Is tummy tuck without surgery possible?

Although it is possible to achieve a tighter appearance via sports, if the patient has skin sagging, it is impossible to resolve without surgical intervention.

Things to consider before the surgery

The patient’s medical history must be thoroughly examined before tummy tuck. Comorbid disorders, blood coagulation problems, regularly used drugs such as oral contraceptives and anticoagulants, operations especially in the abdominal area, and smoking must definitely be inquired about.

What are the types of tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck surgeries can be classified as full tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, and 360-degrees tummy tuck (belt lipectomy).

What is mini tummy tuck?

Excess skin and fat limited to the area below the belly button can be removed with a mini-tummy tuck procedure without changing the location of the belly button. In this method, muscle separation (plication) at the midline after pregnancy or excess weight gain can be repaired.

What is full tummy tuck?

In full tummy tuck, the maximum amount of skin is removed from the abdomen, the abdominal muscles are rejoined in the midline, and the location of the belly button is changed.

What is 360-degree tummy tuck?

Excess skin in the waist and back area can be removed with 360-degree tummy tuck surgery performed on people who have sagging in their entire body as a result of excessive weight loss.

Post-tummy tuck surgery process

During the first 10 days after the surgery, it is recommended that you walk by leaning slightly forward so that you do not strain your stitches. You need to use a corset for about 1 month after the surgery. Your abdomen will continue to appear swollen due to the edema in the initial months, but your edema will resolve in time.

Risks of tummy tuck surgery

Just like after every surgical procedure, problems such as bleeding (hematoma), infection, or fluid accumulation (seroma), and wound healing problems may be observed after tummy tuck surgery. Risks specific to tummy tuck surgery can be listed as scar asymmetry, bad scar, necrosis due to the disruption of circulation at the belly button, hypertrophic wound healing and/or keloid formation, and development of dog ear at the end of the incision.

How long does tummy tuck surgery last?

Depending on the type of surgery, the duration of tummy tuck surgery may vary between 1 to 3 hours.

Pregnancy after tummy tuck surgery

Getting pregnant is not recommended within the first 6 months after tummy tuck surgery. Preferably, patients must have completed pregnancy before tummy tuck surgery. Since pregnancy is the primary cause of muscle separation at the midline, it must be kept in mind that this problem will relapse in case of pregnancy after tummy tuck surgery.

Is tummy tuck a weight loss method?

A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss method; it is a method to reshape the abdomen after weight loss. The main purpose of tummy tuck is to remove the excess skin in the abdominal area and obtain a flatter appearance.

When is the edema/swelling resolved after tummy tuck surgery?

For complete elimination of post-operative edema, a minimum of 3 months is required; in some cases, this may take up to 6 months.

Diet after tummy tuck surgery

It is particularly important not to develop constipation after tummy tuck surgery. With a diet rich in fibers and the consumption of plenty of water, colon movements will be regular and abdominal muscles will not be strained since constipation will be avoided.

Will there be any scars left after the surgery?

Tummy tuck surgeries leave scars. Scars that will form after routine tummy tuck surgeries are planned as to remain invisible under your underpants. If the skin is to be removed both in the vertical and horizontal planes, there will be two vertical scars below and above the belly button. After 360-degree tummy tuck operations, the scar begins at the abdominal area and surrounds the waist area. 

Sports after surgery

You can begin to take mildly brisk walks 3 weeks after the surgery, when you feel ready. You must avoid heavy lifting and exercises for 6 weeks. Listen to your body at each stage and avoid the activities that challenge you and cause discomfort regardless of the time point after surgery. You can begin to perform all exercises as of the 6th week.

Sex life after the surgery

The time to go back to your sex life must be regarded similarly to the time to go back to physical activities.

Smoking after the surgery

One of the most important factors that disrupt the quality of the surgery during the recovery period is smoking. Disrupted circulation due to smoking leads to wound healing problems, infections, and worsening in scar quality. Ideally, smoking must be avoided for 3 weeks before and after the surgery.

Traveling after the surgery

Traveling is not recommended for the first 10 days after tummy tuck surgery. After that, if you do not have any condition that requires follow-up, traveling is allowed.