Body Contouring · Surgical
Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty
Tummy tuck in Istanbul: abdominoplasty that removes excess skin, repairs muscles separated by pregnancy and refines the waistline — within an 8–10 day stay.
Last medical review:Dr. Mert Aydınlı
- Duration
- 2–4 hours
- Anaesthesia
- General anaesthesia
- Hospital stay
- 1–2 nights
- Stay in Istanbul
- 8–10 days
- Recovery
- Back to social life in 2–3 weeks
- Results
- Final shape at 6–12 months
Overview
Abdominoplasty removes the excess skin and fat that can remain after pregnancy or significant weight loss, and tightens a lax abdominal wall. It addresses changes that exercise alone cannot, aiming for a flatter, more balanced abdomen.
Muscle separation (diastasis), common after pregnancy, is repaired by bringing the abdominal muscles back together along the midline. This supports the abdominal wall as well as its appearance, and planning may include an ultrasound.
Surgery takes place under general anaesthesia in our accredited partner hospital. The incision is placed low, to sit beneath underwear or swimwear, and the navel is repositioned to look natural. You then spend one or two nights in hospital.
Who is it for?
- Anyone with loose skin and laxity of the abdomen after pregnancy
- People noticing a forward bulge caused by muscle separation (diastasis)
- Those bothered by hanging skin after significant weight loss
- Patients whose family is complete (a later pregnancy can affect the result)
- Adults at a stable weight and in good health who do not smoke, or can stop
Techniques & options
01
Full tummy tuck
Through a low hip-to-hip incision, excess skin is removed, the muscles are repaired and the navel repositioned. Suited to more significant laxity.
02
Mini tummy tuck
A shorter incision addresses limited excess skin below the navel only, without moving the navel. In suitable patients, recovery is shorter.
03
Extended tummy tuck
The incision continues towards the sides to correct excess skin at the waist and flanks as well. Often chosen after significant weight loss.
04
Combined with liposuction
Liposuction of the waist, flanks or back can be added for a more coherent waistline, always planned within safe limits.
How it works
- 1
Online assessment
You share your photos and medical history; your surgeon listens to your goals, assesses suitability and prepares a personal preliminary plan.
- 2
Arrival and consultation
You are met at the airport and settled into your hotel. The same day brings an examination and muscle assessment, blood tests and an anaesthesia review.
- 3
Surgery day
The 2–4 hour operation is performed under general anaesthesia, followed by one or two nights of nurse-supervised rest in hospital. Short walks begin on the first day.
- 4
Recovery at the hotel
Your coordinator schedules your dressing changes and check-ins. Drains usually come out within the first week, and your garment and short walks support recovery.
- 5
Final check and flight home
At your final check on days 8–10, you receive guidance on scar care and your garment. Online follow-ups continue for 12 months.
Recovery timeline
Days 1–3
Rest
You walk slightly bent forward and rest with your knees gently bent. Tightness and tenderness are expected and managed with regular medication.
Days 4–10
Recovering
You stand a little straighter each day and the drains come out. Your support garment is worn day and night, alongside short walks.
Weeks 2–3
Social life
Most people return to desk work and social plans. Heavy lifting and movements that strain the abdominal muscles are still avoided.
Weeks 6–8
Active life
Exercise resumes gradually with your surgeon's approval, with core work added last. The garment is usually set aside around this time.
Months 6–12
Final shape
Swelling resolves fully and the abdomen settles into its final shape. Over time the scar usually fades from pink to a paler, finer line.
The doctor planning your treatment
16 years' experience
Dr. Mert Aydınlı
Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Dr. Mert Aydınlı puts safety and proportion at the centre of body-contouring surgery, planning liposuction, tummy tuck and breast procedures as part of one coherent silhouette.
ISAPSTPRECD
Frequently asked questions
Tummy tuck or liposuction?
Will the scar show, and what are the risks?
Will I have drains?
How long should I wait after pregnancy?
When can I fly home?
Is a tummy tuck painful?
The information on this page is for general guidance and does not replace a personal medical assessment. The possible risks of any treatment, and whether it suits you, are discussed in detail at your consultation.
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Rebirth Journal
Blog posts about this treatment
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