What is it and how is it done?
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) reshapes the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat that has gathered around and below the navel. After pregnancy, the abdominal muscles can separate along the midline (diastasis recti), causing a bulge that persists even after weight loss and does not always close with exercise. During a tummy tuck, the separated muscles are stitched back together in the midline and the abdominal wall is tightened. A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss method; when it is done at a stable weight, the result lasts longer.
In a full tummy tuck, the incision runs low across the abdomen along the underwear line, from one hip bone to the other. The skin below the navel is removed together with most of the stretch marks in that area; the upper abdominal skin is drawn down, and the navel, kept on its own stalk, is brought out through a new opening in the repositioned skin. A mini tummy tuck suits people whose loose skin is limited to the area below the navel; the incision is shorter and the navel usually stays where it is. After major weight loss, the incision may need to extend around the waist. Liposuction of the waist and flanks is often added in the same session.
The length of the scar depends on how much excess skin there is. The scar is kept as low as possible, and a C-section scar usually lies within the skin that is removed. The scar may be red and prominent in the first months; it fades and flattens over 12–18 months but does not disappear. After surgery, thin drains that stay in for anything from a few days to a week or two may be used to prevent fluid build-up; in some cases no drain is needed.
Timing matters. Ideally your weight should have been stable for 6–12 months and your family should be complete, since a later pregnancy can stretch the skin and muscles again. After childbirth and the end of breastfeeding, at least 6 months are usually allowed for the body to recover. A tummy tuck calls for particular care with regard to deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Your personal clotting risk is therefore assessed, compression stockings or devices are used on the legs during and after surgery, early walking is encouraged and, where needed, blood-thinning injections are given.
At the practice in Nişantaşı, Prof. Dr. İlker Yazıcı assesses the amount and elasticity of the skin, muscle separation, whether there is an umbilical hernia, and any previous surgical scars. 3D body imaging and simulation help when discussing the plan. In suitable patients, a tummy tuck can also be planned in the same session as a breast lift or breast augmentation.
What are the aims?
- To remove loose skin and excess fat around and below the navel.
- To tighten the abdominal wall by bringing separated abdominal muscles back together in the midline.
- To create a flatter abdominal profile and a more defined waistline.
- To place the navel in a natural-looking position on the new skin surface.
- To remove many of the stretch marks and the C-section scar below the navel together with the excess skin.
- To reduce rashes and irritation under the overhanging fold of skin.
Who is it suitable for?
- People with loose skin around and below the navel after pregnancy or weight loss.
- Those with separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) and a resulting bulge after pregnancy.
- Those whose weight has ideally been stable for 6–12 months and is close to their target.
- Those whose family is complete.
- Non-smokers, or smokers who can stop several weeks before surgery.
- Those whose general health allows surgery and whose expectations are realistic.
When is it postponed or not recommended?
- Those planning a pregnancy in the near future; postponing surgery until the family is complete is advised.
- Those who are still losing weight or are significantly overweight.
- Those who cannot stop smoking; wound breakdown and problems with skin blood supply increase markedly.
- Those with uncontrolled diabetes or heart or lung disease, and those with a history of blood clots that has not yet been fully assessed.
- Those who have only recently given birth or stopped breastfeeding.
Alternatives
- Liposuction
- If the skin is elastic and not sagging, liposuction alone can reduce excess fat; it does not correct loose skin or muscle separation.
- Mini tummy tuck
- If loose skin is limited to the area below the navel, a shorter scar may be enough; it does not correct laxity above the navel.
- Exercise and physiotherapy
- With mild muscle separation, exercises that strengthen the deep abdominal muscles can ease symptoms; they do not correct excess skin or marked separation.
The process step by step
- 1
First contact
You can send photos of your abdomen, your health information and your questions by WhatsApp or e-mail, or call the practice. This information gives you a general idea of the options and helps plan the examination; the medical assessment and the decision take place at the examination in Nişantaşı.
- 2
Examination and planning
Prof. Dr. İlker Yazıcı assesses excess skin, muscle separation, any hernia and previous scars; a full or mini tummy tuck, added liposuction and the position of the scar are discussed.
- 3
Preparation for surgery
Blood tests and an anaesthesia assessment are carried out and your clotting risk is assessed. Smoking is stopped, and your medications and contraceptive pill are reviewed.
- 4
Surgery and hospital stay
Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes 2–4 hours. You stay in hospital for 1–2 nights and start walking the same day or the next morning.
- 5
Recovery and check-ups
Drains are usually removed within the first 1–2 weeks and a compression garment is worn for several weeks. Check-ups take place at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months.
Recovery timeline
Days 1–3
You stay in hospital for 1–2 nights. The abdomen feels tight; you walk slightly bent forward and lie with your knees slightly bent to protect the stitches. Early walking and clot-prevention measures begin.
Week 1
You go home. The compression garment is worn at all times, and drains are removed as the fluid output decreases.
Weeks 2–3
Your posture gradually straightens. Most people with desk jobs return to work, and stitches and wounds are checked.
Weeks 4–6
Most daily activities resume. The compression garment can usually be stopped around this time.
Weeks 6–8
With the surgeon's approval, heavy lifting and abdominal exercises are resumed gradually.
Months 3–6
Most of the swelling has gone down and the abdominal contour becomes clear.
Months 12–18
The scar matures, becoming lighter and flatter.
Risks and possible complications
Every surgical procedure carries risks. Your personal risk is assessed in detail at the consultation.
- Seroma (fluid collection), which may need draining with a needle once or several times.
- Haematoma (blood collection), which sometimes requires a further operation.
- Wound-healing problems, especially wound separation in the middle of the incision or poor blood supply at the skin edge; smoking, diabetes and excess weight increase this risk.
- Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism; these are rare but serious, so preventive measures start before surgery.
- A scar that thickens, widens or rides up, or folds of skin left at the ends of the scar (sometimes called dog ears) that may need correcting.
- Problems with the shape, position or scar of the navel.
- Reduced sensation in the lower abdomen that can last for months and may be permanent in some areas.
- Infection, contour irregularities, asymmetry and anaesthesia-related risks.
What determines the cost?
The cost of a tummy tuck depends on whether a full, mini or extended tummy tuck is performed, whether muscle repair is needed, whether liposuction of the waist and flanks is added, whether an umbilical hernia is repaired, the length of surgery and the number of nights in hospital. Additional operations planned for the same session, such as a breast lift, also affect the cost.
Once the plan is clear after the examination, you receive a written, itemised quote showing which procedures, hospital stay and check-ups are included. A definite figure given over the phone or from photos alone would not be reliable.
If you are coming to Istanbul
Patients coming from abroad are advised to plan on staying in Istanbul for about 7–10 days after a tummy tuck, during which drains are removed and the first wound check takes place. The practice is authorised by the Turkish Ministry of Health for international health tourism (certificate no. ST-2365); help with accommodation near the clinic and airport transfer can be arranged through authorised partners. Back home, you stay in touch with the practice by sending photos and messages; if something needs to be examined, a check-up in Istanbul or a visit to a local doctor is arranged. In-person checks are usually advised at 1, 3 and 6 months.
Frequently asked questions
Is a tummy tuck painful?
In the first days after a tummy tuck, the abdomen feels noticeably tight and sore, especially if the muscles were repaired. Pain is controlled with regular pain relief, and in some cases a long-acting local anaesthetic is also used during surgery. Pain usually eases considerably within the first week. Drains and the compression garment can be uncomfortable at first, but most patients are able to walk the day after surgery.
How long is the recovery after a tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck recovery varies from person to person but follows a general pattern. In the first week you walk slightly bent forward, and drains are usually removed within the first 1–2 weeks. Returning to desk work usually takes 2–3 weeks; driving can resume once you need less pain relief and can turn your upper body comfortably. Heavy lifting and abdominal exercises wait for 6–8 weeks. Patients coming from abroad are advised to stay in Istanbul for about 7–10 days after surgery.
Where is the tummy tuck scar, and is a C-section scar removed?
The tummy tuck scar is planned along a low line that can be covered by underwear or a swimsuit; its length depends on how much skin is removed. A full tummy tuck also leaves a fine scar around the navel. A C-section scar usually lies within the skin that is removed, so it is either taken out or incorporated into the new scar. The scar is red and prominent in the first months; it fades and flattens over 12–18 months but does not disappear completely.
What is the difference between a mini and a full tummy tuck?
In a mini tummy tuck, only limited excess skin below the navel is removed; the incision is shorter and the navel usually stays in place. If muscle repair is needed, it can be done in the lower part only. In a full tummy tuck, the incision runs from hip to hip, all the abdominal skin including the area above the navel is tightened, the muscles are repaired along their full length and the navel is repositioned. The examination decides which suits you, based on the location and amount of excess skin.
Can a tummy tuck fix muscle separation after pregnancy (diastasis recti)?
Separation of the abdominal muscles after pregnancy (diastasis recti) can cause a bulge that persists even after weight loss. Mild separation can improve with exercises that strengthen the deep abdominal muscles, whereas marked separation often does not close with exercise. During a tummy tuck, the separated muscles are stitched back together in the midline and the abdominal wall is tightened. An umbilical hernia, if present, can be repaired in the same operation.
How long after giving birth can I have a tummy tuck, and can I get pregnant afterwards?
Waiting at least 6 months after childbirth and the end of breastfeeding, with a stable weight, is usually advised before a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck does not prevent pregnancy, but a new pregnancy can stretch the skin and muscles again and undo the result. For this reason, surgery is recommended once your family is complete. There is no fixed upper age limit; general health is what decides.
Are tummy tuck results permanent, and when do they become clear?
The skin and fat removed in a tummy tuck do not come back, and the repaired muscles support the abdominal wall; as long as your weight is maintained, the result lasts for many years. Ageing, significant weight changes and a new pregnancy can still affect the appearance. Most of the swelling settles in 3–6 months; the final abdominal contour and a mature scar usually take 12–18 months.
Can a tummy tuck be combined with liposuction or breast surgery?
Liposuction of the waist and flanks is often added to a tummy tuck and helps to shape the waistline. In suitable patients, operations such as a breast lift or breast augmentation can also be done in the same session. However, combining operations lengthens surgery and may increase the risk of blood clots and healing problems. Which procedures can safely be done together is therefore decided with your general health and the total operating time in mind.
Should I stop smoking, the contraceptive pill or other medications before a tummy tuck?
Not smoking before and after a tummy tuck is important: smoking impairs blood supply to the skin and markedly increases the risk of wound breakdown and infection, so stopping at least 4–6 weeks beforehand is advised. The contraceptive pill and hormone treatments can increase clotting risk; the doctor decides whether to pause them. Blood thinners and some herbal supplements should also be mentioned at the consultation, and no medication should be stopped on your own.
What does the cost of a tummy tuck depend on?
The cost of a tummy tuck depends on whether a full, mini or extended tummy tuck is performed, whether muscle repair and umbilical hernia repair are needed, whether liposuction is added, the length of surgery and the number of nights in hospital. Additional operations planned for the same session also affect the cost. After the examination you receive a written, itemised quote that shows what is included.
Last updated: · Responsible for content: Prof. Dr. İlker Yazıcı · info@ilkeryazici.com