Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty
1 - What is Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to eliminate sagging and looseness in the abdominal area due to childbirth, rapid weight gain and loss, or aging. Over time, the abdominal muscles may loosen, the skin may lose elasticity, and the abdominal area may sag due to excess fat accumulation. This situation can become an aesthetic problem that cannot be resolved with sports and diet. Abdominoplasty surgery removes excess skin and fat tissue, tightens the abdominal muscles, and provides a flat abdominal appearance. Particularly, separations in the abdominal muscles after birth (diastasis recti) are corrected with this procedure, creating a tighter abdominal wall. Abdominoplasty not only provides an aesthetic appearance, but also improves posture and can reduce back pain. When performed by the right patient selection and a specialist surgeon, abdominal stretching offers permanent and natural results.
2 - How is Abdominoplasty Performed?
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes an average of 2-4 hours. During the surgery, a horizontal incision is made in the area below the belly button and excess skin and fat tissue are removed. If there is looseness in the abdominal muscles, the muscles are tightened and the abdominal wall is made flatter and tighter. The belly button is reshaped to give it a more natural appearance.
Abdominoplasty can be performed as a full abdominoplasty or mini abdominoplasty depending on the person's needs. A full abdominoplasty is suitable for individuals with more sagging and looseness and requires the repositioning of the belly button. A mini abdominoplasty is performed only for individuals with mild sagging in the lower abdomen and is performed with a smaller incision.
In some cases, a slimmer waistline can be created by combining the abdominoplasty with liposuction. After the surgery, the stitches are closed aesthetically and the healing process is supported by using a special corset. When attention is paid to the healing process after the procedure, a long-term and natural aesthetic appearance is achieved.
3 - Who is Abdominoplasty Suitable for?
Abdominoplasty is an ideal procedure for individuals who have significant sagging skin, excess fat, and muscle laxity in the abdominal area. Especially women who have given birth, individuals who have experienced rapid weight loss, and individuals who have deformation in the abdominal area due to aging can benefit greatly from this operation. Separation of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy (diastasis recti) may not be corrected by sports and exercise; in such cases, abdominoplasty provides a flat abdominal appearance by tightening the muscles.
This operation is suitable for individuals whose body mass index (BMI) is not too high, who can control their weight and whose general health is good. Ideal candidates are those who can maintain a healthy lifestyle after the operation and pay attention to weight control.
Abdominoplasty is not recommended for women who are planning to give birth, because the abdominal muscles may loosen again during pregnancy. Therefore, the operation should be performed at least 6 months after birth and after the breastfeeding process is completed. It is also a suitable operation for men and offers an effective solution for people with excess skin in the abdominal area.
4 - What is the Recovery Process After Abdominoplasty?
The recovery process after an abdominoplasty varies depending on the extent of the procedure performed. There may be mild pain, swelling and tenderness during the first few days after the operation, but this process can be managed comfortably with the painkillers recommended by the doctor. Patients are usually kept under observation in the hospital for 1-2 days and then discharged.
During the first week, it is recommended that patients avoid heavy lifting and sudden movements. A special corset must be used to maintain the new shape of the abdominal area, and it is generally recommended to wear this corset regularly for 4-6 weeks. While the full recovery process takes approximately 6-8 weeks, it may take 3-6 months to see the full results.
Since dissolvable stitches are used, the patient does not have to undergo an additional procedure. Smoking and alcohol consumption are not recommended during the recovery process as they can slow down the recovery. Heavy exercises should be avoided in the first weeks, but blood circulation should be supported by light walks.
Regular doctor check-ups should be attended after the surgery and the recommended care instructions should be followed. In order to achieve permanent and successful results after abdominoplasty, weight control should be taken into consideration and a healthy diet should be adopted.
Abdominoplasty is an effective aesthetic operation that eliminates sagging and deformations in the abdominal area and gives the person a more fit, tight and aesthetic appearance. When performed by the right patient selection and a specialist surgeon, long-term and natural results can be achieved.