You may have worked hard to lose weight by exercising and controlling your diet. Or maybe your body shape has changed after having a baby. But no matter how hard you try, you can't seem to get rid of the sagging skin on your stomach or the protruding belly? This is a problem that many people have. So, let's learn more about the 'tummy tuck' surgery that is performed as a solution to this.
What exactly is a 'Tummy Tuck'?
Simply put, a tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure that makes your abdominal area, or stomach, look nice, flat, and firm. Medically, it is called an abdominoplasty . In this procedure, a plastic surgeon removes excess skin and fat from your abdomen and tightens the muscles in your abdominal wall. Sometimes, liposuction, a fat removal procedure, can be used in conjunction with this surgery for even better results.
But one thing is important to remember. A tummy tuck is not a weight loss surgery. It is done to help you achieve the look you want after you have changed your body shape.
Who should consider this surgery?
Your body shape may look different than you expect after some major changes. For example:
- After losing a lot of weight: Losing a large amount of weight all at once can cause sagging skin on the stomach.
- After pregnancy: After having children, the abdominal muscles and skin can become stretched and loose.
- After a previous surgery: These changes can also occur after some abdominal surgeries.
- With aging: As we age, skin and muscle tone naturally decrease.
If your stomach is protruding forward and your skin is sagging due to this reason, this surgery may be a good solution for you.
What are the types of tummy tuck surgeries?
Depending on your needs and body type, your doctor will recommend the type of surgery that is right for you. There are several main types.
| Type of surgery | What happens with this? |
|---|---|
| Full Tummy Tuck | A horizontal incision is made below the belly button, where the underwear is covered. The length of the incision varies depending on the amount of excess skin. In this, an incision is also made around the navel, the skin is pulled and sewn, and the navel is repositioned. |
| Mini Tummy Tuck | This involves a small incision. This is usually done for people with less sagging skin. The incision is made between the navel and the lower abdomen. There is no incision around the navel. |
| Extended/Circumferential Tummy Tuck | This includes not only the front of the stomach, but also the sides of the waist and the back (love handles). A long incision is made around the body, shaping the body on all sides. |
| Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck | In this, two incisions are made in the abdomen, one from top to bottom (vertically) and the other (horizontally). It looks like the letter 'T'. This is especially done for people who have lost a lot of weight, like 45 kilos. |
Who is the best person for this surgery?
The plastic surgeon who examines you will decide whether you are suitable for this procedure. Generally, a person who is suitable for this should have these things.
- Being in good general health .
- Maintaining a stable weight (meaning no plans to lose or gain weight further).
- Not smoking or being able to completely abstain from smoking for a specified period of time before and after surgery.
- Not planning to get pregnant again.
- Having realistic expectations about the results of the surgery.
The results of a tummy tuck are permanent, but they may change if your weight changes. If you are still on the path to losing weight, be patient. Your doctor will advise you to have the surgery after your weight has stabilized. Also, if you are planning to have another child, it is best to postpone the surgery until later. This is because the skin and muscles may stretch again during pregnancy, which can reduce the results of the surgery.
How to prepare for surgery?
Discussion with the doctor
Before the surgery, you should meet with a plastic surgeon. There, he or she will ask you about the following:
- Your general health.
- Pre-existing illnesses.
- Previous surgeries.
- What medications and vitamins are you currently taking?
- What you can expect from this surgery.
After learning all this, the doctor will explain which tummy tuck procedure is best for you. He will also take some photos of your stomach to see the difference before and after the surgery.
Things to prepare at home
- Stop smoking: If you smoke, you should stop smoking completely at least a month before surgery and at least two weeks after surgery. Smoking delays wound healing and increases the risk of complications.
- Eat well: Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet before and after surgery. This will help the wound heal faster.
- Stop some medications: blood thinners (e.g., aspirin) and some NSAIDsYou may have to stop taking the medication for a while as directed by your doctor. But remember, never stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.
- Someone to help: Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the hospital on the day of surgery, and to help with household chores on the first day.
- Home environment: Keep items you need frequently out of reach. Pack loose clothes that are easy to wear to bed.
What happens during the surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure, but if you have more than one surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight.
On the day of the surgery, you will be given general anesthesia . So you will not feel any pain, you will be asleep. The doctor who performs the surgery will follow these steps:
1. A skin incision is made in the lower abdomen (the area covered by your underwear).
2. The skin on the upper abdomen is pulled down.
3. The excess skin is cut off and removed.
4. A new hole will be made and your belly button will be brought into the correct position.
5. If necessary, drainage tubes are inserted to drain any fluid that accumulates inside.
6. The incision is sewn up and covered with a bandage.
After the surgery, you will be monitored until the anesthetic wears off and, after the doctor gives you permission, you will be allowed to go home. The entire process can take between 1-5 hours.
Post-surgery and recovery period
After the surgery, you may feel tired and dizzy due to the anesthesia. You may feel pain in your stomach area. Your doctor will tell you what painkillers to take. He will also advise you on how to sit and lie down to minimize pain.
Avoid overexertion during recovery. Get plenty of rest. Avoid heavy lifting or running until your doctor gives you permission. It's best to get up and walk around carefully.
Pain and discomfort are normal for the first week. After about two weeks, you will start to feel better. It is normal to feel some bruising and a tingling sensation in the abdomen during this time. As the wounds heal, you may feel a pulling sensation in your abdomen, which will go away after a while.
What are the benefits and risks?
Like any surgery, a tummy tuck has its benefits and risks. Your doctor will explain these to you thoroughly.
| Benefits | Risks |
|---|---|
| Removal of excess skin that hangs on the stomach. | Scarring. |
| Tightening of loose muscles. | Bleeding and swelling. |
| Getting the look you wanted. | Wound infection. |
| Increased self-confidence about your appearance. | Fluid accumulation under the skin (Seroma). |
| Delayed wound healing. | |
| Blood clots. | |
| Numbness or change in sensation in the skin. |
Learn about scars
A tummy tuck surgery will inevitably leave a scar. This scar is formed at the site of the incision. The size of the scar is determined by the amount of extra skin removed. A mini tummy tuck usually leaves a small scar. However, a skilled surgeon will always try to place the incision in a place that can be easily covered with underwear or a swimsuit. Although these scars fade over time, they do not disappear completely.
When to see the doctor
If you notice any of these complications after surgery , call your doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
- If there is severe pain .
- If there is excessive bleeding .
- If you notice any unusual swelling .
- If pus or fluid is draining from the cut.
It can take up to 3 months to fully heal and see the final results. It can take up to a year for the scar to heal. Your doctor will advise you on the best time to resume normal activities and strenuous exercise. Usually, you are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for 4-6 weeks.
Take-Home Message
- A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is not a weight loss surgery. It is performed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen, tighten the muscles, and improve the shape of the body.
- It is very important to keep your weight stable before having this surgery.
- If you hope to have children again, it is best to postpone the surgery until later.
- Because smoking delays wound healing and increases the risk of complications, avoid smoking completely for the period of time your doctor advises before and after surgery.
- The results are permanent, but if you do not maintain a healthy lifestyle (good diet and exercise), the results may vary.
- Always choose a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon. Ask him or her all your questions and be well-informed.
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