Tummy Tuck

A standard abdominoplasty addresses loose skin and muscle separation on the front of the abdomen, with an incision from hip to hip. A circumferential, or 360°, tummy tuck extends this incision around the entire torso. This allows the surgeon to also lift the buttocks and remove excess skin from the flanks and lower back, addressing the whole midsection as a single unit. The choice depends on where the excess skin is located.

The incision for a circumferential abdominoplasty runs around the entire waistline, like a belt. Its exact position is planned so that it can be concealed by most underwear and swimwear. The final appearance of a scar depends on many factors, including surgical technique and an individual's healing response. There is also a small scar around the navel, which is brought out through the skin in its new position.

Liposuction is often used during a circumferential abdominoplasty, but it serves a different purpose than it would as a standalone procedure. It is not for general fat removal, but for sculpting and blending the areas around the incision. This helps create a smoother transition between the treated and untreated areas, particularly on the flanks and upper abdomen, ensuring the final contour is harmonious with the body's structure.

The skin and fat cells removed during the operation are gone. However, the remaining fat cells in the area and elsewhere on the body can still expand if weight is gained. Significant weight fluctuation after the procedure will stretch the remaining skin and can alter the surgical result. For this reason, the operation is best considered when a patient is at a stable, sustainable weight.

All abdominoplasty procedures are performed in an accredited general hospital in Istanbul; the specific hospital is confirmed in your written plan before you travel. The operating room team consists of the surgeon, the clinic's own specialist anaesthetist and their technician, and the hospital's surgical nurses. A dedicated interpreter is also present from your arrival at the hospital until you are back in your room.

For your consultation, it is helpful to provide clear photographs of your torso from the front, sides, and back. Also, prepare a list of any previous surgeries, especially abdominal ones like a caesarean section, and a full list of current medications and supplements. Thinking about your goals in your own words, rather than in surgical terms, helps the surgeon understand the problem from your perspective.