Skip to content
Rebirthian

Body Contouring · Surgical

Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty

Tummy tuck in Istanbul: abdominoplasty that removes excess skin, repairs muscles separated by pregnancy and refines the waistline — within an 8–10 day stay.

Last medical review:Dr. Mert Aydınlı

Woman in a dress looking out of a window
Duration
2–4 hours
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
Hospital stay
1–2 nights
Stay in Istanbul
8–10 days
Recovery
Back to social life in 2–3 weeks
Results
Final shape at 6–12 months

Overview

Abdominoplasty removes the excess skin and fat that can remain after pregnancy or significant weight loss, and tightens a lax abdominal wall. It addresses changes that exercise alone cannot, aiming for a flatter, more balanced abdomen.

Muscle separation (diastasis), common after pregnancy, is repaired by bringing the abdominal muscles back together along the midline. This supports the abdominal wall as well as its appearance, and planning may include an ultrasound.

Surgery takes place under general anaesthesia in our accredited partner hospital. The incision is placed low, to sit beneath underwear or swimwear, and the navel is repositioned to look natural. You then spend one or two nights in hospital.

Who is it for?

  • Anyone with loose skin and laxity of the abdomen after pregnancy
  • People noticing a forward bulge caused by muscle separation (diastasis)
  • Those bothered by hanging skin after significant weight loss
  • Patients whose family is complete (a later pregnancy can affect the result)
  • Adults at a stable weight and in good health who do not smoke, or can stop

Techniques & options

01

Full tummy tuck

Through a low hip-to-hip incision, excess skin is removed, the muscles are repaired and the navel repositioned. Suited to more significant laxity.

02

Mini tummy tuck

A shorter incision addresses limited excess skin below the navel only, without moving the navel. In suitable patients, recovery is shorter.

03

Extended tummy tuck

The incision continues towards the sides to correct excess skin at the waist and flanks as well. Often chosen after significant weight loss.

04

Combined with liposuction

Liposuction of the waist, flanks or back can be added for a more coherent waistline, always planned within safe limits.

How it works

  1. 1

    Online assessment

    You share your photos and medical history; your surgeon listens to your goals, assesses suitability and prepares a personal preliminary plan.

  2. 2

    Arrival and consultation

    You are met at the airport and settled into your hotel. The same day brings an examination and muscle assessment, blood tests and an anaesthesia review.

  3. 3

    Surgery day

    The 2–4 hour operation is performed under general anaesthesia, followed by one or two nights of nurse-supervised rest in hospital. Short walks begin on the first day.

  4. 4

    Recovery at the hotel

    Your coordinator schedules your dressing changes and check-ins. Drains usually come out within the first week, and your garment and short walks support recovery.

  5. 5

    Final check and flight home

    At your final check on days 8–10, you receive guidance on scar care and your garment. Online follow-ups continue for 12 months.

Recovery timeline

  1. Days 1–3

    Rest

    You walk slightly bent forward and rest with your knees gently bent. Tightness and tenderness are expected and managed with regular medication.

  2. Days 4–10

    Recovering

    You stand a little straighter each day and the drains come out. Your support garment is worn day and night, alongside short walks.

  3. Weeks 2–3

    Social life

    Most people return to desk work and social plans. Heavy lifting and movements that strain the abdominal muscles are still avoided.

  4. Weeks 6–8

    Active life

    Exercise resumes gradually with your surgeon's approval, with core work added last. The garment is usually set aside around this time.

  5. Months 6–12

    Final shape

    Swelling resolves fully and the abdomen settles into its final shape. Over time the scar usually fades from pink to a paler, finer line.

The doctor planning your treatment

Portrait of a bearded male physician in a white coat

16 years' experience

Dr. Mert Aydınlı

Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Dr. Mert Aydınlı puts safety and proportion at the centre of body-contouring surgery, planning liposuction, tummy tuck and breast procedures as part of one coherent silhouette.

ISAPSTPRECD

Frequently asked questions

Tummy tuck or liposuction?
If the concern is fat alone and your skin is elastic, liposuction may be enough. Excess skin or muscle separation usually points to a tummy tuck, and the two are often combined.
Will the scar show, and what are the risks?
As with any surgery, a tummy tuck carries risks, which are discussed openly at your consultation. The incision sits within your underwear line; the scar is permanent but usually fades and softens over time.
Will I have drains?
Fine drains are often placed to remove fluid that may collect. Once the fluid lessens, usually within the first week, they are removed in a quick, comfortable procedure.
How long should I wait after pregnancy?
Waiting 6–12 months after giving birth and after breastfeeding ends is generally advised, so your body can recover. A stable weight is also part of planning.
When can I fly home?
Once your drains are out and you have had your final check, usually on days 8–10. That is why we plan a stay of 8–10 days in Istanbul.
Is a tummy tuck painful?
In the first days, especially after muscle repair, you can expect noticeable tightness and tenderness. This is managed comfortably with regular pain relief and nursing care.

The information on this page is for general guidance and does not replace a personal medical assessment. The possible risks of any treatment, and whether it suits you, are discussed in detail at your consultation.

Related treatments

Back silhouette of a woman in a white camisoleSurgical

Body Contouring

Liposuction

Balanced, natural contours for areas that resist diet and exercise.

Duration
2–4 hours
Stay in Istanbul
7 days
Woman with her hair in a bun, seen from behind on a white backdropSurgical

Body Contouring

Breast Aesthetics

A natural, balanced breast shape — in proportion with your whole figure.

Duration
1–4 hours
Stay in Istanbul
7 days
Woman smiling with closed eyes in golden-hour lightSurgical

Facial Aesthetics

Face & Neck Lift

A rested, natural renewal that keeps the character of your face.

Duration
4–6 hours
Stay in Istanbul
7–10 days

Rebirth Journal

Blog posts about this treatment

Join the Rebirth Movement

Your new beginning is one message away.

Share your photos and goals — our doctor will prepare a personal preliminary plan within 48 hours. Free, confidential and without obligation.

WhatsAppFree consultation