Cosmetic Surgery
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Turkey
Remove excess skin, repair separated muscles and reshape your abdomen — whether after major weight loss or pregnancy — performed by board-certified plastic surgeons at Anatolia Hospital in Antalya.
Surgery time
2–4 hours
Hospital stay
2–3 nights
Stay in Antalya
7–10 days
Anaesthesia
General
OVERVIEW
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is an operation that removes loose skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the stomach muscles underneath. It is the usual choice when the problem is excess skin or separated muscles rather than fat alone — something diet, exercise or liposuction cannot fix. At NewMe it is carried out under general anaesthetic at Anatolia Hospital in Antalya by board-certified plastic surgeons, and most UK patients stay in Antalya for 7 to 10 days.
Tummy tuck or liposuction? Liposuction removes fat but cannot tighten skin or repair muscles. If your skin is loose after weight loss or pregnancy, a tummy tuck — often combined with liposuction of the waist and flanks — is normally the operation that gives a flat, firm result. If your skin is still firm and you only want to remove stubborn fat, liposuction alone may be enough.
TYPES
Which type of tummy tuck is right for me?
The right type depends on where the loose skin is and how much of it there is. Most patients need a full tummy tuck; a mini tuck suits only a small number of people. Your surgeon confirms the right option after reviewing your photos.
| Type | What it treats | Usually suits | Scar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini tummy tuck | Loose skin below the belly button only; no muscle repair above it | A small number of patients with a minor lower-tummy overhang | Short, low scar; belly button not moved |
| Full tummy tuck | Loose skin across the whole abdomen, muscle repair and a new belly button | Most patients after pregnancy or moderate weight loss | Low hip-to-hip scar plus a scar around the belly button |
| 360° (extended) tummy tuck | The abdomen plus loose skin around the flanks and lower back | Patients after major weight loss | Low scar that continues around the waist |
| Fleur-de-lis | Excess skin both horizontally and vertically | Patients after massive weight loss, often after bariatric surgery | Low horizontal scar plus a vertical midline scar |
Your surgeon confirms the right type for you after reviewing your photos in a free assessment.
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Am I a candidate for a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck addresses what diet and exercise cannot: loose skin and stretched muscles. Suitability is confirmed by our plastic surgeons after photo review and consultation.
✓ You have loose, excess abdominal skin after significant weight loss or pregnancy
✓ Your weight has been stable for at least 6 months and you are close to your goal weight
✓ You are a non-smoker (or willing to stop 4+ weeks before surgery) and not planning further pregnancy
✓ You are in good general health, and conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure are well controlled
Had weight loss surgery with us? See our post-weight-loss body contouring packages & prices →
THE PROCEDURE
How does tummy tuck surgery work?
The operation takes 2 to 4 hours under general anaesthetic. A full tummy tuck follows three main steps.
1
Incision & muscle repair
A low horizontal incision is made below the bikini line. Separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) are stitched back together for a firmer core.
2
Skin removal & contouring
Excess skin is removed and remaining skin re-draped. Liposuction of the waist and flanks is often combined for a 360-degree result.
3
New navel & closure
The belly button is repositioned naturally, incisions are closed with fine sutures, and a compression garment supports your new shape.
YOUR HOSPITAL
Where is my tummy tuck performed?
Your operation and your hospital nights take place at Anatolia Hospital in Antalya, one of NewMe’s contracted institutions. An anaesthetist looks after you during surgery and the hospital’s nursing team cares for you around the clock while you are an inpatient. After discharge you recover in a hotel close to the hospital, with our coordinators checking on you every day until your fit-to-fly review.
RECOVERY
What is recovery like after a tummy tuck?
Week 1–2
Walking slightly bent forward at first. Drains, if used, are usually removed before discharge — Dr. Houtan’s drainless technique avoids them altogether. Fit-to-fly review around day 7–10.
Week 3–4
Standing fully upright, light daily activities. Some desk-based patients return to work now, but NHS guidance suggests planning 4–6 weeks off.
Week 6–8
Compression garment comes off; gym and lifting gradually return with surgeon approval.
Month 6–18
The scar matures and fades significantly over 12–18 months with the aftercare protocol we provide.
SAFETY
What are the risks of a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is major surgery, and like any operation it carries risks. Your surgeon goes through them with you before you book, and we recommend reading the NHS overview of tummy tuck surgery as well.
Common and expected
Swelling, bruising and tightness; difficulty standing fully upright for the first days; numbness of the lower tummy that can last months; a raised scar that fades over 12–18 months.
Less common
A fluid collection (seroma) or blood collection (haematoma), slow wound healing, infection, thick or uneven scarring, and small folds of skin at the ends of the scar (“dog ears”).
Rare but serious
Blood clots in the legs or lungs (DVT or pulmonary embolism), breathing problems and reactions to the anaesthetic. These are the reasons we plan clot prevention and the timing of your flight home carefully.
How we reduce your risk: a full health questionnaire and pre-operative tests before surgery; stopping smoking at least 4 weeks before and after; walking early, compression and the clot-prevention plan your surgeon prescribes, which may include blood-thinning injections; and a fit-to-fly review before you travel home.
YOUR SURGEONS
Who will perform my tummy tuck?
Op. Dr. Houtan Zolfagharpour
Board-certified plastic surgeon and NewMe’s lead body contouring specialist. His signature: the advanced drainless technique — progressive tension sutures for a faster, more comfortable recovery.
Op. Dr. Bahadır Demirkan
Board-certified plastic surgeon, former Assistant Professor and TUS top-100 graduate — bringing academic precision to abdominoplasty, from incision planning to scar care.
FOR UK PATIENTS
Planning a tummy tuck in Turkey from the UK
NHS and tummy tucks
A tummy tuck is classed as cosmetic surgery, so the NHS does not usually provide it. Most UK patients therefore have the operation privately, at home or abroad.
Direct flights, about 4 hours
Antalya has direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham and other UK airports. UK passport holders can visit Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days.
What your package covers
The operation, your hospital nights, VIP transfers between airport, hospital and hotel, and aftercare follow-up. Your recovery hotel and your flights are booked separately.
Aftercare back home
You fly home with an English-language medical report for your GP, and our coordinators follow up with you on WhatsApp for 12 months.
Thinking about surgery abroad? Read the NHS advice on cosmetic surgery abroad before you decide — we are happy to answer every question on that checklist.
QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Will I have a visible scar?
Yes — a tummy tuck always leaves a scar, placed low so underwear and swimwear cover it, with a second small scar around the belly button after a full tummy tuck. Our surgeons use fine closure techniques and provide a scar-care protocol; most scars fade substantially over 12–18 months.
Standard, mini or 360 tummy tuck — what is the difference?
A mini tuck treats only below the navel and suits few patients; a standard (full) tuck addresses the whole abdomen with muscle repair; a 360° tuck extends around the waistline for patients after major weight loss. Your photo assessment determines which delivers the result you want — see the comparison table above.
Can I combine a tummy tuck with other procedures?
Frequently. Liposuction, breast surgery (a “mummy makeover”) or an arm lift are common combinations — done in one anaesthesia session when medically appropriate, which our surgical board evaluates case by case.
How long do I need to stay in Antalya?
Usually 7–10 days: 2–3 nights in hospital, then recovery in a hotel near the hospital with daily check-ins, and a fit-to-fly review with your surgeon before you travel home.
When can I fly home?
Most patients are cleared to fly 7–10 days after surgery, once any drains have been removed and your surgeon has completed the final review. We advise walking regularly and wearing compression stockings on the flight.
When can I go back to work?
Some patients with desk jobs return after 3–4 weeks, but NHS guidance suggests planning 4–6 weeks off work and exercise. Physical jobs and heavy lifting need longer — your surgeon will confirm your timeline.
How long will I wear a compression garment?
Usually for about 6 weeks, day and night, to support healing and reduce swelling. Your surgeon may adjust this depending on the type of tummy tuck and whether liposuction was combined.
Can I have a tummy tuck after weight loss surgery?
Yes — it is one of the most common reasons patients come to us. Surgeons usually wait until your weight has been stable for at least 6 months, which for most bariatric patients means 12–18 months after their operation.
Is the hotel included?
No. Your package covers the operation, hospital nights, VIP transfers and aftercare follow-up. Recovery hotel nights are booked separately, and we can arrange a hotel close to the hospital for you.
Take the first step today
Send a few photos via WhatsApp for a free surgeon-reviewed assessment — no obligation, full discretion.
