Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) in Türkiye

What it is

Abdominoplasty is surgery to improve the shape of the abdomen by removing excess loose skin and fat and tightening the abdominal muscles. It is used for skin that exercise cannot change, such as skin left after pregnancy or major weight loss.

There are two main types. In a partial (mini) abdominoplasty, the surgeon makes a large cut low on the tummy, separates the skin below the belly button, removes excess fat and skin and stitches what remains. In a full abdominoplasty, the cut runs hip to hip above the pubic area, a second cut frees the belly button, the muscles are realigned, and a new opening for the belly button is cut and stitched. Our register lists mini abdominoplasty as a separate treatment; check which one your quote means.

Who it is for, and who it is not for

It is not a procedure for someone who is overweight and is not a quick fix for weight loss; it is usually advised only for people with a healthy BMI. In the UK it is regarded as cosmetic surgery and is not usually available through the health service.

Clots are an area where UK surgeons' guidance pays particular attention in body-contouring surgery, and it singles out a family history of clots, a BMI over 30, age over 40, a previous clot, oral hormone replacement or the contraceptive pill, and previous weight-loss surgery or circumferential procedures as needing particular attention. Say so at every consultation. The same guidance treats operations over three hours, multiple-site surgery and operations after massive weight loss as the highest-risk group for travel.

How it is done in Türkiye

The operation is usually done under general anaesthetic and takes 2 to 5 hours. Most people stay in hospital for a few nights. You leave with dressings and a compression garment (a corset or tummy-control pants), and someone should drive you home and stay with you for the next 24 hours.

Who may operate: plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeons are the specialists in the register's own scheme for this operation, and Turkish plastic surgery is a five-year specialty. Ask for the specialty and the certificate in writing.

On facility type, the Ministry's rules for outpatient facilities let a medical centre operate only under a surgical permit limited to the specialties named on it; patients graded ASA 3 or above (a standard anaesthetic risk grade) cannot be operated on there, and observation is limited to 24 hours. A polyclinic may not run around the clock or have an emergency unit. A hospital can admit you overnight. Given a multi-hour operation and a stay of several nights, ask the facility to state in writing where you will be the night after surgery and who is on call.

The register records that a facility is authorised to treat international patients; each facility enters its own treatment list, and the authorisation does not certify the procedure.

What to check before you book

• The surgeon, by name, their specialty, and that they will operate themselves. See how to check a doctor.
• The place, its type and authorisation number: how to read one.
• The anaesthetist: named, with their specialty, present throughout.
• Clot prevention: whether you have been assessed for clot risk, and what is planned (stockings, movement, medication). UK surgeons' guidance suggests compression stockings for at least two weeks after general-anaesthetic operations.
• Combined operations: exactly what is included, and the planned operating time.
• How long you stay: UK guidance suggests being in the destination for at least 72 hours before, and 1 to 2 weeks after, a general-anaesthetic operation up to three hours; for longer operations, a week before and 2 to 4 weeks after. This is expert opinion rather than trial evidence. Get the surgeon's clearance to fly in writing; public-health guidance gives 7 to 10 days as the minimum for a tummy tuck.
• Review and follow-up: a review by the operating surgeon before you travel, a booked early follow-up, and one at six weeks to six months.
• Records: operation note, anaesthetic record, discharge summary, and your file: what to ask for.

See also our guide to tummy tucks in Türkiye.

What a package must state

• Full or partial abdominoplasty, and anything else done at the same time.
• Facility name, type, address and authorisation number; surgeon and anaesthetist names and specialties.
• Number of nights in hospital and the type of room.
• Compression garments, dressings, medicines and clot-prevention measures: included or charged separately.
• The dates of consultations, the review before you travel, and the minimum stay.
• Remote follow-up after you return, for how long, and in which language.
• Who treats and who pays for a complication or revision, and in which country.
• The documents you will be given on leaving.

Risks, complications and aftercare

Expected: a scar across the lower tummy (and around the belly button after a full abdominoplasty), a feeling of being pulled and difficulty standing straight at first, pain and bruising, numbness that can last months to years, a temporary fluid swelling above the scar, and raised red scars that usually fade over 12 to 18 months.

Occasional complications: thick scars, bulges under the skin, "dog ears" at the ends of the scar, wounds that do not heal, fluid collections, blood collecting under the skin, numbness or pain in the tummy or down the leg, and breathing problems. General risks: heavy bleeding, a blood clot in a vein, infection, and a very rare reaction to the anaesthetic. Some people do not get the result they wanted and have another operation.

Recovery: about 4 to 6 weeks off work and exercise, no driving for a few weeks (ask your surgeon and insurer), a corset or tummy-control pants for six weeks, and keeping your knees bent in bed to protect the stitches. Contact the clinic quickly for severe pain or anything unexpected. See aftercare abroad and how to complain.

Questions to ask in writing

• Who will operate, with what specialty? Please send the certificate.
• Where will I spend each night, and who is on call overnight?
• Who is the anaesthetist, and how long is the planned operation, including anything combined?
• What is my clot risk assessment, and what measures will be used?
• How many days must I stay before and after surgery, and will you confirm in writing when I may fly?
• Will the operating surgeon review me before I leave, and when are the follow-ups?
• Who treats a wound problem or a clot at home, and who pays?
• Which documents will I receive on leaving?
• Can I see the contract and cancellation terms before paying any deposit?

This page is an information service, not medical advice. Clinimora is an independent, patient-funded research service. It does not sell treatment, does not diagnose and does not recommend any clinic.