Pregnancy and significant weight gain lead to the expansion and separation of the abdominal muscles to make room for the child and the additional size.
Sometimes, although there is no belly fat, the abdomen is still swollen due to the laxity of the abdominal wall, which cannot be fixed through diet or exercise.
Abdominoplasty “Tummy Tuck” that Dr. Cengizhan Ekizceli practiced is the surgery performed to strengthen the muscles, remove the excess skin and fat tissue under and immediately over the umbilical region, and repair the loosening in the anterior abdominal wall.
● What is an Abdominoplasty procedure?
The abdominoplasty that Dr. Cengizhan Ekizceli performs is a surgical procedure to remove abdominal fat and excess skin and repair the six-pack abdominal muscles that have separated after childbirth, weight gain, or aging to eventually obtain a flat stomach.
● How is Abdominoplasty surgery performed?
Abdominoplasty “Tummy Tuck” can be performed with different techniques depending on the type of deformity. Sometimes, when the surgery is combined with liposuction, better results can be obtained. Reconstruction and reformation of the belly button may be necessary for patients with excess tissue and sagging.
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and lasts about three hours.
Dr. Cengizhan Ekizceli makes an incision of about 8-10 cm in the abdominal area below the navel.
● Will there be any scars?
There will be a scar that fades over time to take its final shape within 6 months to a year and is hidden by underwear or swimsuit.
● what is the healing time for the Abdominoplasty surgery?
At first, a drain will be placed and it will disappear within one to two weeks. In addition to wearing a compression garment for a period ranging between 4-6 weeks after surgery. While standing, bend at the waist for 7-10 days after surgery to protect the wound, after this time the patient will be able to stand straight.
● Is it possible to have a baby after a tummy tuck?
Dr. Cengizhan Ekizceli advises his patients to end having children before undergoing tummy tuck procedure because having a child after the surgery will change the outcome of the operation as pregnancy leads to the re-stretching and relaxation of the abdominal wall again.
● Is it necessary to lose weight before the tummy tuck operation?
This depends on the patient’s weight and the target weight a patient wants to reach, so it is better for the patient to reach the required weight before the surgery, especially because losing weight in large quantities after surgery may lead to an increase in the skin in the abdominal area.