Throughout their lives, people encounter various health issues due to age and other factors. Especially those problems that directly affect one’s appearance can make life unbearable. However, thanks to advances in technology and medicine, solutions have been found for many issues. Aesthetic surgeries, in particular, are seen as lifesavers. One of the most popular cosmetic surgeries is known as a tummy tuck.
Tummy Tuck Surgery Techniques
Tummy tuck surgery, also known in the medical field as abdominoplasty, is one of the most sought-after operations in the realm of abdominal and belly aesthetics. Pregnancy can create several disadvantages for women. In particular, the muscles and skin in the abdominal area cannot return to their pre-pregnancy state after childbirth, leading to unpleasant deformations in this region. Women who have had more than two pregnancies or gained excessive weight during pregnancy are significantly affected by this.
A tummy tuck is often chosen after pregnancy because the connective tissue in the abdominal wall becomes loose, and the abdominal wall protrudes forward. This results in the formation of stretch marks and excess skin in the abdominal area. Consequently, women unable to shed the physical impacts of childbirth face an aesthetic image that does not reflect well on them. A tummy tuck is performed to rescue the abdominal area from deformation and restore it to its former state by tightening the loose and sagging skin. Additionally, during the surgery, excess fat referred to as surplus in the area is removed to achieve a flat stomach.
Tummy tuck surgeries vary depending on the individual’s condition. A comprehensive surgery can take between two to four hours to complete, while mini tummy tucks generally last one to two hours. During a general tummy tuck, an incision is made above the pubic area, stretching between the hip bones, and a second incision is made to separate the navel from the surrounding tissues. Moreover, in general tummy tucks, the position of the belly button may change compared to mini operations.
In the process of a tummy tuck, the skin tissue is first tightly stretched towards the ribs. A large surface area is lifted from its place to define the muscles underneath prominently. The goal is to reveal the abdominal muscles, which are then brought together and shaped. Additionally, it is necessary to stitch them to maintain their shape. In the next stage of a tummy tuck, the skin on the upper surface is pulled down and stretched. The belly button is repositioned and stitched to ensure it remains fixed in its new location.
Precautions are also taken against possible complications during a tummy tuck. For instance, drains are inserted into the surgical area during the operation to allow the evacuation of potentially harmful accumulated blood and fluid. These tubes help expel blood and fluid from inside the wound. All these surgeries are performed under general anesthesia, and local anesthesia is also used in mini tummy tuck operations.
Recovery Process After Tummy Tuck Surgery
After a tummy tuck surgery, the duration of recovery varies depending on the conditions of the operation. However, patients typically stay in the hospital for 1-2 days before being discharged. Additionally, the patient should wear a special abdominal binder after the operation. Wearing this binder for a month enhances the results obtained from the surgery. Moreover, wearing this special binder is essential for achieving the desired shape of the abdomen.
Patients usually start walking with the assistance of someone else about 3-4 hours after the tummy tuck surgery. Furthermore, it becomes possible to walk without assistance 24 hours after the operation. Many individuals wonder if they will experience any pain after a tummy tuck surgery. Like any surgical procedure, some degree of pain may occur during the postoperative period due to the procedures and stitches applied to the abdomen. However, this pain should not be overly concerning, as it can be alleviated by using the pain relievers recommended by the doctor.
Patients can typically take a shower or manage their daily tasks independently about 2-3 days after the tummy tuck surgery. However, during the first week, discomfort may be experienced when coughing or sneezing due to the stitches not being fully healed. Additionally, doctors usually advise patients to return to work after resting for an average of 7-10 weeks.
Pregnancy After Abdominoplasty
Many women approach abdominoplasty with caution. This is because there is an unfounded belief among the public that becoming pregnant again after this surgery carries certain risks. In other words, it is often suggested that there may be complications if one becomes pregnant after abdominoplasty. However, abdominoplasty does not affect the ability to conceive, nor does it pose any risk to pregnancy.
Another question often asked about abdominoplasty is how long women should wait after giving birth before undergoing the procedure. Experts recommend that women wait for about a year after giving birth before considering this surgery. Especially for women who do not plan to become pregnant again, consulting their doctors about the surgery after about a year postpartum is advisable. However, even if women decide to undergo the surgery, those planning to conceive again should be aware that they may experience stretch marks and sagging again after childbirth.
