Tummy Tuck
A slim waist and flat stomach hold an important place in today's aesthetic ideals. Women spend hours in the gym trying to achieve this look. Exercise is essential, and all women should include daily abdominal exercises in their routines. However, if you've had two or more pregnancies or have lost a significant amount of weight, exercising alone may not be enough. After reaching your ideal weight, you should consult a plastic surgeon for repairing your loose abdominal wall and addressing the excess skin and fat causing sagging in the abdominal area.
How should you prepare for a tummy tuck surgery?
Before surgery, you must reach your ideal weight and maintain it for at least 6 months. Stop smoking at least 4 weeks before the procedure. Avoid medications and substances that may thin the blood for at least 10 days before surgery.
- Pain relievers like Apranax, Voltaren, Vermidon should be avoided (if necessary, you may use Minoset or Novalgin).
- Multivitamins containing Ginseng, Ginkgo Biloba, Co-enzyme Q, as well as herbal products like green tea, flaxseed, cherry stems, tomato seeds, and all weight-loss products, should be discontinued at least 10 days before the procedure.
How is a tummy tuck performed?
A tummy tuck is performed in an operating room under general anesthesia. The incision is made in the same area as a cesarean section scar but extends further to the sides. Excess skin and fat are removed by excision. The gap between the rectus muscles, which causes abdominal bulging, is tightened with permanent sutures. Afterward, the belly button is repositioned to a new location on the abdominal wall, and the abdominal skin is tightened and sutured. Drains may also be placed on the abdominal wall.
Can liposuction be performed during the same procedure?
Excess fat in the love handle areas (sides of the waist) can be removed through liposuction during the same surgery.
What to expect after surgery?
A tummy tuck is not a very painful procedure, and postoperative pain can be managed with routine painkillers.
- For the first 10 days after surgery, you will need to lie with your knees bent toward your abdomen and your upper body slightly flexed.
- If possible, you should stand and start walking on the same day or the day after surgery, but in a bent-over position.
- You will be able to walk upright 2 weeks post-surgery.
- Additionally, you will need to wear a special compression garment for 6 weeks after the procedure.
- You can resume physical activities, such as sports, 6 weeks after the surgery.
Does the belly button's position and shape change after this surgery?
Yes, both the position and shape of the belly button change after the surgery. The belly button is also reduced in size to provide a more aesthetic appearance.