Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) in Istanbul
A tummy tuck removes loose abdominal skin and can tighten the abdominal muscles. It is planned after an examination and is not a weight-loss method.
General information; it does not replace a medical consultation.
What is a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and, in many cases, repairs separated abdominal muscles. It is often considered after pregnancy or major weight loss, when loose skin does not improve with exercise. It leaves a scar low on the abdomen and is not a weight-loss method.
Tummy tuck or liposuction: what is the difference?
| Aspect | Tummy tuck | Liposuction |
|---|---|---|
| Main goal | Remove loose skin and tighten the abdominal wall | Remove localised fat |
| Skin | Excess skin is removed | Skin must shrink by itself |
| Muscles | Separated muscles can be repaired | Muscles are not treated |
| Scar | Long scar low on the abdomen | Small incision scars |
The two are often combined in one plan. Read more about liposuction.
Which types of tummy tuck are there?
- Full abdominoplasty: treats skin above and below the navel and usually repositions the navel.
- Mini abdominoplasty: limited to the lower abdomen, with a shorter scar.
- Extended abdominoplasty: continues towards the flanks when there is excess skin on the sides.
The surgeon recommends the type after examining your skin, fat and muscles.
Who may be a good candidate?
- adults at a stable weight with loose abdominal skin or a weakened abdominal wall;
- people who have finished having children, because a later pregnancy can stretch the area again;
- non-smokers, as smoking increases wound-healing problems;
- people in good general health with realistic expectations about the scar.
Who may not be suitable yet?
- people still losing weight or planning major weight loss;
- people planning a pregnancy;
- people with uncontrolled medical conditions or a high risk of blood clots, until assessed.
How is it planned in Istanbul?
- You share photos, weight history, pregnancies and medical history.
- The surgeon examines you, may request blood tests and explains the type of surgery and scar position.
- Surgery is done under general anaesthesia, usually with a hospital stay; drains may be used.
- You wear a compression garment and receive written aftercare instructions.
- A check-up takes place before you fly home; the number of days is in your written plan.
What is recovery like?
Early walking is encouraged, while heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are avoided for several weeks. Many patients walk slightly bent at first to protect the incision. Swelling settles over months and the scar fades gradually. Ask when you can return to work and when flying is appropriate, as long journeys soon after surgery increase clot risk.
What are the risks?
- visible scarring, or a scar that widens or thickens;
- fluid collection (seroma), infection or delayed wound healing;
- numbness of the lower abdominal skin;
- blood clots in the legs or lungs;
- asymmetry or the need for a revision.
What factors determine the cost of a tummy tuck?
The cost depends on the type of abdominoplasty, whether muscle repair or liposuction is added, the hospital stay and what is included, such as garments and follow-up. Ask for a written, itemised plan.
How does AVAN AESTH help?
AVAN AESTH is a patient coordination service, not a clinic or hospital. We share your information with a licensed provider in Istanbul for an initial assessment, help you understand the written plan and organise appointments and travel. The surgical decision and the operation are the surgeon’s responsibility.
Related: Body contouring, plastic surgery in Istanbul.
Frequently asked questions about tummy tuck
Will a tummy tuck leave a scar?
Yes. A horizontal scar remains low on the abdomen, usually hidden by underwear. It fades over months but does not disappear completely.
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Whether and when a tummy tuck fits your family plans is assessed individually by the treating surgeon. Mention a planned pregnancy at your first contact and share your health history and medicines in advance; a later pregnancy can stretch the skin and muscles again, which is why the procedure is usually considered once family planning is complete.
When can I stand up straight and lift things?
In the first days many people walk slightly bent forward; posture returns gradually. Heavy lifting and hard exercise are avoided for a few weeks, as advised by the surgeon.
Is a tummy tuck combined with liposuction?
Often, for example on the flanks. Whether the combination is suitable and safe for you is decided by the surgeon after an examination.
Personalised treatment plan
Your individual package includes hotel accommodation, airport welcome, VIP transfers, interpreter support and the medicines prescribed by the treating professional. Your dates and length of stay in Istanbul depend on your treatment plan; before booking, confirm them in writing together with the number of hotel nights and aftercare arrangements.
Travel and length of stay
Ask for an individual schedule before booking flights. Confirm the number of visits, review appointments and when the treating professional expects you to be fit to travel. Some treatment plans require more than one visit.
Follow-up after returning home
After you return home, we follow up with you for 2 years and we get in touch with you ourselves: close follow-up in the first week, then once a month until month 6 and every 3 months until the end of the second year.
Request information →Plan your consultation
Tell us which treatment you are considering, your country and your preferred contact time. We will help you understand what information is needed for an initial assessment.
2-year follow-up: once you are home, AVAN AESTH follows up with you for two years. You send photos at the times the treatment team recommends, and we pass on your questions and the answers.
For patients with heart disease or diabetes we do not coordinate plastic surgery; we refer them to a fully equipped hospital for direct assessment.
Travelling from the UK, the US or Canada? Entry, insurance and follow-up at home: read our guides for UK patients, US patients and Canadian patients. See also when we say “no”.
Planning your treatment
Before booking, discuss your goals, suitability, alternatives and risks with the treating professional. Request a written treatment plan and realistic expectations. The plan should be based on your individual assessment.
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