Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Tummy tuck, thigh lift, and liposuction are highly effective procedures that provide both aesthetic and functional improvements to the body. Prof. Dr. Özay Özkaya specialises in removing excess skin, tightening muscles, and eliminating stubborn fat deposits, restoring the body's natural balance and proportion.

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure aimed at removing excess skin and subcutaneous fat in the abdominal and waist areas, typically below and above the navel, and tightening the abdominal muscles. The muscles are sutured together in the midline and on the sides, which results in a flat and athletic appearance in the abdomen.

When is a Tummy Tuck Recommended?

• For patients who have experienced stretch marks, sagging, and stubborn fat deposits after pregnancy, despite dieting or exercising.
• For individuals who have developed a circumferential fatty deposit around the abdomen, often referred to as "love handles," and have excess skin.
• For patients who experience abdominal sagging due to significant weight loss and are looking for a permanent method to achieve a flat and toned belly.

The tummy tuck is one of the most commonly performed procedures for achieving a smooth, flat, and slim abdomen following significant weight loss or body changes.

What Is a Tummy Tuck and Who Is It Suitable For?

Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tuck Surgery

✅ Duration of Surgery: 3-5 hours
✅ Hospital Stay: 1 day
✅ Pain Level: No significant pain; discomfort is minimal
✅ Corset Usage: 6 weeks
✅ Return to Work: 1 week after surgery
✅ First Shower: 4-7 days post-surgery
✅ Suture Removal: Not required, as dissolvable aesthetic sutures or tissue adhesives are used instead of skin stitches

Liposuction / Fat Removal Surgery

Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic procedures, often leaving patients saying, "I'm so glad I did it!" However, it is crucial to clarify:

Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure; it is a body contouring treatment.

Many patients struggle with stubborn fat deposits despite maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine. Common concerns include:

✔️ Lack of a defined waistline
✔️ Persistent lower abdominal fat
✔️ Love handles (flanks), thick arms, or bulky legs

Even with weight loss, some individuals retain localized fat in certain areas due to genetic predisposition, making it resistant to exercise and diet.

Additionally, some patients experience asymmetrical fat distribution.
For example:

• Slim legs but a wider midsection
• A lean upper body with disproportionately larger legs

Liposuction is an effective solution for such cases, helping restore body balance and proportions.

What Does Liposuction Involve?

Liposuction is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves:

✔️ Breaking down and liquefying fat cells using specialized techniques
✔️ Suctioning out the fat permanently from targeted areas

This procedure can be performed anywhere on the body where diet- and exercise-resistant fat persists.

Liposuction and Muscle Definition

After liposuction, exercise can produce more noticeable muscle definition in a shorter period.

💪 Some patients even achieve a more sculpted abdominal (six-pack) or arm muscle appearance after the procedure.

Liposuction is a highly effective tool for body shaping and contouring, particularly when performed by an expert.

Mini Tummy Tuck & Liposuction

Liposuction techniques, including VASER Liposuction, Laser Liposuction, and Lipomatic, all operate on the principle of breaking down fat cells and removing them via a specialized vacuum system. I utilize all three methods—VASER, LASER, J-Plasma, and Lipomatic—to achieve the best results based on the patient's needs.

The choice of technique depends on various factors, including:
✔️ The location of fat deposits
✔️ Skin quality and elasticity
✔️ Patient's age
✔️ The volume of fat to be removed
✔️ The number of targeted areas (e.g., abdomen, lower belly, flanks, or thighs)

In some cases, I may combine multiple liposuction techniques in a single procedure, such as using both VASER and Laser liposuction for enhanced contouring.

Determining the Fat Removal Limit in Liposuction

Once the technique is selected, it is crucial to determine the safe amount of fat removal.

• Generally, no more than 10% of the patient’s body weight should be removed in a single session.
• For example, in a 60 kg (132 lbs) patient, the maximum recommended fat removal is around 6 liters.
• Exceeding this limit can pose serious health risks, so maintaining safe extraction levels is a top priority.

Frequently Asked Questions About Liposuction

✅ Surgery Duration: 2-5 hours, depending on the amount of fat to be removed.
✅ Hospital Stay: 1 day.
✅ Pain Level: Minimal discomfort; pain management ensures a smooth recovery.
✅ Compression Garment Usage: 6 weeks.
✅ Return to Work: 5-7 days after surgery (if less than 2 liters of fat is removed, return is possible within 2 days).
✅ First Shower: 4-7 days post-surgery.
✅ Sutures: No stitches required—tiny entry points are used, eliminating the need for visible incisions.

Liposuction is a safe and effective method for body contouring when performed within safe medical guidelines and customized to the patient's unique anatomy and goals.