Abdominoplasty Surgery

Abdominoplasty is performed for the treatment of regional excess fat in the abdomen, sagging and cracks in the abdominal skin. There may be excess in the abdominal area, in the fat tissue, skin tissue or, as is often the case, in both tissues. Excessive weight gain and loss, losing weight in a short time, gaining too much weight during pregnancy and inheritance are the main causes of excess fat and skin in this area.

Women and men with sagging abdominal skin that does not respond to diet and exercise but has smooth body lines are suitable for abdominoplasty surgery. It is beneficial for those who intend to lose weight or get pregnant to postpone this surgery.

Pre-Surgery Period

Your surgeon will have some requests from you during this period. If you smoke, you should quit two weeks before the surgery and you should not smoke until two weeks after the surgery. If you do, take a break from vitamin E and aspirin and avoid heavy weight loss diets before the surgery. Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure in which excess fat and sagging skin tissue in the middle and lower abdomen are removed and the abdominal muscles are tightened and strengthened; it is not a treatment for obesity. Obese people should lose as much weight as possible before having this surgery. The scar from abdominoplasty surgery is permanent. Abdominal aesthetic surgery must be performed in fully equipped hospitals. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia.

Surgery

With the help of an incision that passes through the groin folds and lower abdomen and is called the “bikini incision” because it can be hidden under a bikini, the sagging skin is completely separated from the abdominal wall. Excess fat tissue is cut and removed. In the meantime, the loosened abdominal wall muscles underneath are tightened and restored to their former tightness. The skin tissue separated from the abdominal wall is pulled downwards and the excess is cut. Since the belly button will shift downwards due to the pull downwards, a hole is opened from a higher position and the belly button is transferred there.

Post-Operative Period

There may be swelling and pain in the abdominal area for the first few days. The tubes placed in the surgery area to collect the accumulated blood are removed on the 4th-5th day. You must stay in the hospital for at least one night. The stitches are removed on the 12th-14th day. You can return to work after two weeks, but it will be a few months before you feel like you used to. The scar may seem to get worse in the first 3-6 months, but this is normal. The scars become less visible within a year. Although they do not disappear completely, they can be easily hidden even under a bikini. The excellent results achieved in most patients can be maintained for years with regular exercise and diet.

Complications of Abdominoplasty Surgery

Complications such as infection and bleeding in the surgical area are rare. Delayed wound healing or poor wound healing can also occur and result in a visible scar. In these circumstances, a second surgery may be necessary.