Changes in the abdominal area caused by weight gains and pregnancy can impact physical appearance. Sagging of the abdominal skin, stretch marks and abdominal softening due to loosening of abdominal muscles can especially be seen after childbirth .
With the tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery, excess sagging skin can be removed together with the fatty tissue therein, the muscle weakness which causes loosening on the frontal abdominal wall can be repaired and belly button can be re-positioned. Depending on the patient’s need this surgery can be planned as mini abdominoplasty or abdominoplasty. In some cases, waist line is also included in the surgery at 360 degrees in people who have lost excessive weight.
When there is limited abdominal excessive skin, mini abdominoplasty is preferred. With this method, excessive skin under the belly button can be removed through an incision that will remain under your underpants. People with advanced sagging and deformation on their abdominal wall are the best candidates for abdominoplasty. With this method, excessive skin is removed, and belly button is re-positioned at a higher point. When necessary, abdominoplasty can be performed in combination with liposuction.
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and lasts around 3 hours. The duration of mini abdominoplasty is shorter. This procedure requires two days of hospital stay on average. It is important to wear a corset for 4-6 weeks following surgery. It is possible to resume daily activities in 10-14 days. Exercising can begin in 4-6 weeks.