What is a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty (commonly called a tummy tuck) removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the underlying abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis repair). It is not a weight-loss procedure — it is a body contouring procedure for patients who have excess skin following significant weight loss, pregnancy, or age-related skin laxity that cannot be addressed through diet and exercise alone.
Turkey has become a major destination for UK patients seeking abdominoplasty, primarily due to cost: a full tummy tuck in the UK costs £6,500–£11,000. In Turkey, the same procedure with an experienced plastic surgeon costs £2,800–£5,000.
Types of Abdominoplasty
Full abdominoplasty: Addresses the entire abdomen (above and below the navel). Requires repositioning of the navel (belly button). A horizontal scar runs low across the abdomen (typically below the bikini line). Muscle repair (diastasis correction) is performed if required.
Mini abdominoplasty: Addresses only the lower abdomen (below the navel). The navel is not repositioned. Suitable for patients with limited lower abdominal skin laxity and good upper abdominal skin quality. Shorter scar, faster recovery.
Extended abdominoplasty: Extends the incision around the flanks and sometimes to the lower back to address excess skin in these areas as well. For patients with significant lateral skin laxity, often following bariatric surgery.
360 body lift (belt lipectomy): A full circumferential procedure addressing excess skin around the entire torso. For patients who have lost very large amounts of weight. A major procedure requiring 2–5 nights hospital stay and a longer recovery.
Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty: Adds a vertical scar in addition to the horizontal scar to address excess skin in both directions. For patients with significant central skin laxity, particularly after massive weight loss.
Who is a Good Candidate?
A tummy tuck is appropriate if you:
A tummy tuck is NOT a substitute for weight loss. Patients who are significantly overweight will achieve better and safer results by losing weight first.
Combined Procedures: The "Mummy Makeover"
Many UK patients combine abdominoplasty with other procedures in a single visit:
Combining procedures increases total anaesthesia time and surgical risk. Most reputable surgeons limit combined cases to 5–6 hours of total operating time. Discuss the plan carefully with your surgeon before committing.
The Procedure
Performed under general anaesthesia. A full abdominoplasty takes 2–3 hours; combined procedures longer. Hospital stay is typically 2 nights.
Surgical steps (full abdominoplasty):
1. Horizontal incision low on the abdomen
2. Skin elevated to expose the abdominal muscles
3. Diastasis (muscle separation) repaired if present
4. Excess skin and fat removed
5. Remaining skin re-draped and closed
6. Navel repositioned and sutured into new position
7. Drains placed (usually removed day 2–3)
Recovery Timeline
| Period | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Hospital stay, significant discomfort, drains in place |
| Days 4–7 | Drains removed, hunched posture to avoid tension on scar |
| Week 2 | Gradually straightening up, short walks encouraged |
| Weeks 3–4 | Light desk work possible, compression garment worn |
| Month 1 | Scar forming, swelling still significant |
| Months 2–3 | Return to most activities, avoid strenuous core exercises |
| Months 3–6 | Swelling resolving, scar softening and fading |
| Months 6–12 | Scar continues to mature — final appearance at 12–18 months |
The scar: The horizontal scar is permanent but is placed below the bikini/underwear line in most cases. It matures from red/pink to a silver-white colour over 12–18 months. Silicone scar sheets and sun protection significantly improve scar appearance.
Flying After a Tummy Tuck
Most surgeons recommend a minimum of 10–14 days before flying after a tummy tuck. DVT risk is higher after this procedure than most other cosmetic surgeries due to the combination of abdominal surgery and restricted movement. You should plan a stay of at least 10–14 days in Turkey.
Costs: Turkey vs UK
| Procedure | United Kingdom | Turkey |
|---|---|---|
| Mini abdominoplasty | £4,500–£7,500 | £2,000–£3,200 |
| Full abdominoplasty | £6,500–£11,000 | £2,800–£5,000 |
| Extended abdominoplasty | £8,000–£14,000 | £3,500–£6,000 |
| 360 body lift | £12,000–£20,000 | £5,500–£9,000 |
| Mummy makeover (tummy tuck + breast) | £10,000–£18,000 | £4,500–£8,000 |
Key Questions to Ask
What to Bring to Turkey
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