What a tummy tuck actually does
A full tummy tuck works on three layers at once. First, the surgeon removes the excess skin and fat of the lower abdomen, often taking with it many of the stretch marks below the belly button. Second, the two vertical abdominal muscles (the "six-pack" muscles), which can drift apart during pregnancy or after major weight change, are stitched back together from the ribs to the pubic bone. Third, the remaining skin is redraped, the navel is brought out through a new opening in a natural position, and the incision is closed low enough to sit under underwear or a bikini.
That muscle repair is what distinguishes abdominoplasty from liposuction or even Lipo 360: suction removes fat but cannot tighten a stretched abdominal wall or remove an apron of skin. Many patients, however, benefit from both, which is why abdominoplasty is frequently combined with liposuction of the waist and flanks in a lipoabdominoplasty.
Who is a tummy tuck right for?
The classic candidate is a woman whose abdomen has changed after one or more pregnancies, or anyone who has lost a large amount of weight. Typical signs that a tummy tuck, rather than lipo, is the answer:
- Skin that folds or hangs over the scar of a caesarean section.
- A belly that still looks "pregnant" or bulges by the end of the day, even at a healthy weight; this often points to diastasis recti (separated muscles).
- Stretch marks and crepey skin concentrated below the navel.
- Loose skin left after weight loss, including after bariatric surgery.
You should be at a stable weight, in good general health and a non-smoker, or prepared to stop for several weeks before and after the operation, because smoking significantly raises the risk of wound-healing problems. It is generally advised to wait until you have finished having children: a later pregnancy is possible but can stretch the repaired muscles and skin again. If you are still deciding between procedures, our guide Lipo 360 or tummy tuck? and the body after pregnancy guide set out the choices clearly.
Full, mini or extended: choosing the right technique
"Tummy tuck" covers several operations, and the right one depends on how much loose skin there is and where it sits.
| Type | Suits | Scar |
|---|---|---|
| Full abdominoplasty | Loose skin above and below the navel, separated muscles | Low, hip to hip, plus around the navel |
| Mini tummy tuck | Laxity limited to below the navel | Shorter; navel not moved |
| Extended abdominoplasty | Loose skin wrapping round onto the flanks, often after major weight loss | Continues onto the sides |
| Lipoabdominoplasty | Loose skin plus fat on the waist and flanks | As for full, with lipo entry points |
When loose skin extends right round the body, onto the back and buttocks, a body lift may be more appropriate, and for women who also want their breasts restored after children, the combined mommy makeover brings the abdomen and breasts together in one plan.
Your tummy tuck in Istanbul, step by step
- Free assessment. You send photos of your abdomen from the front and side, standing, plus your height, weight and medical history. A surgeon reviews them and New City Clinic sends you a written plan and itemised quote, usually within 24 hours.
- Arrival. A driver meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel. Your coordinator explains the schedule and stays in touch throughout.
- Examination day. The surgeon examines you, checks for muscle separation and marks the incision with you standing. Blood tests and an anaesthesia assessment follow.
- Operation. The surgery takes about two to four hours under general anaesthesia at a licensed partner hospital. You usually stay one or two nights, and small drains may be placed to remove fluid.
- Check-ups. After discharge you return to the hotel; the wound, dressings and any drains are checked before you are cleared to fly.
- Home. The total stay in Türkiye is usually seven to ten days. Follow-up continues by photos and video calls, and the operation report is provided in English.
Direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham and Dublin take around four hours. Book an aisle seat, walk regularly and wear your compression garment on the journey. The trip planning guide covers the details.
Recovery: what the weeks after a tummy tuck feel like
Recovery from a full abdominoplasty is more demanding than from liposuction, mainly because of the muscle repair. Being prepared makes it much easier.
- First days: you walk slightly bent forward to take tension off the scar. Short walks start on day one to protect against blood clots. Pain is controlled with medication.
- First two weeks: you sleep with your upper body raised and knees slightly bent. Desk work is usually possible after about two weeks.
- Abdominal binder: worn for about six weeks to support the repair and reduce swelling.
- Lifting and sport: no heavy lifting, including small children and suitcases, and no strenuous exercise for six to eight weeks.
- The scar: red and firm at first, it fades gradually over 12 to 18 months. Your surgeon will explain scar care once the wound has healed.
Swelling above the scar can persist for some months, and the final result is judged at around a year. Our recovery guide and compression and drainage guide explain what helps along the way.
Risks to understand before you decide
A tummy tuck is a major operation, and you should weigh the risks honestly. Your surgeon will explain those specific to you. They include:
- Swelling, bruising and pain, which are temporary.
- Seroma (fluid collecting under the skin), which may need draining.
- Infection, bleeding and delayed wound healing, especially in smokers.
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs; early walking and preventive measures reduce this risk.
- Numbness of the lower abdominal skin, which often improves slowly.
- A wider or more visible scar than hoped, or asymmetry, sometimes needing a later scar revision.
Results vary between people and cannot be guaranteed. The risk depends far more on where and by whom the surgery is done than on the country; read our safety guide for what to check.
Tummy tuck price in Turkey and what is included
The illustrative package price for a tummy tuck with New City Clinic is €3,500. The final quotation is confirmed after a free medical assessment, because the scope (full, extended, with liposuction) changes the plan. Flights are not included.
The package includes:
- Surgery at an authorised hospital and hospital accommodation.
- Hotel accommodation and airport–hotel–hospital transfers.
- Pre-operative tests where specified.
- A patient coordinator and interpreter.
- Post-operative compression garments.
- Complication insurance.
For comparison, a private tummy tuck in the UK or Ireland is commonly quoted somewhere around £6,000 to £9,000 or more, before travel and aftercare; these are approximate ranges only and vary widely. See all packages on our price page and in the New City Clinic price list, and read what the package covers in the package guide.
Why New City Clinic is our choice as the best clinic in Turkey for a tummy tuck
New City Clinic is a Ministry of Health authorised health-tourism agency (HealthTürkiye) based in Bakırköy, Istanbul, with TÜRSAB licence no. 17659. It does not operate itself: your tummy tuck is performed by a specialist plastic surgeon at a licensed partner hospital such as Acıbadem, Medicana, Medipol, Medical Park or Biruni. Plastic surgery is led by Op. Dr. Fatih Kılıç, a plastic, reconstructive and oncological surgeon experienced in microsurgery.
Before you travel you receive in writing the name of your surgeon, the hospital and an itemised quote. Your package includes complication insurance, and one coordinator follows you from your first message to your follow-up at home. Learn more on the New City Clinic tummy tuck page, our clinic page and the overview of partner hospitals.
Patients looking for the best clinic in Turkey for a tummy tuck tend to compare the same things: who operates, where, at what written price and with what protection if something goes wrong. New City Clinic answers each point on paper, backed by its Ministry of Health authorisation, TÜRSAB licence and ISO 9001, 27001, 10002 and 31000 certificates (see New City Clinic licences and certificates). That is why it is our recommendation; you can also meet the surgical team on our doctors page.
Get your free tummy tuck quote from New City Clinic
Ready to see why we consider New City Clinic the best choice in Istanbul for a tummy tuck? Start with a free, no-obligation assessment.
Send New City Clinic photos of your abdomen (front, both sides, standing in good light), your height and weight, and a note about previous pregnancies or caesareans and any weight loss. A surgeon will tell you whether a full, mini or extended tummy tuck suits you and whether liposuction should be added. Your written quote usually arrives within 24 hours, free and without obligation. Use the form or message New City Clinic on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a tummy tuck cost in Turkey?
New City Clinic's illustrative package price for a tummy tuck in Istanbul is €3,500, including surgery, hospital stay, hotel, transfers, garments and complication insurance. The final price is confirmed after a free medical assessment, and flights are not included.
How long should I stay in Istanbul after a tummy tuck?
Plan about seven to ten days in total. This covers the examination, the operation with one or two hospital nights and check-ups of the wound and any drains before your surgeon clears you to fly.
Can a tummy tuck fix diastasis recti?
Yes. Stitching the separated abdominal muscles back together is a standard part of a full abdominoplasty when diastasis is present. It narrows the waist and can make the abdominal wall feel firmer.
Will a tummy tuck remove my stretch marks?
Stretch marks on the skin that is removed, usually those below the navel, go with it. Marks above the navel are moved lower and remain, although they may look less prominent once the skin is tighter.
Can I have a tummy tuck after a caesarean section?
Yes, and the old caesarean scar is often removed or incorporated in the new incision. Your surgeon will examine the scar and the skin around it when planning the operation.
Tummy tuck or liposuction: which do I need?
Liposuction removes fat but does not tighten skin or muscles. If the problem is loose skin or separated muscles, a tummy tuck addresses it, and the two are often combined. The surgeon decides after examining you.
When can I return to work and the gym?
Desk work is usually possible after about two weeks, and sport after about six to eight weeks, starting gradually. Heavy lifting should be avoided until your surgeon clears you.
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Pregnancy is possible, but it can stretch the repaired muscles and skin again and undo part of the result. That is why it is generally advised to have a tummy tuck once your family is complete.
Where will the scar be?
The main scar runs low, from hip to hip, usually below the bikini line, with a small scar around the navel. It is red at first and fades over 12 to 18 months, although how it heals depends on your skin.
