Abdominoplasty Surgery: Overview
Abdominoplasty surgery, medically known as abdominoplasty, is an aesthetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area to achieve a flatter and tighter abdominal appearance. It is especially preferred to eliminate sagging skin and muscle weakness that occur after pregnancy or in people who have lost too much weight.
Purpose of Surgery
The purpose of abdominoplasty surgery is to remove sagging skin in the abdominal area and tighten loose abdominal muscles to provide a more aesthetic appearance. It is an effective solution for sagging in the abdominal area that cannot be eliminated with diet and exercise. It also improves the aesthetic appearance of the abdominal area and increases the person’s self-confidence.
Who is Suitable for?
Abdominoplasty surgery is generally suitable for the following people:
Post-pregnancy: Women who experience skin loosening and muscle weakness in the abdominal area after pregnancy.
Those who have experienced significant weight loss: Individuals who experience sagging skin after the weight loss process.
Sagging due to aging: Individuals who lose skin elasticity and sagging with aging.
People with aesthetic concerns: Individuals who want to aesthetically improve their abdominal area with a tighter and flatter appearance.
Abdominoplasty Process
Abdominoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia and the duration of the operation may vary between 2-4 hours depending on the scope of the procedure to be performed. During the surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdominal area, removes excess skin and tightens the muscles. It is recommended that patients rest and use a special corset during the post-operative recovery period.
Post-Operative Recovery
After the surgery, patients usually start walking within a few days. However, full recovery may take several weeks. It is recommended that patients avoid heavy exercise for 4-6 weeks after the surgery. Surgical scars are usually located in the lower abdominal area, on the bikini line, and fade over time.
Abdominoplasty Surgery: Methods Used
Abdominoplasty surgery can be performed with different techniques depending on the person’s needs and current condition:
Mini Abdominoplasty: A smaller procedure that only removes sagging skin in the lower abdominal area.
Full Abdominoplasty: It is a procedure that covers the entire abdominal area, tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess skin.
Extended Abdominoplasty: In addition to the abdominal area, the sides are also intervened to shape a larger area.
360 Abdominoplasty (Lower Body Lift): A larger intervention is performed to eliminate sagging in the abdomen, waist and back area.
Benefits of Abdominoplasty Surgery
A tighter abdomen: The abdominal area gains a flatter and tighter appearance after the surgery.
Increased self-confidence: The improvement in the aesthetic appearance of the abdominal area increases the person’s self-confidence.
Increased clothing options: Abdominoplasty allows you to wear tight clothes and swimsuits comfortably.
Post-Operative Recovery Process
The recovery process after abdominal stretching surgery varies from patient to patient, but can usually last 4-6 weeks. During the recovery process, patients should avoid heavy lifting and regularly use a special abdominal corset recommended by the surgeon. Drains are usually removed within a few days, and full recovery can take several months.
Non-surgical Abdominoplasty Methods
In some cases, non-surgical abdominal stretching methods may be preferred. These methods can be effective for eliminating mild sagging, but they generally do not provide as dramatic results as surgical intervention. The most common methods are:
Radiofrequency Therapy
Ultrasound Therapy
Cold Lipolysis (Cryolipolysis)
Do Postpartum Stretch Marks Go Away with Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty surgery can eliminate some of the stretch marks that occur after birth, but it may not always be possible to completely eliminate the stretch marks. Stretch marks, especially in the lower abdominal area, can be removed, while stretch marks in the upper abdominal area can be lightened by skin tightening.
Abdominal Hernia and Abdominoplasty
In patients with abdominal hernia, hernia repair can also be performed during abdominal stretching surgery. Combining these two operations allows patients to achieve both aesthetic and functional benefits.
Abdominoplasty Surgery Prices
Abdominoplasty surgery prices vary depending on factors such as the surgeon’s experience, the location of the clinic and hospital where the surgery is performed. Additionally, the extent of surgery (mini, full, extended abdominoplasty) and additional treatments can also impact the cost.