common complications are infection, bleeding, blood clots, fluid accumulation and poor scarring. These risks are minimized through preventive measures.
How Many Sizes Smaller?
Tummy tuck surgery is among the most rewarding operations. After surgery, 2-4 sizes reduction is possible. With adherence to the program, an additional 2 sizes can be lost within 2-3 months.