Approach Planning Techniques Scars Recovery Results Your Journey Surgeon FAQ Guides Free Consultation
Istanbul, Turkey · Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Flatter, firmer and restored — abdominoplasty, tailored to you.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal, MD, FACS, FEBOPRAS — double board-certified plastic surgeon with 15+ years of experience. Tummy tuck with muscle repair, low bikini-line scar and natural belly button reshaping — individualised to your anatomy, skin-fat excess and body goals.

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FACS
Fellow, ACS
FEBOPRAS
European Board
4.9 ★
45 Reviews
15+
Years Experience
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal at ACS Clinical Congress 2025 — FACS induction ceremony
★★★★★
4.9 / 5.0
Google · 45 patient reviews
The Approach
Why tummy tuck with Dr. Erdal?

Every abdominoplasty is individually planned based on your skin-fat excess, muscle diastasis, scar preferences and body proportions. Dr. Erdal's approach prioritises a flat, defined abdominal contour with a natural belly button, the lowest possible scar hidden in the bikini line, and a safe, efficient recovery.

  • ✓
    The right technique for your case — mini, standard, extended or fleur-de-lis

    Selection is driven by your anatomy, not by fashion. Mini for limited lower-abdominal laxity. Standard as the workhorse for classic post-pregnancy cases. Extended when flank laxity is part of the problem. Fleur-de-lis for significant weight-loss cases with vertical as well as horizontal skin excess.

  • ✓
    Muscle repair when needed — diastasis recti reconstruction

    When the rectus abdominis muscles have separated — after pregnancy, weight change or longstanding laxity — Dr. Erdal plicates them with internal sutures to reconstruct the natural abdominal wall. This is what creates a genuinely flat profile and a defined waist, not just a skin reduction.

  • ✓
    Lipoabdominoplasty — flank and waist contouring in the same operation

    When indicated, liposuction of the flanks, waist and/or upper abdomen is combined with the tummy tuck in one anaesthetic. This addresses areas a pure abdominoplasty cannot reach, producing a more defined waist and a smoother, more athletic torso.

  • ✓
    Low, hidden scar placement — below the bikini line

    The main incision is planned and drawn with you the day before surgery, aiming to sit inside your preferred underwear or swimwear line. Where possible, an old C-section scar is incorporated into the new incision so you don't end up with multiple lines.

  • ✓
    Natural belly button reshaping (neoumbilicoplasty)

    A small, vertical-teardrop umbilicus blended discreetly into the new abdominal contour — avoiding the over-large, ring-shaped or obviously sutured belly buttons that give away a poor tummy tuck.

  • ★
    Double board-certified & academically published

    Dr. Erdal holds FACS and FEBOPRAS fellowships, with 30+ peer-reviewed publications. He combines surgical expertise with an evidence-based approach to body contouring.

What determines your plan
The six variables of tummy tuck planning

Every abdominoplasty is a combination of decisions. Here is what Dr. Erdal evaluates for you — and why each matters.

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Skin & Fat Excess

Assessed from the costal margin (ribs) to the pubic area. How much loose skin sits above the belly button, how much below, and how much subcutaneous fat is present. Classified using the Matarasso system — Type I (mild) to Type IV (severe) — which directly determines whether a mini, standard, extended or fleur-de-lis technique is indicated.

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Diastasis Recti

Separation of the vertical abdominal muscles — common after pregnancy or significant weight change. When present, internal plication sutures bring the muscles back together, creating a flat profile and a defined waist. This step is often the difference between an "OK" and an "excellent" tummy tuck result.

✂️

Scar Length & Placement

A mini scar is short and confined to the central lower abdomen. A standard hip-to-hip scar follows the bikini line. An extended scar continues onto the flanks. A fleur-de-lis adds a vertical line for massive weight-loss cases. The shortest scar appropriate for your anatomy is always chosen.

⭕

Belly Button Position

In a standard or extended abdominoplasty, the umbilicus is detached from the skin, left attached to the abdominal wall, and brought out through a new opening once the skin has been repositioned. A vertical-teardrop shape produces the most natural result. Mini abdominoplasty leaves the belly button untouched.

〰️

Flank & Waist Contouring

Pure abdominoplasty cannot sculpt the flanks, waist or upper abdomen — only tighten and remove. When a more defined silhouette is part of your goals, liposuction is added in the same operation (lipoabdominoplasty), using a technique that preserves the blood supply to the repaired abdominal skin flap.

🔗

Combined Procedures

A tummy tuck is commonly combined with breast surgery as a mommy makeover in patients who have completed their family. Combination is safe when total surgical time, blood loss and anaesthetic burden are within appropriate limits. Dr. Erdal evaluates suitability individually during consultation.

Matarasso Classification
Which type of abdominal laxity do you have?

The Matarasso classification is the most widely used system for planning abdominoplasty. It matches the degree of skin-fat excess and muscle diastasis to the appropriate technique. Understanding your type helps set realistic expectations before consultation.

Type I

Minimal Laxity

Slight skin laxity, no significant fat excess, no muscle diastasis. Contour is fundamentally good.

Liposuction only
Type II

Mild / Lower Abdomen

Laxity and mild fat excess confined to below the belly button. Minimal or no muscle diastasis.

Mini abdominoplasty
Type III

Moderate

Skin and fat excess above and below the umbilicus with mild-to-moderate muscle diastasis.

Modified abdominoplasty
Type IV

Severe

Significant skin-fat excess and marked muscle diastasis. Often after multiple pregnancies or major weight loss.

Standard / extended abdominoplasty

The Matarasso classification is a clinical guide, not a rigid rule. The final technique depends on skin quality, weight stability, scar preferences and whether liposuction is also being added. Your consultation will clarify which type applies to you and which technique is most appropriate.

Techniques
Choosing the right technique

Dr. Erdal selects the abdominoplasty technique individually for each patient based on the Matarasso type, muscle diastasis, scar preferences and body goals. In his practice, standard (full) abdominoplasty and extended abdominoplasty with flank liposuction are the two most frequently performed techniques — but the best option is always the one tailored to you.

Mini Abdominoplasty

Shortest incision, limited to the central lower abdomen. No umbilicus repositioning. Suitable for Matarasso Type II — mild laxity below the belly button only, with minimal or no muscle diastasis.

  • Shortest scar — often hidden in the bikini line completely
  • Faster recovery than standard abdominoplasty
  • Belly button stays in place
  • Does not address laxity above the navel or full muscle diastasis

Standard (Full) Abdominoplasty

The workhorse technique. Horizontal hip-to-hip incision placed low within the bikini line, with belly button repositioning and full muscle repair. Addresses the entire abdomen from the rib cage to the pubic area.

  • Ideal for classic post-pregnancy abdomen (Matarasso Type III–IV)
  • Includes diastasis recti repair (muscle plication)
  • New belly button with natural vertical-teardrop shape
  • Most predictable, reproducible long-term result

Extended Abdominoplasty

Standard abdominoplasty with the scar extended onto the flanks to address hip and lower-back laxity. Typically combined with flank liposuction (lipoabdominoplasty) for a defined waist.

  • Ideal for significant weight-loss patients (Matarasso Type IV)
  • Addresses flank / love-handle laxity in one operation
  • Dramatic waistline definition
  • Longer scar, but placed to be hidden by swimwear

Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty

Combines a horizontal low-abdominal incision with a vertical midline incision to address both horizontal and vertical skin excess. Reserved for massive weight-loss patients with significant skin redundancy in both directions.

  • The only technique that fully addresses vertical skin laxity
  • Dramatic re-draping for post-bariatric patients
  • Trade-off: an additional vertical scar up the midline
  • Carefully planned for patients for whom the result justifies the scar

The "Most Frequently Performed" label reflects the two techniques Dr. Erdal uses most often in his practice — not a universal preference. Every case is evaluated individually, and your anatomy decides which pattern is safest and most effective for you.

Scar Healing
How tummy tuck scars mature over time

A tummy tuck scar is not finished when the stitches come out. It evolves over 12–24 months, passing through predictable stages. Understanding the timeline helps set expectations and shows why consistent scar-care during the first year is so important.

1

Early Healing

Weeks 0–6

Incision is red, slightly raised and firm to touch. Taping and the compression garment are critical. Drains are removed at 7–14 days; sutures dissolve or are removed.

2

Inflammatory Phase

Months 2–6

Scar may peak in redness and firmness around months 2–4, then begin to soften. Silicone tape or gel is started. Sun protection is essential — UV makes young scars darker permanently.

3

Remodelling

Months 6–12

Scar flattens and lightens from red to pink. Gentle scar massage improves pliability. Most patients see a marked aesthetic improvement month by month.

4

Final Maturation

Months 12–24

Scar reaches its final appearance — typically a fine, pale line. Further minor improvement may continue until 24 months. Final assessment of the result is made at this stage.

Important: Individual scar healing varies with skin type, tension at the incision, genetics and scar-care compliance. Scars never disappear entirely — the goal is a fine, well-placed, pale line that sits inside the bikini line and blends with surrounding skin. Dr. Erdal provides a detailed scar-care protocol (silicone, taping, massage, sun protection) and monitors progress at each follow-up.
Recovery
Your week-by-week recovery roadmap

Tummy tuck recovery has a well-defined trajectory. Knowing what to expect at each stage — and what is abnormal — makes the process dramatically smoother. The milestones below are a guide; your own recovery will track close to but not exactly on these.

Day 0–2

Surgery & hospital stay

Surgery takes 3–5 hours depending on the technique and whether liposuction is added. You spend 1–2 nights in the hospital with nursing care, pain control, DVT prophylaxis and early mobilisation. Most patients are up and walking the evening of surgery — slightly bent forward at the waist to protect the repair.

Day 3–7

Back to Antwell Suites

You return to your suite at Antwell, with daily check-ups by Dr. Erdal's team at the ground-floor clinic. The compression garment is worn day and night. Walking frequency is gradually increased. Most discomfort is manageable on oral analgesics by day 3–4. Sleeping is in a semi-reclined position (pillows under knees and back).

Day 7–14

Drain removal & upright posture

Drains are removed (usually painlessly) when output drops below threshold — typically 7–14 days. Upright posture returns progressively as the muscle repair settles. A final check-up with Dr. Erdal clears you to fly home. Most international patients return home at day 7–10.

Week 2–3

Return to desk work

Most patients can return to sedentary office work by the end of week 2 or during week 3. Fatigue is still present and naps may be needed. No lifting above 5 kg. Gentle walking is encouraged daily. The compression garment continues day and night.

Week 4–6

Reintroducing activity

Low-impact activity (longer walks, stationary bike with permission) is gradually reintroduced. Most swelling is resolving; the initial shape of your new abdomen is emerging. Scar-care with silicone tape or gel should be well established. Driving typically resumed by week 3–4 when off pain medication.

Week 6–8

Strenuous exercise & core work

Running, strength training and core exercises are cleared at week 6–8, depending on how the muscle repair has healed. Core work is reintroduced gradually, never to pain. The compression garment can usually be switched to daytime-only or discontinued.

Month 3–6

Shape refinement

The final abdominal shape continues to refine as residual swelling resolves. Scars enter the remodelling phase and begin to lighten. Most patients feel their "new normal" by month 3; the aesthetic result at 6 months is very close to what you will have at 12 months.

Month 12–24

Final result & mature scars

Scars reach their final, faded appearance by 12–18 months and may continue to refine until 24 months. The abdomen is fully settled, muscle repair fully integrated, belly button scar typically inconspicuous. Long-term maintenance is about stable weight, core strength and good posture.

Before & After
Real patient results

Tummy tuck results by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal. Each panel below is a side-by-side pre-operative and post-operative comparison at the stated time point. Patient identities are protected — faces and chest area are always covered. Tap any image to enlarge.

All patient photographs published with explicit written consent. All cases performed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal. More cases from the full range of techniques — extended, fleur-de-lis, lipoabdominoplasty and mommy makeover — are being added. Individual results vary; your consultation will clarify what is realistic for your anatomy and Matarasso type.

Your Istanbul Journey
End-to-end care, from first contact to home

Every international patient receives a fully coordinated experience — not just surgery, but a seamless journey designed around the specific demands of tummy tuck recovery.

💬01

Free Video Consultation

Share your photos (standing frontal, both oblique views and lateral, arms slightly away from the body), along with your height, weight, pregnancy and weight-change history, via WhatsApp or the contact form. Dr. Erdal personally reviews your case. A free video consultation is scheduled within 24 hours. You'll receive a personalised recommendation — Matarasso type, technique (mini / standard / extended / fleur-de-lis), scar plan, whether liposuction is advised, and realistic outcome.

💰02

Transparent & Affordable Pricing

You receive a clear, all-inclusive quote with no hidden costs. Surgery fee, hospital stay (1–2 nights), anaesthesia, pre-operative tests, compression garment, drains, medical tapes, scar-care kit and all follow-ups are covered. Liposuction, if added, is quoted separately and transparently. No surprises on the day.

✈️03

VIP Airport Pickup

A private transfer meets you at Istanbul Airport upon arrival and takes you directly to your accommodation. No taxis, no stress, no language barriers.

🏨04

Hotel Coordination

We coordinate your stay at Antwell Suites İstanbul — a premium recovery-friendly residence close to the clinic, with full kitchen, separate bedroom, and a large, easy-to-navigate bathroom. Particularly important after a tummy tuck, since you'll be walking slightly bent forward for the first days.

🔬05

Pre-Op Day

The day before surgery: comprehensive pre-operative blood tests at an A+ accredited hospital, anaesthesiology consultation, and an in-person consultation with Dr. Erdal — including pre-operative marking of your scar line (drawn with you standing so it sits correctly within your underwear) and final discussion of your surgical plan.

🏥06

Surgery Day

Tummy tuck performed by Dr. Erdal under general anaesthesia at an A+ accredited hospital. Surgery typically takes 3–4 hours for a standard abdominoplasty, 4–5 hours with liposuction (lipoabdominoplasty), and up to 6 hours for a mommy makeover. One to two nights hospital stay is included with full monitoring, pain control and DVT prophylaxis.

🩺07

Post-Op Follow-Ups & Drain Removal

Daily check-ups with Dr. Erdal's team at the ground-floor clinic during your stay. Compression garment fitted, wound checks, drain monitoring and personalised recovery guidance at each visit. Drains removed at 7–14 days (usually painlessly) once output drops below threshold. Your compression garment, medical tapes and scar-care starter kit are provided free of charge.

📱08

Return Home — Day 7–10

Most tummy tuck patients fly home on day 7–10, after drains are out and a final check-up with Dr. Erdal. Detailed aftercare instructions are provided, including a full scar-care protocol for the 12–24 month maturation window, plus DVT prevention advice for the flight (compression stockings and in-flight exercises). If you'd like to stay longer, Istanbul is a wonderful city to explore. After returning home, photo & video follow-ups are scheduled at 1 month, 3 months and 1 year, with unlimited WhatsApp support throughout.

🏨 Your Home in Istanbul — Antwell Suites

Premium 1+1 suites designed for recovery comfort, minutes from the clinic

Antwell Hotel Istanbul exterior Antwell Hotel living room Antwell Hotel bedroom
1+1 Suite Full kitchen Separate bedroom Large walk-in bathroom Close to clinic Recovery-friendly Daily housekeeping Ground-floor clinic

🤝 Companions are strongly encouraged after tummy tuck. Mobility is limited in the first 7 days — you'll be walking slightly bent forward, and routine tasks like bending, reaching high shelves and getting in/out of bed benefit from a second pair of hands. Your companion stays in the same 1+1 suite with you and uses the VIP transfer vehicle — at no extra charge.

Your Surgeon
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal
Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal — Plastic Surgeon Istanbul Dr. Erdal — ACS Clinical Congress 2025, FACS Induction

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal

MD, FACS, FEBOPRAS · Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

  • Fellow, American College of Surgeons (FACS) — inducted ACS Clinical Congress 2025
  • FEBOPRAS — Fellow, European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
  • Associate Professor — Plastic Surgery, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine
  • International training: Memorial Sloan Kettering (USA) & Ghent University Hospital (Belgium)
  • 15+ years of surgical experience with thousands of body contouring & breast procedures
  • Award-winning surgeon: ISAPS World Congress 2023 — Gold & Bronze Award
  • 30+ peer-reviewed publications in international journals
  • Member of ACS, ASPS, ISAPS, EBOPRAS & TPRECD
  • Ministry of Health — International Health Tourism Authorization
  • English consultation · direct surgeon communication · no third-party agents

"A good abdominoplasty is not just about removing skin. It is muscle reconstruction, contour design and a scar that disappears into your bikini line. The difference between an acceptable result and an excellent one is in every one of those details."

— Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal, MD, FACS, FEBOPRAS
ACS FACS, ASPS, ISAPS, EBOPRAS, TPRECD
The Team
Personal care, from first contact
Dr. Erdal and clinic coordinator

A dedicated team for international patients

From your very first inquiry to your 12-month follow-up, our team ensures you feel fully supported at every step. Our clinic coordinator personally manages all international patient communication — consultation scheduling, travel guidance, and ongoing remote follow-up after you return home.

All communication is conducted in English. We respond to WhatsApp and email inquiries within 24 hours, seven days a week. No third-party agencies — direct surgeon communication at every stage.

Peer-Reviewed Research
30+ publications in leading international journals

Dr. Erdal is an active researcher with work published in Annals of Plastic Surgery, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Facial Plastic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and ISAPS journals. Academic research informs surgical decisions — and vice versa.

Patient Reviews
What patients say

All reviews sourced directly from Google. 4.9 stars · 45 verified reviews.

★★★★★

"As someone terrified of surgery, choosing Dr. Erdal was the best decision of my life. From the very first consultation, the confidence he gave me left all my fears behind. I am incredibly happy with my results — natural and exactly what I hoped for."

B.A.
Google Review · 5 stars
★★★★★

"I had an excellent experience and couldn't be happier with the entire process and results. From the first consultation, I felt listened to, understood, and genuinely cared for. The results look natural, balanced, and exactly what I hoped for — better than I imagined. A true artistic eye."

M.D.
Google Review · 5 stars
★★★★★

"Dr. Erdal is incredibly attentive both before and after surgery. A surgeon with whom you will feel completely safe. He explains the entire process in detail beforehand. His clinic is bright and beautiful. I highly recommend him."

S.A.
Google Review · 5 stars
★★★★★

"Dr. Erdal performed my surgery 2.5 years ago. I am truly satisfied with both the result and his care. Despite being an anxious person, he patiently answered all my questions. The result is very natural and suits my body perfectly."

Y.D.
Google Review · 5 stars
★★★★★

"I met Dr. Erdal and simply said 'I trust you completely.' Not a single person has guessed I had surgery. He is a master of his craft — patient, warm, and exceptional. The result changed my confidence entirely."

G.K.
Google Review · 5 stars
★★★★★

"Everything from consultation to post-op was perfectly organized. The hospital was modern and clean. Dr. Erdal's calm and professional demeanor made me feel safe throughout. Absolutely worth travelling to Istanbul for."

L.M.
Google Review · 5 stars
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
A tummy tuck in Turkey costs significantly less than in the US, UK or Europe — typically 50–70% less — while maintaining the same quality of surgical care. Dr. Erdal provides a transparent, all-inclusive quote after your free consultation. The fee covers surgery, hospital stay (1–2 nights), anaesthesia, pre-operative tests, compression garment, drains, medical tapes and aftercare. Lipoabdominoplasty (combined with liposuction) is quoted individually based on the number of areas treated. For a detailed breakdown, see the 2026 Cost Guide.
A mini abdominoplasty addresses loose skin and fat only below the belly button, with a shorter scar and no umbilicus repositioning. It is suitable for women with mild laxity confined to the lower abdomen and no significant muscle diastasis. A full (standard) abdominoplasty addresses the entire abdomen from the rib cage to the pubic area, repairs muscle separation (diastasis recti), repositions the belly button, and requires a hip-to-hip scar hidden in the bikini line. The full version is the most frequently performed because most candidates have both upper and lower abdominal laxity along with some degree of diastasis.
When diastasis recti (separation of the rectus abdominis muscles) is present — common after pregnancy or significant weight change — Dr. Erdal repairs it with internal plication sutures during the tummy tuck. This reconstructs the natural abdominal wall, flattens the profile and creates a defined waist. Muscle repair is one of the most important elements of a proper abdominoplasty result; skin removal alone, without muscle plication, produces a far less defined outcome in patients who need it.
The main scar runs horizontally across the lower abdomen, placed as low as possible within the bikini / underwear line. In a standard abdominoplasty it extends from one hip to the other; in a mini version it is considerably shorter. In an extended abdominoplasty it extends further out onto the flanks to address hip laxity. A second, small scar circles the belly button. Dr. Erdal plans the incision with your preferred underwear or swimwear in mind to keep it discreet — and draws it with you standing, the day before surgery.
Scars mature over 12–24 months. In the first 6 weeks they are red and slightly raised. Between 2 and 6 months they peak in firmness and start to soften. Between 6 and 12 months they flatten and lighten from red to pink. Their final appearance — a fine, pale line — is typically reached at 12–18 months, continuing to improve until 24 months. Consistent scar-care (silicone tape or gel, sun protection and massage) during the first year has a measurable impact on the final appearance.
Good candidates are men and women with loose abdominal skin, stubborn lower-abdominal fat and/or muscle separation that diet and exercise cannot correct. The two most common groups are women after pregnancy (particularly after a C-section with a persistent lower-abdominal shelf) and patients after significant weight loss. Candidates should be in good general health, non-smokers (or willing to stop for at least 4 weeks around surgery), at a stable weight for 3+ months, and with realistic expectations. Women planning further pregnancies are advised to postpone surgery.
Lipoabdominoplasty combines abdominoplasty with liposuction of the flanks, waist and/or upper abdomen in the same operation. Adding liposuction allows contouring of areas that a pure tummy tuck cannot reach, producing a more defined waist, smoother transition to the hips and a more athletic torso silhouette. It is safe when performed by an experienced surgeon using a technique that preserves the blood supply of the abdominal skin flap.
Yes — this combination is commonly called a mommy makeover, designed for women who have completed their family and want to address changes caused by pregnancy and breastfeeding. A tummy tuck (with or without liposuction) is performed together with breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction in a single anaesthetic. Safety depends on overall health, total surgical time and anaesthetic considerations — Dr. Erdal evaluates whether combining procedures is appropriate during your consultation. See the Mommy Makeover Guide for details.
Most patients return to light daily activities within 10–14 days. Desk work can typically be resumed at 2–3 weeks. Drains are removed at 7–14 days. The compression garment is worn day and night for 6 weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are avoided for 6–8 weeks. Upright posture returns gradually as the muscle repair heals — expect to walk slightly bent forward for the first 1–2 weeks. The abdomen continues to refine its shape over 6–12 months; scars mature over 12–24 months. See the full recovery timeline.
Most patients stay 7–10 days in Istanbul — slightly longer than for breast surgery because of drain removal and early wound care. This allows for pre-operative preparation, surgery, 1–2 nights of hospital recovery, daily follow-ups, drain removal, and a final check-up before flying home. If a mommy makeover or lipoabdominoplasty is planned, the stay is toward the longer end of this range.
Drains are used in most standard and extended abdominoplasty cases to remove fluid that collects under the repaired abdominal flap in the first days. They are soft, thin tubes that exit through small openings near the incision and are removed painlessly at 7–14 days, typically before you fly home. Progressive-tension sutures can reduce or eliminate the need for drains in selected cases — Dr. Erdal decides individually based on the case.
A natural-looking belly button is one of the most important aesthetic elements of a good tummy tuck — and one of the most common giveaways of a poor one. Dr. Erdal reshapes the umbilicus (neoumbilicoplasty) through a discreet, short incision with a small vertical teardrop shape that blends naturally with the new abdominal contour. Over-large, ring-shaped or obviously sutured belly buttons are avoided.
A pregnancy after abdominoplasty is physically possible and medically safe — but it will stretch the repaired abdominal wall and is likely to undo much of the result, particularly the muscle repair. For this reason, tummy tuck is strongly recommended only once family planning is complete. If an unexpected pregnancy occurs, it is safe to proceed; a revision tummy tuck can restore the result afterwards.
Yes — this is one of the most common reasons women seek abdominoplasty. A tummy tuck is typically performed at least 6–12 months after a C-section, once the tissues have fully healed. The old C-section scar can often be incorporated into the tummy tuck incision, so you do not end up with multiple horizontal scars. The typical C-section "shelf" (a persistent fold of lower-abdominal skin) is addressed as part of the standard operation.
Yes. Men after significant weight loss — particularly after bariatric surgery — are frequent tummy tuck candidates. The surgical principles are the same: skin removal, possible muscle repair and umbilicus repositioning. Scar placement is adjusted for male swimwear and underwear. Combining with flank liposuction is common to define the male V-shape waist.
As with any major surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, seroma (fluid collection), wound healing problems, changes in skin sensation, unfavourable scarring, blood clots (DVT/PE), and asymmetry. Dr. Erdal uses protocols — early mobilisation, compression stockings, chemoprophylaxis when indicated, progressive-tension sutures and, where appropriate, drains — to minimise these risks. Serious complications are uncommon in well-selected, non-smoking patients at a stable weight. Dr. Erdal discusses all risks openly during consultation.
Dr. Erdal operates in fully accredited A+ hospitals in Istanbul and holds the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health International Health Tourism Authorization. He is double board-certified (FACS and FEBOPRAS) with 15+ years of surgical experience in body contouring. All procedures are performed under general anaesthesia with a full anaesthesia team, DVT prophylaxis and modern post-operative monitoring — matching the safety standards of the UK, US and EU.
Dr. Erdal operates at fully accredited A+ hospitals in Istanbul. Post-operative follow-ups — including drain checks and compression-garment fittings — can be conducted at the clinic on the ground floor of Antwell Suites, where patients stay during recovery. This minimises travel during the critical first week.
Tummy tuck is performed under general anaesthesia at an A+ accredited hospital. A pre-operative anaesthesiology consultation is included the day before surgery. DVT (blood clot) prophylaxis — compression stockings, sequential compression devices during surgery, early mobilisation and, when indicated, chemical prophylaxis — is used routinely.
Most patients fly home comfortably on day 7–10 after a final check-up with Dr. Erdal. Drains must be removed before flying. Compression garments and in-flight exercises (ankle pumps, hydration, regular walks) are recommended to reduce DVT risk. Remote photo and video follow-up continues at 1 month, 3 months and 1 year after you return home, with unlimited WhatsApp support for scar care and any questions.
Dr. Erdal is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) — inducted at the ACS Clinical Congress 2025 — and holds the European Board certification (FEBOPRAS). He is an Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery with international training at Memorial Sloan Kettering (USA) and Ghent University Hospital (Belgium), and has 30+ peer-reviewed publications. He won Gold and Bronze awards at the ISAPS World Congress 2023.
Absolutely — companions are strongly encouraged after a tummy tuck, especially in the first week when mobility is limited. Your companion stays in the same 1+1 suite at Antwell Suites and uses the VIP transfer vehicle at no extra charge. Having a companion for support during the early recovery is one of the most important non-medical factors in a smooth experience.
Fill in the contact form or message on WhatsApp with clear photos (standing frontal view with arms slightly away from the body, both oblique views and lateral views) and a brief description of your concerns. Include your height, weight, pregnancy and weight-change history. Dr. Erdal personally reviews each case and a free video consultation is scheduled. All international consultations are conducted in English.
Patient Guides
Learn more about tummy tuck

In-depth guides written by Dr. Erdal to help you make an informed decision.

Tummy Tuck Cost in Turkey (2026 Guide) → Abdominoplasty Techniques — A Patient's Guide → Tummy Tuck Scars — Placement, Healing & Care → Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline → Mommy Makeover Guide — Tummy Tuck + Breast → Turkey vs. UK & Europe — Honest Comparison →
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Start your consultation today

Our team responds within 24 hours. Send photos (standing frontal, oblique and lateral views) directly via WhatsApp for the fastest initial assessment. Free video consultation available.

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Location
Teşvikiye Caddesi No:9/12 · Şişli · Istanbul, Turkey

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Official Authorization
Ministry of Health certified for international patients

Dr. Erdal's clinic holds the official International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate issued by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health — ensuring quality, safety and legal compliance for international patients.

International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate — Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health

Certificate No: 2026034015610080000444996 · Issued: 10.03.2026 · Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health, General Directorate of Health Services