If the amount of fat on the anterior abdominal wall is not excessive, and the excess skin is minimal, that is, there is no sagging, then it is possible for improvements to be made to the abdomen area without a Tummy Tuck.

However, if there is a lot excess skin or sagging, especially if there is folding skin in the lower abdominal area towards the groin, the only option is a Tummy Tuck. 

Almost all patients with increased abdominal fat and excess skin, also experience excess fat on the sides of their waist, often referred to as love handles, and also to varying degrees in the hip area. Plastic surgery procedures are performed using a holistic approach rather than focussing on a single area. In such cases, in addition to a Tummy Tuck, the excess fat around the waist and hips are addressed using an appropriate method such as Liposuction, Vaser Lipo, Laser Assisted Lipolysis. In this way, a much more well-proportioned and holistic result is achieved. 

Your eligibility for the Tummy Tuck procedure will be determined through an examination by your surgeon, and an evaluation of your 

expectations for the surgery. The Tummy Tuck procedure, just like liposuction is not an operation for the achievement of weight loss.

 

If you are very overweight, it will be better to have the procedure after the achievement of some weight loss. Obesity negatively impacts the result of the surgery. Systemic damage caused by obesity can lead to many undesirable conditions such as difficulty in wound healing. In addition, weight loss achieved after the procedure will diminish the positive outcome achieved by the surgery.

As a result, patients who would would like to have the Tummy Tuck procedure should be candidates who have maintained a healthy weight for an extended period of time. If overweight, the healthiest and most appropriate option is to follow a diet and sports programme  before  considering surgery.

In both the Tummy Tuck and mini Tummy Tuck procedures incisions are made in the same place, they are made in the bikini region. There is no difference between the two in terms of incisions. Excess skin and fat tissue is removed through this incision. Thanks to correctly and aesthetically placed sutures there will be a visible scar in the first months following the operation, but over time there will be a much less noticeable and acceptable scar left in its place.

In a full Tummy Tuck procedure, as the position of the belly button is also changed, there will also be incisions and associated seams around the newly formed belly button. However, since they are sutured with care, there will be an indistinct scar. Since the belly button is naturally embedded, these scars remain in the pit. You will not be able to see the scars unless you look closely and carefully.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure can be performed in two different ways. The first is the classic full Tummy Tuck, and the second is the mini Tummy Tuck applied in cases where there is less excess skin. 

There is no difference between the two in terms of incisions or the scar created, the incision is made below the abdomen area. In full Tummy Tuck procedures, the definite length may increase, depending on the amount of excess skin and sagging in the abdomen area. The most important difference between the two procedures concerns the belly button. In cases where there is too much abdominal skin, the belly button is revised at the end of the operation. The reason for this is that the downward movement of the stretching process changes the position of the belly button. The rearrangement of the belly button is also an important opportunity to achieve an attractive and ideal appearance of the abdominal region. 

In both methods, excess abdominal skin is removed to provide firmness and tautness. In addition to excess skin removal, excess fat is removed to reveal a thinner appearance through liposuction, vaser lipo, laser lipolysis (Laser Assisted Lipolysis). In this way, the abdomen is left firm and smooth, with excess skin and fat removed. 

When you contact a Plastic Surgeon Specialist regarding a Tummy Tuck operation, your doctor will ask you questions and record information about your general medical condition before examining you. Your doctor will ask you your age, your previous surgeries or illnesses. In addition to these questions your doctor will ask; whether you have chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, if any, the names of medicines you use regularly, your use of cigarettes and alcohol. Your surgeon will conduct an examination to assess the condition of your abdominal skin, the amount of fat tissue, and the position of your abdominal muscles.

As a result of the examination and information provided your surgeon will tell you the best procedure to achieve a firm and smooth abdomen.

After your surgery you will need to stay in hospital for one or two days. You will be protected from infection through the use of antibacterial agents, and provided with appropriate medication  so that you will experience a pain free night.  It is expected that you will experience pain following the surgery especially during the first night, therefore you will be given a strong analgesic during your hospital stay so that you will experience a pain free night. The following day your general condition will be evaluated, and you will be released from hospital.

If your stomach muscles were repaired and tightened during the surgery, we recommend that you place pillows under your feet and upper back while laying down and sleeping. While standing you should not stand completely upright. These recommendations are made so that you do not stretch your newly repaired muscles during this early stage. If your muscles were repaired, it is normal for you to experience some muscle pain while coughing or other activities for a few days. If your stomach muscles were not repaired or tightened then you will not need to take note of the recommendations made above, and your return to everyday activities will be much quicker. 

You will need to use a compression garments after the surgery. Using the compression garment for 4 to 6 weeks will be necessary to support and aid the healing process of your newly tightened abdomen. Using the compression garment will help you feel supported and you will need to make sure that you use it regularly.

During the surgery most of the sutures used to close the incision will be dissolvable, this means that they will be absorbed by the body. After 10 days have passed, a few stitches used that are undissolvable will be removed by your surgeon.