The ultimate guide to Tummy Tuck in Turkey

Last fast-checked: 2 November 2021

With a tummy tuck in Turkey, you can save up to 70% compared to prices back home, enjoy a relaxing break in the sun, and then return home with a firmer, flatter stomach.

In this guide, we explain what a typical abdominoplasty entails, who it’s for, pre-and post-surgery considerations and point you in the direction of some of the best clinics in cities like Istanbul and Antalya for safe, high-quality and affordable plastic surgery.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

The tummy tuck is one of the most popular types of cosmetic surgery, with between 100,00 and 200,000 patients undergoing this surgery every year in the US.

Also known as abdominoplasty, tummy tuck surgery removes loose, excess skin around the midriff area. The procedure can also entail tightening the abdominal muscles together with liposuction to get rid of stubborn pockets of fat.

There are also different techniques used during the surgery, and the method used is ultimately down to your surgeon’s professional opinion as much as to your circumstances and cosmetic goals.

For instance:

• A full tummy tuck uses a longer incision between each hip to tighten the whole stomach and involves the removal of significantly more skin, tissue and fat from the lower abdomen. Additional incisions are also used to reposition the belly button and muscles around the pubic area are tightened.

• A mini-abdominoplasty involves a smaller incision, generally 6 to 12 inches shorter, and only targets the lower abdomen (below the belly button). This technique is quicker to carry out and results in smaller, less obvious scarring.

Another decision you and your surgeon will have to agree on is whether the procedure should be carried out under local or general anaesthesia. The latter option is most commonly used for full tummy tucks taking more than two hours

Read more about what different types of abdominoplasty surgery entail with Medical Departures Ultimate Guide to Tummy Tuck surgery abroad.

Why Get a Tummy Tuck?

Once the skin around the tummy becomes stretched, often following pregnancy, hormonal balances, or weight gain/loss, it can often be impossible to get that taught, firm stomach back.

Even with diet and exercise, this stretched skin just won’t ping back—and you can be left with an unsightly ‘apron’ of loose skin. And the result for many? A huge lack of confidence—whether that’s when you’re on the beach, in the bedroom or simply out and about wearing tight clothing.

A tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty to give it the medical term) can rid you of this loose skin giving your abdomen that flatter, smoother look back.

What Causes Loose Belly Skin?

Common causes of stretched, sagging skin around the tummy include:

• Pregnancy and childbirth

• Sudden weight gain or weight loss.

• Genetics

• Hormonal imbalances

• Previous surgery, especially C-sections

• Ageing

While it's women who most commonly undergo this cosmetic procedure, men can also benefit from abdominoplasty. A paunch or beer belly can be flattened, typically with a combined tuck and liposuction procedure, if diet and hitting the gym aren't helping.

Men who have lost a great deal of weight may also find it difficult to get rid of excess skin and fat around the abdomen and tummy tuck surgery is the only answer to this.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for an Abdominoplasty?

Tummy tuck surgery is suitable for both men and women who:

• Have sufficient excess fat and loose skin to warrant the surgery in the first place.

• Are typically aged between their late 20s to late 50s.

• Have a stable weight and not plan to lose significant weight in the future; if you are planning to lose weight, do this before your surgery, not after.

• Are in generally good health

• Are not planning to become pregnant.

• Are not obese (BMI of over 30).

• Have realistic expectations about the surgery.

• Committed to leading a healthy lifestyle in the future—i.e. Won’t be piling the pounds back on.

If you are unsure about your suitability, it is advisable to consult a local doctor before booking your trip to Turkey. Many of our partner clinics in Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya also offer free, online consultations that can be arranged via our Customer Care Team.

How to Prepare for a Tummy Tuck

In preparation for your tummy tuck in Turkey, you should:

• Undergo a physical examination or speak with your local GP to get a preliminary idea as to your suitability

• Talk to your doctor at home about adjusting any medication you are currently taking, as certain medications like aspirin can decrease blood flow

• Ask your doctor which supplements you may want to take in the run-up to surgery in order to promote healing and boost blood flow.

• Stop smoking, as this also decreases blood flow around the body.

• Arrange for private transportation to take you back to your hotel in Turkey following the procedure. In most cases, clinics can help out in this respect by providing free private cars or arranging taxis.

Do also remember to have your medical records on hand ready for your pre-surgical evaluation once you arrive in Turkey.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

Abdominoplasty procedures can be carried out in an accredited clinic-based surgical facility, surgical center or hospital, depending on the type of anesthesia used and length of surgery.

• In cases where general anaesthesia is used, you will be asleep for the entirety of the procedure. Once awake, you’ll recuperate in bed and stay overnight at the hospital or surgical facility for monitoring.

• For minor procedures where only local anesthesia is used, you will spend a few hours following the procedure resting at the clinic or other medical facility for monitoring and usually be discharged the same day.

First, you will meet with your surgeon in Turkey for a pre-surgical consultation and evaluation during which your suitability will be confirmed; the team will also explain to you in detail what the procedure will involve and describe the results you can expect.

For the surgery, after the anesthesia has taken effect, a typical tummy tuck will involve a long incision being made from hip to hip; this allows the surgeon to cut away excess skin from the public bone and belly button, as well as tighten connective tissue (fascia) with permanent sutures.

Using an additional small incision, the belly button can be repositioned and sutured back in its natural position.

To complete the procedure, the long incision between each hip is stitched together, leaving a scar that falls along the natural bikini line crease.

The area is then disinfected, bandaged and you may be administered an antibiotic to prevent infection.

Liposuction and Abdominoplasty

Excess fat that causes that “spare tire” appearance can also be difficult to shift, especially when you have seen positive weight loss results around other areas, such as the face, thighs and upper arms.

But there is science to explain why this is often the last area to respond to weight loss: fat cells around the abdominal region have a higher concentration of alpha receptors, making them hang around for much longer compared to other areas.

Depending on your cosmetic goals and overall health, you and your surgeon may decide between you to carry out a tummy tuck in combination with liposuction, also known as lipoabdominoplasty.

Typically, ultrasound or tumescent liposuction is used to remove excess fat; this is achieved by breaking down the walls of the fat cells, which, once liquified, are suctioned out through a small metal rod, or cannula. The surgeon will next remove excess skin and tissue, often pulling the abdominal muscles tighter as part of the “tuck” part of the procedure.

Credit: Istanbul Aesthetic Centre

How Long Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Take?

In general, tummy tucks take between 1 and 3 hours.

The exact length of the abdominoplasty surgery will depend on how much skin you have removed, and whether the procedure involves liposuction.

In cases where general anaesthesia is used, patients will need to stay overnight in an accredited inpatient facility for monitoring; for a quick tuck where local anaesthesia is used, patients can be back to their hotel just a few hours later.

Tummy Tuck: Post-Op Recovery

Tummy tuck recovery times vary, depending on a number of factors, including the extent of the surgery you undergo (i.e. full or mini tummy tuck).

Generally, most people require one or two weeks before they can return to work, although some may take up to four weeks. If you are in good shape at the time of your surgery, you are much more likely to have a shorter recovery time.

Immediately after surgery, you should:

• Make sure that you have transport arranged for your return back to your hotel (as you won’t be able to drive)

• Have painkillers (prescribed by your doctor) as well as ice packs and petroleum jelly on hand to ease discomfort.

• Avoid tight-fitting clothing

• Avoid any strenuous activities before flying home (if you are going to make a holiday out of your trip, make sure you get in your sightseeing beforehand).

It should also be noted that:

• Immediately afterwards, you will experience some discomfort, swelling and pain; this will be eased with medication and get progressively better over the next few days.

• As you won’t be particularly active following your tummy tuck, make sure to check into a comfortable hotel that offers room service and other amenities.

• Most patients have their stitches removed after around 5 - 7 days, so make sure you plan for this and other follow-up appointments as part of your travel itinerary.

• You will be encouraged to walk around after a couple of days of bed rest as exercise promotes blood flow and the natural healing process.

• You may be given a compression garment to wear under your clothes, which can be taken home.

• While light activity is advised, avoid any strenuous activity for around six weeks so as to lessen the chances of your wounds reopening.

What Are the Risks Involved?

As an invasive type of cosmetic surgery, tummy tucks do pose certain risks, including:

• Fluid accumulation beneath the skin (seroma).

• Tissue damage (in certain cases, tissue may heal at a slower rate on its own or patients may have a surgical touch-up procedure).

• Slow wound healing.

• Visible scarring

• Changes in skin sensation due to minor nerve damage.

Read more about the risks and side-effects of tummy tuck surgery here and find out about the associated risks of using general anaesthesia here.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Turkey?

The below table shows average prices at three of our leading partner clinics in Turkey offering tummy tuck procedures to international patients:

Please note: These prices were estimated at the time of writing; for updated figures, check out our individual clinic listing pages.

How Much Can I Save on a Tummy Tuck in Turkey Compared to the UK?

As an elective procedure, abdominoplasty surgery is not covered by the NHS or private insurance providers in the US. In terms of how much you can save:

• Not covered by the NHS or private insurance companies, patients in the UK will have to pay out anywhere between GBP 5,000–7,000 for the cost of a tummy tuck in the UK.

• When undergoing the same abdominoplasty treatment in Turkey costs between GBP 1,500 – 3,500, a saving of between 50% and 70%.

Best Clinics in Turkey for Tummy Tuck Surgery

Below, find links to some of the best tummy tuck clinics in Turkey, with destinations to choose from including Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya:

• Istanbul Aesthetic Center (Medical)

• Estetik International - medical

• Hisar Hospital Intercontinental

• Medlife Group - Medical

• Memorial Healthcare Group

For more Turkey clinics, check out:

>> All tummy tuck clinics in Istanbul

>> All tummy tuck clinics in Antalya

>> All tummy tuck clinics in Izmir

Why Book a Tummy Tuck in Turkey with Medical Departures?

As well as locking in the best prices online, guaranteed, booking through Medical Departures gives you much more peace of mind compared to “going it alone”. This is because all of our listed partner clinics have been subject to:

• Onsite visits to make sure we would be happy to have surgery there ourselves.
• Due diligence checks and investigations into any legal or criminal records.Verification of certifications and professional memberships.
• Verification of licenses of both the clinic and all practising doctors in Turkey.
• Interviews with current staff and past patients who have previously undergone surgery in Turkey.

All of this information is published on our site (on each of our listing pages), along with real patient testimonials, clinic photos and virtual tours. All of this is freely available, making your search much easier.

Other reasons to book with Medical Departures:

• We are an award-winning booking platform that has helped over 100,000 patients across the globe

• Best prices, guaranteed - with savings of up to 70%

• Exclusive promotions

• A choice of over 1,000 verified, licensed clinics and hospitals listed on our site

• Free 24-hour customer support

• Travel and insurance assistance

• No upfront charges

• Free cancellation (up to 24 hours before your appointment)

Turkey Travel Information

Turkey is one of the leading destinations in the world for medical and dental travel, welcoming between 500,000 and 700,000 prospective patients a year thanks to the high-quality care available for often thousands less than back home.

The most popular procedures here are elective ones; i.e., those chosen by a patient rather than being necessary, as these are almost never covered by healthcare systems, like the NHS in the UK, or private insurance companies. As a result, more people than ever are now flocking to cities like Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya for procedures such as tummy tucks, as well as nose jobs, breast implants, liposuction and hair transplants.

With a growing number of accredited, internationally recognized hospitals, clinics and specialist medical centers, patients can rely on world-class care, with health, safety and hygiene standards all akin to those back home.

Another reason behind the country’s success as a medical tourism destination is that Turkey is simply a fantastic holiday destination in its own right. With plenty of UNESCO monuments (just about) still standing from long-lost empires, incredible inland and coastal scenery, vibrant culture and enthralling nightlife scene, Turkey is a must-see destination that straddles Asia and Europe.

Patients can soak up the sun of the southern Turkish Riviera beaches, delve into the mesmerizing sights in Istanbul or explore iconic natural wonders in places like Cappadocia and Pamukkale.

How Can I Get to Turkey? Can I Fly?

Unless you happen to live in a neighbouring Eastern European country, the best way to get to Turkey is to fly.

Most major capitals in Europe and Asia have direct flights into Ankara, the capital, as well as Istanbul or Antalya in the south.

The time in the air from the UK (London) to Istanbul is just under four hours, with flights available from Heathrow, Luton, Stansted, Gatwick, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast.

Depending on the time of year, budget carriers like EasyJet and Ryanair have return tickets available from around GBP 100-200, while seats with national carriers, like British Airlines, Turkish Airlines or Lufthansa may cost a little more.

Getting Started with Medical Departures

First, browse our full range of background-checked tummy tuck clinics and hospitals in Turkey.

Take your time to compare prices, read past patient reviews, and see before and after photos; when you are ready, connect with Medical Departures via phone, email or online chat and book your tummy tuck in Turkey, with absolutely zero upfront charges!

Sources:

Cosmetic Surgery National Data Bank Statistics. 2018. https://www.surgery.org/sites/default/files/ASAPS-Stats2018.pdf
Kermes, F. Why Is Belly Fat the Last to Go? Livestrong. 26 October 2021. https://www.livestrong.com/article/303582-why-is-belly-fat-the-last-to-go/

Combined Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Offers Best of Both Procedures. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 26 October 2021. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/combined-liposuction-and-tummy-tuck-offers-best-of-both-procedures

Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). NHS. 26 October 2021. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/
Why you should quit smoking before having surgery. The Truth Initiative. 6 March 2017. https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/harmful-effects-tobacco/why-you-should-quit-smoking-having-surgery

Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty). WebMD. 26 July 2019. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-tummy-tuck

What are the steps of a tummy tuck procedure? American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Website accessed: 26 October 2021. 
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/animation

American Society of Plastic Surgery. Website accessed: 26 October 2021. http://www.surgery.org/

Newman, T. What to know about general anesthesia. Medical News Today. 5 January 2012. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265592

Tummy Tuck. Mayo Clinic. Website accessed: 26 October 2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tummy-tuck/about/pac-20384892

Lee, J. 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Turkey. PlanetWare. 21 October 2021. https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/turkey-tr.htm

Things to Do in Turkish Riviera. Viator. Website accessed: 26 October 2021. https://www.viator.com/Turkish-Riviera/d22557

Turkey: High-quality Dental Tourism Booming. Tourism Review. 21 February 2019. https://www.tourism-review.com/cost-effective-dental-tourism-flourishes-in-turkey-news10951