What is Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

Following significant weight change it is common to be left with excess, sagging skin in the abdominal area. This is particularly common for women after pregnancy, and can also occur naturally as a result of the ageing process.

An abdominoplasty removes the excess skin from above the waistline, tightens the muscles and fascia of the abdominal wall, and restores a tighter, flatter-looking stomach. The procedure is often combined with liposuction to remove fat and improve the contours of the abdomen.

If you’ve lost a significant amount of weight, either after pregnancy or through exercise and dietary changes, excess skin and weakened abdominal muscles can leave you self-conscious about your appearance. Double board certified Assoc. Prof. Fatih Irmak specialize in body contouring procedures such as abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck.

Who Can Benefit?

Tummy Tuck is a safe and highly effective procedure that can achieve immediate changes with very little downtime. Also the procedure  is a very common procedure for both men and women looking to achieve a flatter and more toned abdominal area.

If you have been unable to reduce your protruding stomach with weight loss or exercise, you are most likely a good candidate for a tummy tuck. Individuals who have stabilized at their desired weight or who plan no additional pregnancies have better success with tummy tuck surgery. A tummy tuck is often combined with either a breast lift or a breast augmentation and lift, in what’s often called a mommy makeover.

Abdominoplasty primarily targets excess skin (not fat) and is therefore a remedial procedure following body weight and shape changes, as opposed to targeting actual weight loss itself (unless combined with liposuction).

Abdominoplasty patients tend to have one or all of the following symptoms:

• Uneven fat distribution
• Excessive, sagging skin
• Loss of elasticity in the skin and stretch marks
• Stomach muscle weakness

Who is a good candidate for Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A good candidate for a tummy tuck is usually someone who’s lost a lot of weight—male or female. Women who have had children tend to carry a little extra weight in and around their stomach. They usually have soft, loose skin that hangs down over the pubic area. It can be a problem with hygiene and trying to find clothes that fit. If a patient finds themselves frustrated with their abdominal weight, then they may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck.

At a glance, a candidate seeking a tummy tuck should:

• Have a stable weight.
• Be in good overall medical health.
• Be in good psychological health.
• Reasonable expectations on the procedure.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Procedure

A traditional Full Tummy Tuck or Abdominal Reduction is now rare. Brazilian Abdominoplasty is the most advanced and desired form of treatment. There are four main different abdominoplasty procedures:

• Brazilian tummy tuck.
• Mini or partial abdominoplasty.
• Full abdominoplasty or traditional tummy tuck
• Caesarean scar Correction

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck only removes the loose skin and bulge of fat below the belly button to sculpt the lower abdominal wall. The abdominal muscles below the navel can also be tightened if necessary. If you are not a candidate for a full abdominoplasty, then a mini tummy tuck – also called mini-abdominoplasty or mini stomach correction – can offer a good solution.

Brazilian Abdomioplasty

If Doç. Dr. Fatih Irmak advices Brazilian Abdominoplasty depending on the patients needs,  this type of procedure removes the same amount of skin, tightens the rectus abdominis muscles and repositions the belly button the same way a full abdominoplasty would, however, the technique is refined by incorporating liposuction to mobilise the skin in such a way that allows for significantly quicker, better healing.

Sometimes there is confusion because this seems like an easier way to have a tummy tuck, but infact it’s far a more advanced surgical technique. This technique takes longer to perform, as it is a highly precise surgery, resulting in better results than you would have with the traditional tummy tuck.

This procedure can also be carried out as a day case and does not come with the same complications as the full abdominoplasty.

Benefits of Brazilian Abdominoplasty

• Less pain
• Less downtime
• 30% less risk of hematoma seroma (blood or fluid filling up in the area operated on)
• Often carried out as a day case
• No need for drainage
• More of a nipped-in waist
• Quick recovery
• More liposuction

Caesarean Scar Correction

This is for the unsightly fold of skin that so often develops above a caesarean section scar. It is due to tethering of the scar and any loose skin and fat will bulge above it. This is unsightly and visible through tight clothing and swimwear. Treatment is by a simple excision, with or without liposuction. It is normally carried out under local anaesthesia as a day case.

Before & The Day of Ear Surgery

What to expect after tummy tuck surgery?

Tummy tuck surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, but a short hospital stay may be requested. At home you may need someone stay with you for the first few days. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to alleviate further discomfort as you may experience some degree of pain for the first 10 to 20 days after your surgery.

You may not be able to stand up completely straight for at least a week after surgery, it is important to start moving and walking within a day of surgery. Once you return home, it is important to move around the house every few hours to reduce the chance of blood clots.

The First 2 Weeks After Tummy Tuck

You will notice a marked improvement in your discomfort level during the first few weeks after your surgery: 

• Any bruising that you experience will usually disappear in about 2 weeks.
• The stitches under your skin would be removed 14 to 21 days after your surgery.(If non-absorbable stitch used)
• Sleeping on your back in a semi-upright position will most likely provide the most comfort and will help with the healing process.

During the first 2 weeks after surgery, you should also:

• Wear the elastic abdominal binder placed on your abdomen after surgery at all times except while showering.
• Avoid heavy lifting (greater than 6 kilograms / 13 pounds) and straining for at least 6 weeks.