How Many Days Does an Abdominoplasty Heal?

Abdominoplasty, also known as tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery procedure to improve the appearance of the abdomen. Weak skin elasticity or weakening of the connective tissue can cause excessive fat accumulation in the abdomen. In addition, pregnancy, serious changes in weight, aging, genetic predisposition, abdominal surgeries such as cesarean section and natural body type can be considered among the factors that can be effective.

Abdominoplasty can be defined as a cosmetic or reconstructive surgical procedure performed to remove fat and excess skin due to various reasons in the abdomen, as well as to tighten loose muscles in the area. In addition, tummy tuck surgery can also be applied for the purpose of giving a tight form to the loosened muscles after dramatic weight loss or pregnancy, and removing the loosened skin and excess fat in the abdomen. 

In tummy tuck surgery, excess skin and fat are removed and the skin is sutured. In this way, the appearance of the abdomen is flattened. It may also be possible to surgically fix the underlying abdominal muscles to obtain a taut appearance. 

Before starting the operation, the location of the incisions to be made by the plastic surgeon, the center of the body and the location of the belly button to be repositioned are determined. The incision is made from one hip bone to the other and above the pubic hump. Then, an incision is made around the navel and the skin from the abdominal wall to the rib cage is loosened. The fascia of the abdominal muscles is pulled into a tighter position by suturing it. Thus, the muscle repair part of the surgery is completed. After suturing the abdominal muscles, excess fat in the area is removed by using liposuction or other methods. After the abdominal skin is stretched over the incision line, the excess skin is removed. Although the skin around the navel has been moved, the navel remains almost in the same place. A new belly button is created with the hole opened in the stretched skin.

The techniques to be applied may differ according to factors such as the anatomical features of the patient, the area of excess skin and the amount of excess skin. Abdominoplasty surgery is generally performed as mini tummy tuck, full tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck and Fleur-de-Lis abdominoplasty.

Whom Is Abdominoplasty Applied to?

Abdominoplasty surgery can be applied to people:

• Who have fat accumulation in the abdomen that is resistant to regular diet and sports; 
• Who have abdominal disfigurement due to pregnancy or excessive weight loss; 
• Who have deformations or cracks in the abdomen; 
• Who have weakened abdominal muscles for various reasons.

The duration of the tummy tuck surgery may vary depending on the technique of the operation, the characteristics of the application area, the needs of the patient and the scope of the procedure. Mini tummy tuck surgery is usually completed in 1-2 hours, and full tummy tuck surgery takes 2-5 hours. 

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that can be applied to people between the ages of 30-60. However, this does not mean that everyone in this age range can have this surgery. In order to decide on surgery, the patient must undergo a detailed examination and the general health condition must be carefully evaluated. 

Abdominoplasty is a procedure that increases the comfort of the person.

Since the tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia, the patient does not feel any pain during the operation. However, as is the case with after any other surgical procedure, it is considered normal for the patient to feel some pain or soreness after the surgery. However, the pain is usually at a level that can be relieved by taking simple painkillers prescribed by the doctor.

After tummy tuck surgery, some bruising and swelling may be seen in the application area. This condition resolves within a few weeks. After the operation, nausea and dizziness may occur when the effect of anesthesia wears off. Likewise, the abdominal area becomes sensitive and pain may be felt. It is recommended that the patient wear a compression garment for a few weeks after surgery to reduce swelling and provide support to the skin to be tightened. 

Although it varies by patient, the recovery period usually takes 6 months. In the first few days, it is aimed to manage the pain and prevent possible complications. In 1-3 weeks, the incisions begin to heal and the body begins to adapt to its new shape. It is important that the patient does not take some anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin after the surgery. Smoking should be ceased, as it may cause coughing and bleeding. Likewise, for 4-6 weeks, the patient should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercises. 

Patients usually start their physical activities within a few weeks. This period may be shortened in cases where the patient is physically better and has strong abdominal muscles. Doing light exercises not only improves the healing process, but also reduces the risk of blood clots and swelling. However, for this, attention should be paid to obtaining the approval of the doctor for the individual. 

After the surgery, sagging does not occur again unless there is an excessive change in the patient’s weight. However, it is considered natural that some sagging occurs over time due to aging and gravity.