Tummy Tuck Surgery Overview
Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that involves the removal of excess skin and fat in the abdominal area and tightening the muscles in this area. It is a type of surgical operation that is generally preferred to restore the abdominal area to its former form after sagging skin after weight loss or multiple pregnancies. This operation aims to improve the overall body contour of the person by making the abdominal area flatter and firmer. In this context, we asked Dr Gülden Avcı Çakmak for all the details you need to know about abdominoplasty and let’s take a look at what you need to know about the basic steps, types and process of abdominoplasty:
Abdominoplasty and Mini Tummy Tuck Differences
Abdominoplasty, often referred to as a “full tummy tuck”, is a procedure that covers a large area of the abdomen. This surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fat, as well as tightening the abdominal muscles. A full tummy tuck requires a large recovery period but can also offer dramatic improvements.
A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive procedure and usually targets a limited area in the lower abdomen. This procedure offers a faster recovery and generally carries less risk of complications, but the improvement it provides is more limited than a full tummy tuck.
Basic Steps of the Tummy Tuck Procedure
Anaesthesia: Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, which ensures that the patient does not feel pain during surgery.
Incision: The surgeon usually makes an incision over the bikini area, just above the pubic hairline. This incision is necessary so that excess skin and fat can be removed.
Correction and tightening: Excess fat is removed and can be supplemented with liposuction if necessary. The abdominal muscles are tightened and excess skin is removed to create new body contours.
Closure: The incisions are sutured and the abdominal area regains its new shape. A drainage tube is usually placed to provide support during the healing process.
Types of Tummy Tuck Surgery
Abdominoplasty has criteria that vary from person to person. This is precisely why there are different types of surgery. Abdominoplasty can be performed in different types according to the needs and goals of the person. Here are the most common types of tummy tuck surgery:
Full Tummy Tuck
As mentioned above, the full tummy tuck procedure is a more extensive operation. This procedure usually requires a large incision, starting from the pubic area and extending around the belly button. It is ideal for sagging skin, especially in women who have given birth or in people who have lost a significant amount of weight. With this procedure, excess skin and fat in the abdominal area are completely removed and the abdominal muscles are tightened.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive procedure that targets a limited area in the lower abdomen. This procedure is usually performed to remove excess skin and fat below the belly button and provides a minimal tightening of the abdominal muscles. It should be noted that it is a very inadequate operation for people who have experienced a lot of weight loss or who have given birth.
Extended Tummy Tuck: A Comprehensive Approach
An extended tummy tuck is a procedure that extends the full tummy tuck to include the flanks. This procedure also removes excess skin and fat around the waist and on the sides, which is especially ideal for people who have sagging over a large area or who have lost a significant amount of weight and lost skin elasticity. An extended tummy tuck requires a longer incision but provides a more comprehensive improvement.
What is the Cost of Tummy Tuck Surgery?
The cost of tummy tuck surgery can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. Factors such as the surgeon’s experience, the location of the surgery and the extent of the procedure have a significant impact on the cost. Here are some key factors that affect the cost of tummy tuck surgery:
Cost of Tummy Tuck Surgery in the UK
The cost of tummy tuck surgery in the UK usually starts at a few thousand pounds and can increase depending on the complexity of the procedure and additional services. For example, surgeries performed at leading clinics in major cities such as London tend to be priced higher than in other regions. In addition, the type of procedure (full tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck or extended tummy tuck) and the surgeon’s level of expertise can also affect prices. The average cost of a tummy tuck in the UK usually ranges from GBP 6,500 to rm 10,000, although this figure may be higher or lower.
Additional Costs Hospitalisation and Medication
When calculating the total cost of tummy tuck surgery, it is important to consider not only the surgical procedure itself, but also the additional costs. These additional costs include the length of hospital stay, post-operative medications, anaesthetic fees and procedures such as removal of drainage tubes if necessary. The hospital stay may usually require an overnight stay, but in some cases it may be longer. The cost of hospitalisation is usually calculated on a nightly basis, which can significantly increase the total cost.
Postoperative medications and painkillers are also an additional cost item. Special medications recommended by your surgeon are necessary to support the postoperative healing process and their cost should be included in the total expenses.
Tummy Tuck Surgery in Turkey
Having a tummy tuck surgery in Turkey is actually another way of avoiding the cost. For example, wouldn’t you like to evaluate the prices starting from only 2,300 GBP with accommodation, holiday facilities, flight tickets and highly expert doctors in the field of surgery between 6,000 and 10,000 GBP in the UK? You can contact us for detailed information.
Abdominoplasty Recovery Process
Tummy tuck surgery creates a transformative change in the physical appearance of an individual, like a butterfly completing its emergence. However, behind this aesthetic renewal lies a healing process that requires patience and care. This process is essential for a successful outcome and with the right expectations, your healing journey can be more comfortable and satisfying.
Recovery Time and Pain Control
The recovery time after tummy tuck surgery often varies depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure performed. As a general rule, patients who undergo a full tummy tuck surgery need a longer recovery period than a mini procedure. The first few days are the most challenging part of the story; during this period, pain and discomfort are at their most intense. However, with modern pain management techniques and painkillers recommended by your doctor, this period can be managed more comfortably.
Gradually, as if you were walking on a cloud, the discomfort will subside and you will be able to return to normal activities. During the recovery process, it is important to listen to your body’s signals and follow your doctor’s advice. This process usually takes between 4-6 weeks, but it may take several months for full recovery and final results to be seen.
Return to Work How Many Weeks of Leave Is Required?
The duration of return to work varies depending on the physical intensity of your work and the speed of your recovery. Generally, patients with light jobs can return to work within 2-3 weeks, while a recovery period of 4-6 weeks is recommended for more physically demanding jobs. Like turning the pages of a book, it is important to manage your return to work gradually and carefully.
