Mini abdominoplasty
Removes a small ellipse of skin below the belly button. It does not treat skin above the navel.
- Scar
- Short, low
- Muscle repair
- Lower abdomen, if needed
- Belly button
- Usually unchanged
- Stay
- About 7 days
Tummy tuck techniques
Abdominoplasty Types Explained six techniques compared, muscle repair explained and a 7–14 day Istanbul plan
Abdominoplasty removes excess abdominal skin and fat and usually repairs separated stomach muscles. The technique is chosen by where your loose skin is. Plan 7–14 days in Istanbul, depending on the technique.
- 7–14 days in Istanbul
- 1–2 nights in hospital
- Desk work in 2–3 weeks
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Editorially reviewed by the Vivid Clinic Surgical Board · Last reviewed September 2026
At a glance
What is abdominoplasty, and what to expect
Abdominoplasty is the medical name for a tummy tuck. It removes excess skin and fat, repairs separated muscles, repositions the belly button and redrapes the remaining skin. To plan the trip itself, see our tummy tuck in Turkey page.
- Procedure time
- 2–5 hLonger for extended or fleur-de-lis
- Stay in Istanbul
- 7–14 days7 for mini; 10–14 for extended
- Back to desk work
- 2–3 weeksOften 1–2 weeks after a mini
- Core training
- 6–8 weeksNo heavy lifting before then
- Final result
- 3–6 monthsOnce swelling has settled
- Scars mature
- 12–18 monthsGradually fading over time
See all procedure details
| Procedure time | 2–5 hours (extended and fleur-de-lis techniques can take longer) |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia |
| Hospital stay | 1–2 nights |
| Recommended stay in Istanbul | 7 days (mini) to 10–14 days (extended or fleur-de-lis) |
| Back to desk work | 2–3 weeks |
| Exercise | Walking from the next day; core training after 6–8 weeks |
| Compression garment | About 6 weeks |
| Final result | About 3–6 months; scars mature over 12–18 months |
| Results last | Long term with stable weight and no further pregnancy |
| Stitches | Mostly dissolvable; any external stitches removed at check-ups |
Real patient results
See the full galleryAbdominoplasty before and after
Results from Vivid Clinic patients, shared with consent. Individual results vary. 5 cases shown; each caption states what the photos show and what is not recorded.
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) · Case VC-19518 Before: Large loose abdominal apron with stretch marks. After: Flat abdomen (scar masked by a colour overlay).
Vivid Clinic patient, shared with consent. Individual results vary; this is one case, not a promise of your outcome.
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) · Case VC-19511 Before: Loose abdominal skin. After: Flatter abdomen.
Combined procedures: liposuction, breast lift?. The visible change reflects all of them, not one procedure alone.
Vivid Clinic patient, shared with consent. Individual results vary; this is one case, not a promise of your outcome.
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) · Case VC-14676 Before: Loose abdominal skin. After: Flat abdomen.
Vivid Clinic patient, shared with consent. Individual results vary; this is one case, not a promise of your outcome.
Mommy makeover (combined) · Case VC-26771 Before: Loose, creased abdominal skin. After: Flat, smooth abdomen.
Combined procedures: tummy tuck, liposuction. The visible change reflects all of them, not one procedure alone.
Vivid Clinic patient, shared with consent. Individual results vary; this is one case, not a promise of your outcome.
Mommy makeover (combined) · Case VC-26778 Before: Loose abdominal skin. After: Flat abdomen.
Combined procedures: tummy tuck, liposuction. The visible change reflects all of them, not one procedure alone.
Vivid Clinic patient, shared with consent. Individual results vary; this is one case, not a promise of your outcome.
Photos are unedited clinic composites; before and after photos may differ in lighting, clothing and pose. Consent is on file at the clinic.
Candidacy
Who is abdominoplasty right for — and who should wait?
Abdominoplasty often suits you if
- You are an adult at a stable weight
- You have loose skin or a muscle gap that exercise has not improved
- You do not smoke, or can stop for several weeks around surgery
- You have finished having children
It may be better to wait if
- You plan further pregnancies or are still losing weight
- You have uncontrolled diabetes, heart or lung disease, or a history of blood clots
- You had bariatric surgery and your weight has been stable for less than about six months
Mainly concerned about fat rather than loose skin? Liposuction may be the better fit. Concerns across the tummy and breasts after pregnancy are covered on our mommy makeover page.
Six techniques
Abdominoplasty types compared
Your surgeon assesses where the loose skin is, the muscle gap and the quality of your skin and fat. The technique follows from those findings. Each card shows who it suits, where the scar sits and the typical stay.
Full abdominoplasty
Treats loose skin above and below the navel, lower stretch marks and a muscle bulge together.
- Scar
- Low, hip to hip
- Muscle repair
- Full length
- Belly button
- Repositioned
- Stay
- About 10 days
Extended abdominoplasty
Lengthens the incision around the hips to remove skin and fat rolls that wrap onto the flanks.
- Scar
- Low, extends around the hips
- Muscle repair
- Full length
- Belly button
- Repositioned
- Stay
- 10–14 days
Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty
Adds a vertical midline incision to remove skin side to side as well as top to bottom.
- Scar
- Low horizontal plus vertical midline
- Muscle repair
- Full length
- Belly button
- Reconstructed
- Stay
- 10–14 days
Lipoabdominoplasty
Builds liposuction of the upper abdomen and flanks into the operation, preserving more skin blood supply.
- Scar
- As a full abdominoplasty
- Muscle repair
- Full length
- Belly button
- Repositioned
- Stay
- About 10 days
Reverse abdominoplasty
Lifts loose upper-abdominal skin upwards through an incision in the breast fold. Used in selected cases.
- Scar
- Under the breast fold
- Muscle repair
- Upper, if needed
- Belly button
- Usually unchanged
- Stay
- About 7–10 days
If loose skin continues around the back, a circumferential body lift (belt lipectomy) may be discussed instead. Your surgeon checks where the loose skin ends with you standing.
Step by step
How abdominoplasty is done
Under general anaesthesia, excess skin and fat are removed through a technique-specific incision. Separated muscles are stitched together and the belly button is repositioned or rebuilt. Your surgeon explains the recommended technique and the reasoning in writing.
Assessment
Loose skin, muscle gap and skin quality examined; technique chosen.
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia after blood tests and an anaesthesia assessment.
Incision
Low, around the hips, vertical or in the breast fold.
Muscle repair
Separated rectus muscles stitched together with strong internal sutures.
Skin and navel
Excess skin removed, skin redraped, belly button repositioned or rebuilt.
Observation
One or two hospital nights; walking within hours.
Your Istanbul journey
Seven to fourteen days, fully coordinated
Your stay is timed to your technique. The full day-by-day plan and packing tips are on our tummy tuck page.
Day 1
Arrival
VIP airport transfer and hotel check-in with your patient coordinator.
Day 2
Consultation and surgery
Consultation, blood tests and anaesthesia assessment, then surgery. One or two nights in an accredited partner hospital follow, walking within hours.
Days 5–9
Hotel recovery
Check-ups, dressing changes and drain removal if drains were used. The 24/7 support line is always available.
Days 7–14
Fit-to-fly review
Your surgeon checks healing before you fly, timed to your technique. Remote follow-up continues at home.
Send your photos. Get an honest technique recommendation.
Front, side and back photos of your abdomen plus a short medical history — a plastic surgeon explains which technique fits your body and why. Free, no obligation.
Recovery
Abdominoplasty recovery by technique
Recovery depends mainly on the technique. Our tummy tuck page covers drains, week-by-week recovery and scar care.
- MiniOften back at a desk within 1–2 weeks, with less tightness.
- Full and lipoWalking bent forward for the first week; desk work at 2–3 weeks; garment for about six weeks.
- Extended and fleur-de-lisLonger operation, more swelling along the flanks or midline and closer wound monitoring.Longer stay
- Weeks 6–8All techniques: no heavy lifting or core training until six to eight weeks.
- Months 3–18Final result at about 3–6 months; scars mature over 12–18 months.
How long abdominoplasty results last
Results are long term if your weight stays stable and you do not have a further pregnancy. Weight change or pregnancy can stretch skin and repaired muscles again.
Stitches are mostly dissolvable, and any external stitches are removed at your check-ups in Istanbul. Scars mature over 12 to 18 months.
Standard or fleur-de-lis?
Full vs fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty
In short: a full abdominoplasty removes skin from top to bottom. A fleur-de-lis also removes it side to side, which narrows the waist but adds a vertical scar. Surgeons reserve it for cases where the benefit is clear.
| Full abdominoplasty | Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | Loose skin above and below the navel, with a muscle gap | Horizontal and vertical excess, mainly after major weight loss or bariatric surgery |
| Skin removed | Top to bottom | Top to bottom and side to side |
| Scar | Low, hip to hip | Low horizontal plus a vertical midline scar |
| Belly button | Repositioned | Reconstructed; a new navel may be created |
| Wound healing | Standard abdominoplasty risks | Higher risk where the two incisions meet |
| Typical stay in Istanbul | About 10 days | 10–14 days |
An existing vertical midline scar can make a fleur-de-lis a sensible choice. If loose skin wraps onto the flanks rather than the midline, an extended abdominoplasty may suit you better.
Price and packages
What determines your abdominoplasty quote
Abdominoplasty quotes vary because techniques vary. A surgeon reviews your photos before quoting, and the consultation is free.
Your all-inclusive package
Typically covers:
- Surgeon consultation
- Abdominoplasty surgery
- General anaesthesia
- Hospital stay
- Hotel accommodation
- Transfers in Istanbul
- Multilingual patient coordinator
- Aftercare, 24/7 support line and remote follow-up
Your price depends on
- The technique, from mini to fleur-de-lis
- The extent of muscle or hernia repair
- Added liposuction or combined procedures, such as a mommy makeover
- Hospital nights and the length of your stay in Istanbul
Why Vivid Clinic
Meet our medical team
Why patients choose Vivid Clinic for abdominoplasty in Istanbul
- Plastic surgeons, with medical review by Prof. Dr. Özgür Pilancı
- Accredited partner hospitals in Istanbul with full anaesthesia teams
- A written plan explaining which technique is recommended and why
- All-inclusive coordination and multilingual patient coordinators
- 24/7 support line and remote follow-up after you return home
Medical review
Prof. Dr. Özgür Pilancı reviewed the medical content of this page. Your consultation confirms which surgeon performs your abdominoplasty.
Prof. Dr. Özgür Pilancı
Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon
- Plastic surgery specialist since 2006 (Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul)
- Associate professor since 2015
- Clinical fellow in Rio de Janeiro in 2016
Safety
Risks of abdominoplasty and how we reduce them
Abdominoplasty is major surgery. Wound-healing problems are more likely in smokers and where the two fleur-de-lis incisions meet.
Possible effects
- Seroma (fluid collection), bleeding and infection
- Wound-healing problems, especially in smokers
- Numbness and raised or widened scars
- Asymmetry or belly-button irregularity
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
How we reduce them
- Screening of your health, BMI and clot risk first
- Stopping smoking before surgery is required
- Accredited hospitals with an anaesthesiologist
- Early walking and clot prevention as needed
- Regular check-ups in Istanbul before you fly
The international society ISAPS publishes patient guidance on choosing a qualified surgeon and travelling for surgery. Our tummy tuck side effects guide explains recovery problems in more detail.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about abdominoplasty
Who needs a fleur de lis abdominoplasty rather than a standard abdominoplasty?
Mainly people after massive weight loss or bariatric surgery who have loose skin both vertically and horizontally. In these cases the waist stays wide even after a standard abdominoplasty. The added vertical incision removes that side-to-side excess. It also suits patients who already have an upper midline scar. Because it leaves a vertical scar and has a higher wound-healing risk, surgeons reserve it for cases where the benefit is clear.
What is the difference between an extended abdominoplasty and a body lift?
An extended abdominoplasty lengthens the incision around the hips to remove skin rolls on the flanks, but the scar stops short of the back. A circumferential body lift, or belt lipectomy, continues the incision all the way round to treat the lower back and buttocks too. Which you need depends on where your loose skin ends, which your surgeon checks with you standing.
Does every abdominoplasty include diastasis recti repair?
No. Most full, extended and fleur-de-lis operations include it, because muscle separation is common after pregnancy and weight change. A mini abdominoplasty may repair only the lower part, and some patients have no meaningful gap. Your surgeon examines the muscles before surgery, sometimes with ultrasound, and confirms the finding during the operation. The repair is planned into your recovery, as it is the main reason for avoiding heavy lifting for about six weeks.
How is lipoabdominoplasty different from abdominoplasty with separate liposuction?
In lipoabdominoplasty, liposuction of the upper abdomen and flanks is built into the operation. The skin is lifted in a more limited way that preserves more of its blood supply. This lets the surgeon contour the waist while tightening the front. A standard abdominoplasty with added liposuction treats areas more separately. Whether lipoabdominoplasty suits you depends on your fat distribution and skin quality.
Will my belly button look natural after abdominoplasty?
That is the aim of every reconstruction. In a full abdominoplasty your own belly button stays attached to the muscle wall and is brought through a new opening. It is shaped to be small and slightly hooded, with the scar inside it. Healing varies, and occasionally a minor revision under local anaesthetic is needed. In fleur-de-lis cases a new navel may be created, which your surgeon discusses beforehand.
How long should I stay in Istanbul for abdominoplasty?
It depends on the technique. Plan about 7 days for a mini abdominoplasty, about 10 days for a full abdominoplasty or lipoabdominoplasty, and 10–14 days for extended or fleur-de-lis techniques. You arrive on day 1, have surgery on day 2 and spend one or two nights in hospital. Your surgeon then checks your wounds, removes any drains and confirms you are fit to fly.
Is abdominoplasty the same as a tummy tuck?
Yes. Abdominoplasty is the medical name for a tummy tuck. This page compares the abdominoplasty techniques in detail, from mini to fleur-de-lis, so you understand your options and the scar each one leaves. Ready to plan the trip? Our tummy tuck in Turkey page covers booking, the 10-day Istanbul plan, drains, week-by-week recovery and scar care.
Free assessment
Plan your abdominoplasty in Istanbul
Send front, side and back photos of your abdomen and a short medical history through WhatsApp or the form. A Vivid Clinic plastic surgeon explains which abdominoplasty technique fits your body and why. It is free and there is no obligation.
- 1Share your details and photosHere, or by WhatsApp on +90 545 742 3565.
- 2Medical review within 24 hoursYour recommended technique and the reasoning, trip length and a clear quote.
- 3Your personalised Istanbul planDates, hotel, transfers and your coordinator’s contact.
Get my free abdominoplasty plan
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