Abdominoplasty is the procedure of removing extra, saggy abdominal skin resulting from excessive weight gain or loss. It is also done to remove sagging skin and muscle laxity in the anterior abdominal wall region resulting from giving birth. The goal of abdominoplasty is to obtain a flat and tight abdomen. Abdominoplasty procedures are not a means to way weight loss. This operation is planned after losing weight through diets and/or planning sports.
Mini abdominoplasty
Mini abdominoplasty procedure is preferred in cases where the extra and saggy abdominal skin is below the navel level. The belly and upper regions are not operated. Compared to full abdominoplasty the scars are shorter, the surgery takes less time, and the recovery period is shorter.
Belt lipectomy (360 Abdominoplasty)
It is a form of abdominoplasty in which the skin is removed not only on the anterior abdominal wall but also on the waist and back parts. It is generally preferred for saggy skin resulting from obesity treatment. The incision scar starts from the bikini area and surround the whole body in a circular fashion.
| Anesthesia | General |
| Operation duration | 3 hours |
| Hospital stay | 2 nights |
| Recovery duration | 2 weeks |
| Istanbul stay duration | 7 days |
| KCorset use duration | 4 weeks |
Frequently asked questions
Who can undergo an abdominoplasty procedure?
Individuals who’s body mass index (height to weight ratio) is within the normal levels and who have extra saggy skin in the abdomen area are suitable for this procedure.
Does an abdominoplasty procedure leave a scar?
A long, thin incision scar remains under the underwear in the lower abdomen area and another scar remains around the reshaped belly button. The scars appear red for the first 3-6 months, but fade over time and become less obvious. Your scars will not be visible as they will be under your underwear.
Can an abdominoplasty procedure get done together with a liposuction?
Abdominoplasty is usually performed together with liposuction. Better results are obtained if the abdominoplasty and the liposuction are done together especially for patients with fat accumulation that requires intervention in the lateral regions of the abdomen.
Can an individual get pregnant after an abdominoplasty?
The pregnancy should happen 1 year after the abdominoplasty.
What should you pay attention to before an abdominoplasty?
- You have to stop using products and medications such as blood thinners (aspirin, Coumadin), painkillers, vitamins, weight loss pills and herbal teas 10 days before the surgery because they cause bleeding during and after surgery and you should not use them 1 week after surgery.
- If you have a chronic disease such as heart failure, diabetes, asthma, thyroid (goiter), high blood pressure, you should be taking your medications regularly and you have to get confirmation from your doctor stating that you can undego the surgery. You should have an examination and a recent analysis done to confirm your medical condition.
- It is recommended to stop smoking and hookah as early as possible before surgery, as it will negatively affect wound healing.
- You should not consume any alcohol 1 week before the operation.
- You should stop using contraceptives 1 month before the operation as they increase the risk of clot formation in the legs.
- You should inform the doctor in case you have a flu infection, fever, rash or any illness develop within a few days before the operation. If seen necessary, your surgery will be postponed.
- You should stop eating and drinking 8 hours before the scheduled surgery time. If you use blood pressure medicine, diabetes medicine, thyroid medicine, etc you have to consult with the surgical team and take your medicine with very little water.
- Since bowel movements slow down due to the effect of anesthesia and lack of movement after surgery, liquid and natural fiber foods should be consumed for a few days before the operation. You should restrain from consuming heavy foods such as kebabs and baklava the day before the procedure.
- You should take off your contact lenses, earrings, necklaces, hair clips or piercings etc. on the day of surgery.
- You should not have any nail polish or make up on the day of the surgery.
What should you pay attention to after an abdominoplasty?
- You can have your first meal 4 hours after the operation is done.
- After having the first meal and with the assistance of your companion you should start walking.
- Fot the first 3-4 days after the operation you have to walk bent forward by 20 degrees and you should not carry any heavy items.
- When you wake up, there will be drains in your abdomen. These drains will be removed after 3-4 days. You can take a shower 2-3 days after the drains are removed.
- You should lie down by pulling your legs slightly up to your stomach instead of lying flat on the bed due to the tension in your abdominal area.
- After an abdominoplasty, you should use a corset for four weeks to prevent fluid accumulation and to provide abdominal support during the healing process. The corset should also not be removed even when lying down.
- You will remain in the hospital for 2 nights after the operation. You will be able to go back to your daily activity 2 weeks after the operation.
- All the stitches that we use are melting esthetic stitches which is why they will not be removed or taken out.
- You should use Thiocilline cream on the incission line for the first 10 days post operation and use Siliscar cream afterwards for two months to reduce the appearance of the scar.
- The scars appear red for the first 3-6 months, but fade over time and become less noticeable. Your scar will not be visible because it is situated under your underwear.
- You start gettting lymph drainage massage the second day post operation in order to remove edema faster and to obtain the best results possible.
- You will use the antibiotics and pain killers after getting discharged from the hospital.