Tummy Tuck

What is abdominoplasty?

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and repairs separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). It creates a flatter, firmer abdominal contour, particularly effective after significant weight loss or pregnancy.

Postpartum abdominoplasty is one of the most commonly requested aesthetic surgeries among women. During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis) separate at the midline — a condition called diastasis recti. In some women, this separation does not resolve postpartum and cannot be corrected through exercise. Abdominoplasty repairs these muscles and re-tightens the abdominal wall.

Who is a candidate?

Candidates include patients with postpartum abdominal skin redundancy and laxity, significant abdominal sagging after weight loss, exercise-resistant abdominal protrusion (muscle separation/diastasis), and those with both excess fat and skin redundancy in the abdomen.

Ideal candidates: stable weight, BMI under 30, no future pregnancy plans, non-smokers (or willing to quit). Patients planning pregnancy should defer abdominoplasty until after — pregnancy after surgery may require revision.

Types of abdominoplasty

Full (classical) abdominoplasty: Performed through a long bikini-line incision. Both upper and lower abdomen are corrected, muscles repaired, belly button repositioned. The most commonly performed approach.

Mini abdominoplasty: A shorter incision below the belly button. Suitable for patients with skin redundancy and fat limited to the lower abdomen, without muscle separation. Shorter scar, faster recovery.

Extended abdominoplasty: Incision extends laterally to the flanks. Corrects "love handles" alongside the abdomen — particularly useful after major weight loss.

Lipoabdominoplasty: Classical abdominoplasty combined with flank and back liposuction. Provides more comprehensive contour shaping.

How is the surgery performed?

Under general anesthesia, a bikini-line incision allows removal of excess tissue, muscle repair if indicated, and skin re-draping. The belly button is repositioned. Surgery takes 2-4 hours.

Hospital stay is typically 1-2 nights. Drains stay in place 2-5 days, removed as daily output decreases. The first week requires semi-upright positioning and avoiding standing fully upright (to reduce abdominal tension on the closure).

Preoperative preparation

Smoking must be stopped at least 4-6 weeks before surgery. Smoking severely impairs blood supply to the abdominal skin flap and significantly increases the risk of flap necrosis (skin loss) — the most feared complication of abdominoplasty.

Stable weight should be maintained for at least 6-12 months. If you are still actively losing weight, surgery should be deferred until weight has stabilized.

Blood-thinning medications are stopped 10 days before surgery. Standard preoperative tests are performed; personal and family history of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is reviewed for thromboembolism risk.

Recovery timeline

First week: Semi-upright positioning is essential. Compression garment worn 24/7. Light walking is encouraged from day 1 to reduce DVT risk. Drains removed at days 2-5.

Weeks 2-4: Compression garment continues 24/7. Office workers can return at 14-21 days. No heavy lifting.

Weeks 4-6: Compression worn at night. Light walking and daily activities. Abdominal exercises remain prohibited until at least week 8.

Weeks 6-12: Vigorous exercise can resume. Abdominal contour finalizes over 3-6 months.

Months 3-6: Scar maturation. Scars become fine pale lines.

Risks and complications

Abdominoplasty is among the higher-risk plastic surgery procedures, particularly regarding deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. Modern protocols include prophylactic anticoagulation, compression stockings, and early mobilization as standard.

Early-period risks: Hematoma, seroma (common — drained as needed), infection, wound healing problems, flap necrosis (especially in smokers).

DVT/PE: Long operative time and postoperative immobility create risk. Standard protocols reduce this risk to under 1%.

Scar quality: A long scar remains along the bikini line. Quality depends on skin type and scar care.

Late-period: Asymmetry, "dog-ear" deformity (small skin redundancies at incision ends), belly button shape concerns.

Tummy tuck in Istanbul — Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal's practice

Dr. Erdal's private clinic is located in central Istanbul, in the Nisantasi district. Address: Teşvikiye Cad. No:9/12, Istanbul. The clinic is easily accessible from major Istanbul hotels and from Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW).

Abdominoplasty requires experienced surgical teams and well-equipped hospitals due to its long operative time and elevated risk profile. Istanbul offers a strong combination: board-certified plastic surgeons, accredited hospitals with modern anesthesia and intensive care infrastructure, competitive pricing, and structured medical tourism support.

Dr. Erdal's Istanbul practice provides international patients with seamless coordination: video consultation prior to travel, airport-hotel transfer, English-speaking medical team, accommodation arrangements at partner hotels, and full postoperative follow-up. DVT/PE prophylaxis is standard protocol. Hospital partners are accredited facilities in central Istanbul. Patients typically stay in Istanbul for 10-14 days following abdominoplasty — sufficient for drain removal and clearance for safe travel home. WhatsApp consultations are available at +90 544 850 72 32 for international inquiries.

Frequently Asked Questions