Abdominoplasty, known as tummy tuck surgery, is a procedure for reducing excess fat and skin around the abdomen and strengthening the abdominal wall muscles.
What is Mini Abdominoplasty?
Mini tummy tuck or partial abdominoplasty is usually performed on people with less sagging skin. The surgery is performed in shorter incisions and the procedure time is one or two hours. Since mini abdominoplasty is applied to people who have excess fat in the lower part of the navel, the belly button is not moved.
How is Abdominoplasty Performed?
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. Different techniques are used depending on whether it is a complete or mini abdominoplasty. A large incision is made along the lower abdomen and other incisions are made to remove the tissues surrounding the belly button. Excess fat and skin are removed, the abdominal muscles are rearranged and the appearance of a saggy belly is changed. The remaining skin is put together and the operation is completed. The result gives the appearance of a flat and fit abdomen.
Who Is Suitable For Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is suitable for men and women who are healthy and of stable weight. It may be preferred for reducing abdominal sagging that occurs after several pregnancies and for belly compression. It is recommended for people with a history of obesity and significant weight loss, with sagging belly, with excess fat deposits in the abdominal area. In addition, abdominoplasty is not recommended for women planning pregnancy until they have children .
Is Abdominoplasty Risky?
Abdominoplasty has risks just like other surgical procedures. There are usually no serious complications after abdominoplasty. The risks of abdominoplasty may include:
Infection and poor wound healing
Heart or lung complications
Blood clots
Obvious scarring
Persistent pain, discomfort or drowsines
Accumulation of fluid or blood around the surgical site
In case of complications, some people may need additional surgery.
Things to Be Considered Before Abdominoplasty
Before the abdominoplasty procedure, your doctor may make some suggestions:
Smoking affects the healing process negatively by reducing blood flow, increases tissue damage. During the pre- and post-operative period, your doctor may recommend that you quit smoking.
It is recommended that people who are overweight lose weight. Weight loss after the procedure may affect the results of surgery.
You should avoid the use of aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs that can increase bleeding in the body. Consult your doctor first for the medications you are using.
In addition, preparation and arrangements for the recovery period can alleviate the problems of the postoperative period.
Things to Be Considered After Abdominoplasty
After abdominoplasty, small tubes are placed at the incision sites to drain excess fluid and blood from the surgical area. These drains can be left in place for a few days after surgery. The necessary information is provided by your medical team about the maintenance of drains and how to empty them. Antibiotics, blood thinners or pain relievers may be used for a short time after surgery. Sudden and forceful movements should be avoided to prevent the opening of the wound.
The Healing Process After Abdominoplasty
It usually takes 4-6 weeks for an abdominoplasty operation to fully heal. During this process, you may need to be off work for a while. Some issues that need to be considered:
Straining the wound area and stitches should be avoided and sudden movements should not be made.
Patients should not drive a car for several weeks after the operation.
Heavy and strenuous physical activity should be avoided.
Attention should be paid to the care of the bandaged area while sitting or lying down.
Your doctor makes the necessary recommendations to ensure the best possible care during the postoperative period.
The Price of Abdominoplasty Operation
The prices of abdominoplasty surgery may vary depending on the type of abdominoplasty, the applied techniques and the hospital. Your age, genetics and health condition affect the length of hospitalization and the procedure. Contact a relevant healthcare institution for the best results and price information.
Frequently Asked Questions About "Abdominoplasty”
Those who have abdominoplasty may come up with some questions, especially after abdominoplasty operation.
In the frequently asked questions about abdominoplasty section, the most frequently asked questions on topics such as how to flatten the lower abdomen, the use of corsets, edema and massage have been compiled.
For How Long Is the Corset Used After Abdominoplasty?
A corset is used for about six weeks after abdominoplasty. The corset helps to prevent fluid accumulation in the abdominal area and acts as a support while the surgical area heals. Your doctor will make the necessary recommendations for bandage and corset care.
How Long Does Abdominoplasty Take?
The abdominoplasty can take between two and five hours. Mini abdominoplasty operation takes an hour or two. Depending on the condition of the person, they should stay in the hospital for several nights.
How is Edema Eliminated After Abdominoplasty?
After the operation, plenty of water should be consumed to purify the body from edema and toxins. A balanced and adequate diet should be followed, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables should be consumed. In this way, the risk of constipation is also prevented.
When Can Patients Walk Upright After Abdominoplasty?
Walking in an upright position may be difficult immediately after surgery, but you can start walking upright about a week after the procedure. Thanks to this, your back is less strained and you can feel a pronounced relief. During this process, swelling and pain will decrease a bit, so you can gradually walk upright.
How Long Does Abdominoplasty Take to Heal?
The recovery time after abdominoplasty varies depending on the person's health status, age and care. The general recommendation is that caution should be exercised during the first six weeks after surgery. It may be necessary to avoid strenuous work and moderate physical activity. Pain, swelling and redness usually resolve within the first few weeks, but the duration of complete recovery may vary from person to person.
When Does the Swelling Go Away After Abdominoplasty?
It is normal to have swelling and redness in the area after surgery. Most swelling goes away within the first month, but some swelling may remain for up to six months. In consultation with your doctor, a cold compress can be applied several times a day for the first week, not exceeding 10 minutes.
When Does the Edema Go Away After Abdominoplasty?
Edema and swelling may occur for up to three months after abdominoplasty. It is normal to have fluid-filled swellings on and around the scar and it usually resolves on its own.
When Is Sexual Intercourse Allowed After Abdominoplasty?
It is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse for at least two weeks after abdominoplasty, ideally for three or four weeks. Applying pressure to wounds can trigger pain and prolong the healing time.
How is Massage Performed After Abdominoplasty?
Lymphatic channels that deteriorate after surgical procedures can be improved by the effect of lymphatic massage. It may be recommended to start massage sessions two weeks after operations such as Abdominoplasty and Liposuction. With this timing, bruising and pains can be alleviated. With a lymphatic drainage massage, the lymphatic system is opened and the lymph is absorbed through the vein using long, rhythmic, wave-like strokes. However, it is not recommended for people with a history of congestive heart failure, liver and kidney problems, clotting and stroke.
When Can Patients Lie on Their Side After Abdominoplasty?
After abdominoplasty, lying on your side becomes a problem because the abdominal area is swollen, painful and sensitive. In addition, stretching of the abdominal area and the occurrence of extra pain is an undesirable condition. For this reason, it is possible to start lying on your side after about two weeks after the operation. However, in order to avoid creating pain and sensitivity, it is recommended to lie on your side after 3-5 weeks following the procedure.
Which Department Performs Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty operations are performed under the roof of plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Abdominoplasty, which is performed by plastic and aesthetic surgery specialists, is an aesthetic application.
Can I Get Pregnant After Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is the process of removing excess fat and skin from the abdominal area and does not affect the likelihood of pregnancy. You can get pregnant after abdominoplasty operation, but it can negatively affect the results of abdominoplasty.
Please contact a relevant healthcare provider to determine whether abdominoplasty is suitable for you, the surgery and care process.
Breast reduction is a type of breast aesthetic operation that can be performed for many different reasons. The operation is performed in the form of surgery at Liv Hospital Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. It is performed to make the breasts smaller, lighter and shaped. Women and men can benefit from this breast aesthetics operation.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammoplasty as it is medically called, is a procedure that serves to provide a breast size that is more proportional to the patient's body and to prevent disorders caused by excessively large breasts (macromastia). Disproportionately large breasts may lead to posture problems, physical and mental distress and pains. Patients with large breasts may have some physical activities restricted in daily life, they may have back pain, or people may be uncomfortable just because of their aesthetic appearance. Breast reduction surgery is an operation that provides a solution to such situations. Usually, surgery to relieve these and similar symptoms is also preferred by people who do not have symptoms but are not satisfied with the size of the breasts.
How is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. It usually takes between 2 and 5 hours. There are several different surgical methods that can be used. The specialist physician who will perform the procedure performs the operation by choosing one of these different methods depending on the shape and size of the breast. These methods are:
Liposuction Method: The surgeon inserts a tube into the vacuum device by opening small incisions in the area of the procedure. This tube works by pulling fat and liquids out of the breast. This method is preferred when less breast reduction will be performed, that is, if the breast is smaller and it is thought that the skin can compensate for the difference.
Lollipop Method or Vertical Incision: This method is preferred if a moderate reduction is to be performed or if sagging in the breast is desired to be corrected. The surgeon makes incisions from around the areola (the colored area around the nipple) to the area under the breast, and removes excess tissue and fat, shapes the breast and lifts the breast.
Reverse T Incision method (Anchor Method): This method is performed by making incisions along the lower fold of the breast, towards the bottom of the areola by the surgeon. It is usually preferred for large breast reductions and in cases where there is a lot of sagging or unevenness.
Since breast surgery is a major surgical operation (i.e., general anesthesia is used), the patient stays in the hospital for one day after the surgery.
For Whom Is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?
Everyone with a large chest size is a candidate for problems caused by this condition. A large chest is the cause of back pain. In addition, it can restrict various physical activities, negatively affect psychological and physical health, and lead to aesthetic discomfort. However, whether or not to have surgery is entirely the choice of people. When women and men need it, they can have this surgery and see the benefits.
How Is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed on Women?
Large breasts, especially breasts that are not proportional to the size of the body, can lead to many problems in women. Back, neck, breast and shoulder pain are foremost problems. There may be pain and injury caused by a bra strap on the shoulders. Difficulty finding clothes suitable for the upper body is also a common condition. In addition, large breasts can also cause difficulties during physical exercise. Breast reduction surgery gives positive results in women suffering from these conditions.
How Is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed on Men?
The condition in which one or both breasts are larger than normal in men is called gynecomastia. Gynecomastia can occur as a result of hormonal imbalance or as a result of breast tissue growth due to excessive weight-increasing estrogen levels. Breast reduction surgery is a good option for men with gynecomastia. If there is a proportional size in the breasts due to just being overweight, or obese, this surgery is not performed.
What are the Risks of Breast Reduction Surgery?
The risks associated with breast surgery exist, just like with any surgery. As for general anesthesia, there are problems such as allergic reactions, chest infections, blood clots, heart attacks, stroke, and death, just like all surgeries with general anesthesia. The problems that may occur due to breast reduction surgery can be listed as follows: scars, heavy bleeding, infection, swelling, bruising, pain, healing problems, asymmetry, decreased sensation, damage to deeper structures, and allergic reaction.
It is possible that these problems will arise, but this does not mean that they will definitely occur. Factors such as being healthy and not smoking increase the chances of success of each operation, as well as they are important factors in breast reduction operations. If you need breast reduction surgery but are afraid of these disadvantages, you can find out how much risk you are at by consulting your specialist physician about these fears.
Is There an Age Limit For Breast Reduction Surgery?
There is no age limit for breast reduction surgery. Only breast development should be completed. In the medical literature, this is defined as Tanner stage 5. The doctor you consult can tell you after the examination whether the surgery is suitable for you.
How Long Does Breast Reduction Surgery Take?
Each operation differs depending on various variables. However, to say a general time value; the operation is expected to take at least 2 hours and at most 5 hours. The time may be prolonged depending on the complications that may occur.
What to Pay Attention to After Breast Reduction Surgery
After surgery, a one-day hospitalization is an expected result, as general anesthesia is administered. After the operation, you can walk and do light work within two weeks. It is considered normal for the first two weeks to pass with pain and swelling. During these two weeks, you should not lift heavy things and be alert to the symptoms that your doctor tells you to watch out for. It may take about six weeks for you to return to your normal exercises.
Since breast reduction surgery is performed with different methods, in different sizes, what needs to be paid attention to after surgery for each person will also vary. However, when you see an unexpected symptom after surgery, that is, if your wounds heal late, if you see swelling in an unexpected area, or if you suspect problems such as inflammation or loss of sensation, it may be useful to contact your doctor without wasting time.
Breast Reduction Surgery Prices
Breast reduction surgery prices will vary depending on where you prefer to have the surgery. You can consult the healthcare institutions where you want to have surgery to get information about this.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does a scar remain after breast reduction surgery?
Scars may remain on the skin after any operation. Even if there are no problems after surgery, the places where the surgery was performed may look redder, slightly lumpy and puffy. You can help heal these wound sites with dressings and then creams recommended by your doctor. It has been stated that most people do not have very visible scars after recovery. However, this healing process of the skin can take up to two years.
As with any operation, this situation varies from person to person. If you are already prone to scarring, it may be good to discuss this with your surgeon before surgery.
Why do breasts sag?
Breasts of any size can sag, but due to gravity, large breasts are more prone to sagging. In addition, aging, hormone changes, pregnancy, weight gain and loss, and menopause can also cause sagging breasts. There are no studies showing that breastfeeding causes breast sagging.
Is breast reduction surgery an obstacle to breastfeeding?
If you are planning to breastfeed in the near future, it may be a good idea to postpone breast surgery. It is important to remember that the breasts, like the entire body, change during pregnancy and this will affect the outcome of the surgery. Most plastic surgeons prefer to wait for the breast to return to its normal shape after the breastfeeding process for surgery. This is also between 6 and 12 months.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .