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Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, removes excess fat and skin and restores weakened muscles to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile.

What is Abdominoplasty?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles to create a smoother and firmer abdominal profile. A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals.

Even individuals of normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include:

  • Aging
  • Heredity
  • Pregnancy
  • Prior surgery
  • Significant fluctuations in weight

What Abdominoplasty Can’t Do

Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies are advised to postpone abdominoplasty.

Who is a Good Candidate for Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is suitable for you if:

  • You are physically healthy and at a stable weight.
  • You have realistic expectations.
  • You do not smoke.
  • You are bothered by the appearance of your abdomen.

A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised.

Pre-Procedure Consultation for Abdominoplasty

  • Your surgeon will discuss your expectations from the surgery.
  • They will evaluate your general health and any pre-existing health conditions.
  • You will provide information about any medications and supplements you are currently taking.
  • You will discuss any previous surgeries.
  • Photos will be taken for before and after comparison.
  • Your surgeon will recommend the best treatment plan for you.
  • You will be informed about the potential outcomes and risks of the surgery.

Being honest during the consultation is crucial. Do not hesitate to ask your surgeon questions and discuss any concerns. This is essential for the success of your abdominoplasty.

Risks of Abdominoplasty

The risks of abdominoplasty include:

  • Anesthesia risks: Complications related to anesthesia, such as allergic reactions, aspiration, or cardiovascular issues.
  • Asymmetry: Uneven appearance of the abdomen post-surgery.
  • Hemorrhage: Internal or external bleeding during or after the surgery.
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Risk of blood clots in the deep veins of the legs.
  • Cardiac and pulmonary complications: Serious issues like heart rhythm disturbances, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism.
  • Fat necrosis: Death of fatty tissue under the skin.
  • Seroma: Accumulation of serous fluid at the surgical site.
  • Infection: Risk of bacterial infection at the surgical site.
  • Sensory changes: Alterations in skin sensation, such as numbness or tingling.
  • Chronic pain: Long-term or permanent pain.
  • Poor wound healing: Delayed or inadequate healing of the surgical wound.
  • Revision surgery: Need for additional surgery to correct or improve results.
  • Recurrent skin laxity: Skin becoming loose again after surgery.
  • Skin discoloration and swelling: Changes in skin color and prolonged swelling.
  • Skin loss: Necrosis or loss of skin tissue.
  • Suboptimal aesthetic results: Not achieving the desired cosmetic outcome.
  • Scarring: Noticeable scars remaining after surgery.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Preparation

Before undergoing abdominoplasty, you may be required to:

  • Undergo lab tests or a medical evaluation to check your health status.
  • Adjust or take certain medications.
  • Quit smoking, as it can delay healing.
  • Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding risk.

    Stages of Abdominoplasty

    Abdominoplasty involves the following stages:

    1. Anesthesia: Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgery. Options include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.
    2. Incision: A full tummy tuck requires a horizontal incision between the pubic hairline and the navel.

    Excess skin is removed, and weakened abdominal muscles are repaired.

    A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin from the upper abdomen.

    The upper abdominal skin is pulled down like a window shade, excess skin is trimmed, and the remaining skin is sutured together. A new opening for the navel is created, and the navel is repositioned.

      1. Closing the Incisions: The skin incisions are closed with sutures, skin adhesives, tapes, or clips.
      2. Results: Abdominoplasty results in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate to your body type and weight.

        Recovery After Abdominoplasty

        During the recovery period after abdominoplasty, you can expect:

        1. Dressings and Bandages: Your incisions will be covered with dressings or bandages. An elastic bandage or compression garment will be used to reduce swelling and support your abdomen as it heals.
        2. Drainage Tubes: Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid.
        3. Special Instructions: 
          • How to care for the surgical site and drains.
          • Medications to take to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection.
          • Specific concerns to watch for at the surgical site or in your general health.
          • When to follow up with your surgeon.

        Results After Abdominoplasty

        • Initially, there will be swelling, and you may not be able to stand fully upright. This is normal and will subside over time.
        • Within a week or two, you should be standing tall and confident with your new, slimmer abdominal profile.
        • The surgery will result in a flatter and firmer abdomen that is more proportionate to your body type and weight.

        Scarring from Abdominoplasty

        • Women who have had a cesarean section may have their existing scars incorporated into the new scar from the tummy tuck. This can make the scars less noticeable.
        • The complete fading of scars can take several months to a year, depending on the individual’s healing process.
        • In some cases, additional surgery may be needed to achieve the best results.

        Cost of Abdominoplasty

        The cost of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) in Azerbaijan starts from 3000-3500 AZN. The price of the tummy tuck surgery varies depending on several factors such as the clinic, the surgeon’s experience, the type of procedure, and the extent of the surgery required in the abdominal area.