Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Istanbul

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is performed through a horizontal incision in the bikini line. The abdominal skin is lifted up towards the ribcage, the loosened muscle sheath is tightened in the midline with sutures, excess skin and fat are removed, and the skin is redraped and closed under gentle tension. The navel stays attached to its blood supply and is brought out through a new opening in the tightened skin.

Unlike liposuction, a tummy tuck deals with excess skin and weakened muscle as well as fat. Stretch marks below the navel are largely removed with the excised skin; those above the navel are pulled downwards but do not disappear. A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss operation. In the right patient it flattens the abdominal wall, defines the waist and improves posture.

Who is a good candidate?

The ideal candidate for abdominoplasty has most of the following:

• Excess, sagging skin: particularly below the navel, folding when seated and visible when standing. If there is no skin excess and the problem is fat alone, liposuction is the better option.
• Diastasis recti: separation of the abdominal muscles after pregnancy, the most common cause of "still looking pregnant", which does not respond to exercise.
• Body mass index (BMI): ideally below 30; wound problems, seroma and thrombosis risk rise with BMI, and at 35 and above weight loss before surgery is advised.
• Weight stability: weight should have been stable for at least six months. After bariatric surgery, waiting 12–18 months after weight has plateaued is preferred.
• Family complete: pregnancy after a tummy tuck is possible, but it can loosen the repaired muscles and stretched skin again.
• Skin quality: thin skin with stretch marks still benefits; what matters is the level of sagging and where the incision can be planned.
• General health: non-smokers without uncontrolled chronic disease or clotting disorders are preferred.

Techniques and options

A tummy tuck is not a single, standard operation. The technique depends on how much skin excess there is, the state of the muscles and the fat distribution, and elements are usually combined.

Full tummy tuck

The standard procedure for patients with skin excess above and below the navel, diastasis and significant sagging. The incision runs along the bikini line between the hip bones; the navel is repositioned, the muscles are repaired and all skin below the navel is removed.

Mini tummy tuck

Used when skin excess is limited to below the navel and the muscles are relatively intact. The incision is shorter and the navel stays in place or is drawn slightly downwards. Laxity above the navel is not corrected, so candidates are chosen carefully.

Diastasis (muscle) repair

The sheaths of the separated rectus muscles are brought together in the midline with permanent or long-lasting sutures. This flattens the bulge, narrows the waist and may ease lower back pain. To protect the repair, abdominal exercise is paused for 6–8 weeks after surgery.

Umbilicus repositioning

In a full tummy tuck the navel is preserved on its stalk and brought out through a new opening in the tightened skin. The goal is a natural, slightly hooded, vertically oval navel with the scar tucked into its own shadow.

Lipoabdominoplasty (tummy tuck with liposuction)

Most tummy tucks today are combined with liposuction of the waist, flanks and back. Limited undermining preserves the blood supply of the abdominal skin while the waist is slimmed in the same session, giving a defined waistline as well as a flat abdomen. When indicated, 360 liposuction shapes the back and the transition into the hips.

Tummy tuck after massive weight loss

After bariatric surgery or major dieting, skin excess runs both horizontally and vertically. A fleur-de-lis technique adds a vertical incision, or a circumferential plan (belt lipectomy) extends around the flanks and back. Scars are longer, but this is the only way to remove skin that a horizontal incision alone cannot. Where breast and arm sagging coexist, procedures are staged along the lines of a mommy makeover.

First consultation and planning

For patients from abroad, the initial assessment is online, using photographs taken from the front, side, back and seated. Height, weight, pregnancies, caesarean sections and other abdominal operations, weight history, smoking and medication are recorded. From this Dr. Esmer outlines a preliminary plan: full or mini tummy tuck, liposuction alone, or lipoabdominoplasty.

At the in-person examination, skin excess is measured standing and seated, the diastasis is assessed by hand and the abdomen is checked for hernias, which can be repaired in the same operation. A previous caesarean scar is usually incorporated into the new incision. Blood count, clotting, biochemistry, an ECG where indicated and an anaesthetic review are completed. The height of the incision is agreed with you according to the underwear you prefer, and the markings are drawn on the morning of surgery.

Preparing for surgery

• Smoking: skin blood supply is critical in a tummy tuck. Stop at least four weeks before surgery, including nicotine patches and vaping, and do not smoke during recovery.
• Blood thinners: aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, omega-3, ginkgo, garlic and ginger supplements are stopped for the period specified (usually 7–10 days). Prescribed anticoagulants are adjusted only with the prescribing doctor.
• Alcohol: stop a week before surgery.
• Fasting: nothing to eat or drink for 6–8 hours before surgery, following the anaesthetic team's instructions.
• What to bring: loose front-opening clothing, non-slip slippers, your medication list, ID and previous test results.
• Compression garment: an abdominal binder is prepared to your measurements and fitted at the end of surgery. Compression stockings are worn from the morning of surgery.
• Arrangements at home: for the first week you will walk slightly bent forward, so keep everyday items at waist height, arrange pillows or a recliner, and have someone to help you for the first 3–5 days.

The day of surgery

You are admitted about two hours before the planned start. The anaesthetic team reviews you, compression stockings are fitted and Dr. Esmer marks the incision line, the skin to be removed and any liposuction areas with you standing, checking the incision height against your preferred underwear.

A tummy tuck is performed under general anaesthesia. Operating time is roughly 1.5–2 hours for a mini tummy tuck, 2–3 hours for a full tummy tuck and up to 3–4 hours with lipoabdominoplasty or 360 liposuction. Pneumatic compression devices are used on the legs throughout. The wound is closed in layers with absorbable sutures; where appropriate, progressive tension sutures reduce tension on the scar, close the dead space and lower the need for drains, although most full tummy tucks still have one or two. The binder is fitted at the end and the bed is set with your hips and knees gently flexed. You usually stay in hospital for 1–2 nights.

Recovery and aftercare

Compression garment: worn day and night for the first four weeks, then during the day up to 6–8 weeks in total. It reduces swelling, helps the skin adhere to the underlying tissue and supports the suture line.

Drains: removed when daily output falls, usually between days 2 and 5. You do not shower while drains are in.

Bent posture: for the first 7–10 days you walk slightly bent forward to avoid tension on the wound and keep your hips and knees flexed in bed. Straightening up gets easier week by week and should not be forced.

Walking: a first supported walk on the evening of surgery, then short walks every hour, reduces clot risk and swelling.

Sleeping: on your back in a "beach chair" position with pillows under your head and knees for two weeks; side sleeping is usually allowed from week two.

Showering: 24–48 hours after drain removal, with the suture line taped. Baths, pools and the sea are avoided for 4–6 weeks.

Lymphatic massage: from week two, particularly after combined liposuction, to reduce swelling and firmness.

Exercise: walking from day one; light cardio from week four; weights, abdominal and core exercise from week eight with your surgeon's approval, to protect the muscle repair. No lifting over 5 kg for six weeks.

Scar care: tapes stay on for 2–3 weeks, then silicone gel or tape for at least 3–6 months. The scar is red and raised in the early months and fades over 12–18 months; protect it from the sun for at least a year.

Risks and how they are minimised

Because of its scope, a tummy tuck calls for careful patient selection and preparation. The principal risks and the measures taken against them:

• Seroma: fluid collecting between skin and muscle is the most common problem. Drains, compression, progressive tension sutures, limited undermining and lymphatic massage reduce the risk; if a seroma forms it is drained in clinic.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism: the most serious risk, because the operation is long and raises intra-abdominal pressure. Risk scoring, compression stockings, pneumatic compression, early walking and, where indicated, low-molecular-weight heparin are used; the contraceptive pill and hormone therapy are paused before surgery.
• Wound-healing problems: blood supply is weakest in the centre of the suture line; smoking, high BMI and diabetes increase the risk. Small areas of separation usually heal with dressings.
• Contour irregularity and dog ears: small folds at the ends of the incision are prevented by planning and, if they persist, corrected under local anaesthesia.
• Scar quality: thick or wide scars are managed with silicone care and, where needed, scar revision.
• Infection, bleeding and altered sensation: uncommon with sterile technique, prophylactic antibiotics and careful surgery; numbness is usually temporary.

For international patients

For patients from the UK, Europe and the Middle East the process starts with an online photo assessment. Once the plan is agreed, the coordination team arranges your surgery date, hospital admission, airport transfers, accommodation and an interpreter if needed. Pre-operative tests are completed on the day you arrive in Istanbul.

The recommended stay in Istanbul for a tummy tuck is 7–10 days: 1–2 nights in hospital, then rest at your hotel, drain removal, dressing checks and a final examination before you fly. Flying is not advised until at least seven days after surgery because of DVT risk; on the flight wear compression stockings, drink plenty of water and walk every hour. Sutures are absorbable, so no suture removal is needed at home. Follow-up continues over WhatsApp with photographs and by video call when needed, at two weeks and at one, three, six and twelve months. See our international patients page for full details.

How the price is determined

If you are searching for "tummy tuck Turkey cost", it helps to know that Turkish regulations do not allow medical services to be advertised with prices, and since every plan is different a single list price would not be honest anyway. The factors that determine the cost of a tummy tuck are:

• The scope of surgery: mini, full, fleur-de-lis or circumferential tummy tuck
• Whether diastasis repair and hernia repair are included
• Combination with liposuction of the waist, flanks and back (lipoabdominoplasty, 360)
• Additional procedures in the same session, such as breast surgery or an arm lift
• Operating time, anaesthesia and the number of nights in hospital
• Compression garments, lymphatic massage and other aftercare items
• For international patients, transfers, accommodation and interpreter arrangements

After the online assessment you receive a personalised quote with the scope and inclusions written out clearly. For any questions, please use the contact page.

Why Dr. Göktuğ Esmer?

Dr. Göktuğ Esmer is a board-certified plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon and a member of ISAPS. In abdominoplasty his priorities are not just a flat abdomen but a natural relationship between waist, abdomen and hips, a navel that does not look operated on, and a scar placed as low and as symmetrically as possible.

Safety comes first: surgery does not go ahead without an appropriate BMI and stable weight, DVT prophylaxis is standard, and all operations take place in a fully equipped hospital. Follow-up is close and accessible in the weeks after surgery. Turkish and international patients receive the same care and the same protocol.

Recovery Timeline

The timeline below shows a typical course; healing speed varies between patients.

Before / After

Results shared with patient consent. See more on Instagram: @doctorg.official

Frequently Asked Questions – Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Istanbul

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