Tummy Tuck Surgery in Istanbul, Turkey –
With Dr Özge Ergun at BBL ISTANBUL

Why Patients Fly to Istanbul for Tummy Tuck Surgery

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is one of the most life-changing body contouring surgeries. It removes excess skin and stubborn fat from the abdomen, tightens weakened muscles and gives a flatter, firmer waistline.

Many of our patients come to Istanbul after:

Multiple pregnancies and a “mum tummy” that doesn’t improve with diet or exercise
Extreme weight loss with loose, hanging skin
A permanent “belly pouch” after C-section
General loss of skin elasticity with age

Turkey – and especially Istanbul – has become a global hub for cosmetic surgery. Patients from Europe, the UK, USA, Canada and the Gulf choose Istanbul for its combination of:

Highly trained surgeons experienced in body contouring
Modern, fully equipped hospitals
More affordable prices compared to Western Europe / UK
The chance to recover in one of the most beautiful cities in the world

At BBL Istanbul, tummy tuck surgery is performed by Dr Özge Ergun, the same surgeon trusted by our BBL and body contouring patients.

Why Choose BBL Istanbul & Dr Özge Ergun for Your Tummy Tuck?

A Body Contouring Expert – Not a “General” Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck surgery is not just about removing skin. It is about sculpting the entire midsection – waist, flanks and upper abdomen – in harmony with your hips and buttocks.

Dr Özge Ergun is:

A board-certified plastic surgeon focused on body contouring
Known for BBL, tummy tuck, liposuction and mommy makeover surgeries
Performing surgeries in accredited, high-standard hospitals in Istanbul

Because tummy tuck and BBL often go together, many patients already know Dr Özge from the BBL Istanbul main website and choose him to complete their body transformation with an abdominoplasty.

2 Nights in Hospital for Safe, Controlled Recovery

Some clinics discharge patients only a few hours after surgery. At BBL Istanbul, your safety comes first.

For tummy tuck we keep you 2 nights in hospital as standard, so that:

Your pain is fully controlled
You are monitored for early complications
You can start walking under supervision
Your dressings and drains (if used) are checked by the nursing team

Only after these first crucial 48 hours do we transfer you to the hotel (if you choose a package with hotel).

Limited Surgeries Per Day – No “Factory” Approach

Dr Özge performs a limited number of surgeries per day. We prefer quality over quantity. This allows:

Enough time in the operating room
Careful, precise muscle repair and skin closure
Detailed planning for liposuction and contouring
Personal follow-up with each patient

What Is a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that:

Removes loose, excess skin from the lower and/or upper abdomen
Eliminates stubborn fat that does not respond to diet or exercise
Tightens separated or weakened abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
Smooths the contour between abdomen and pubic area
Often improves the appearance of C-section or old abdominal scars

What a Tummy Tuck Can Do

Flatten a protruding abdomen
Slim the waistline when combined with liposuction
Remove the “apron” of skin that hangs over the waistband
Improve posture and core stability when muscles are repaired

What a Tummy Tuck Cannot Do

It is not a weight-loss surgery
It cannot replace a healthy lifestyle
It does not stop future weight gain or pregnancy from changing your body again

For this reason, we normally recommend that you:

Are close to your target weight
Have finished pregnancies or are not planning pregnancy soon
Maintain a stable lifestyle and diet

Types of Tummy Tuck We Offer in Istanbul

Different patients need different approaches. During your consultation, Dr Özge will advise which technique suits your body best.

Full (Classic) Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck is ideal if you have:

Loose skin above and below the belly button
Muscle separation (diastasis) after pregnancy or weight gain
Stretch marks mainly in the lower abdomen

What it involves:

A horizontal incision low on the abdomen (hidden inside bikini line)
Tightening of the abdominal muscles from breastbone to pubic bone
Removal of excess skin and fat
Repositioning of the belly button to a natural height

This gives the most dramatic change in waistline and abdominal profile.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck targets mainly the lower abdomen (below the belly button). It may be suitable if you have:

A small “pouch” under the navel
Minimal skin excess
Localised fat that can be treated with liposuction

Features:

Shorter incision
Often no repositioning of the belly button
Shorter recovery compared to full tummy tuck

Extended / Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck

After massive weight loss, skin excess is often not only vertical (up–down) but also horizontal (side-to-side). In such cases, a fleur-de-lis or extended tummy tuck may be considered.

It allows:

Removal of larger amounts of skin
Improvement of both the abdomen and flanks
Better contour in cases of major weight loss

Scars are more extensive, but for many patients the trade-off is worth it.

Tummy Tuck with Liposuction (Lipo-Abdominoplasty)

In most modern tummy tucks, liposuction is combined to refine the waist, upper abdomen and flanks.

Benefits:

Smoother transitions between treated and untreated areas
More hourglass-like shape
Better definition at the waistline

Dr Özge frequently combines 360° liposuction with tummy tuck in suitable candidates.

Tummy Tuck with BBL or Mommy Makeover

Because BBL Istanbul is specialised in body contouring, combination surgeries are a natural part of our work:

Tummy tuck + BBL: flatten the abdomen and enhance the buttocks for full body balance
Tummy tuck + breast augmentation or lift: classic “mommy makeover”
Tummy tuck + arm or thigh lift: for post weight-loss patients

Not all combinations are safe for every patient. During your consultation we analyse:

Your BMI and general health
Operation time and safety
Your expectations and priorities

Who Is a Good Candidate for Tummy Tuck in Turkey?

You may be a good candidate if you:

Have loose, hanging abdominal skin after pregnancy or weight loss
Have stubborn lower belly fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise
Notice a gap or bulge in the midline when you contract your abdominal muscles (possible diastasis recti)
Are at a stable, healthy weight
Do not smoke, or are willing to stop smoking before and after surgery
Have realistic expectations about scars and recovery

You may need to postpone surgery if you:

Plan to become pregnant in the near future
Are still in the active weight-loss phase
Have uncontrolled medical conditions (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes, severe heart disease)

How Your Tummy Tuck Journey Works with BBL Istanbul

Step 1 – Online Consultation & Medical Assessment

You send photos and basic information about your weight, height, past surgeries and medical history via WhatsApp or email.
Our medical team and Dr Özge Ergun review your case.
You receive a personalised treatment plan explaining the recommended type of tummy tuck, possible combinations with liposuction or BBL, and the estimated stay in Istanbul.

Step 2 – Planning Your Trip to Istanbul

After confirming your surgery date:

We help you plan the most suitable arrival day and length of stay.
Most tummy tuck patients stay in Istanbul around 7–10 days in total (including 2 nights in hospital).
You receive packing recommendations and pre-operative instructions (medications to stop, fasting times, etc.).

If you choose a package with hotel, our coordinators also arrange:

Airport pick-up and drop-off
Transfers between hotel and hospital
Selected partner hotels close to the clinic

Step 3 – Pre-Operative Consultation & Tests

On the day before surgery or on the surgery morning:

You meet Dr Özge Ergun in person for detailed markings and discussion
Blood tests, ECG and other necessary examinations are performed
You sign consent forms and have a final chance to ask questions

Step 4 – The Day of Surgery

Tummy tuck is performed under general anaesthesia
Surgery time is usually between 2–4 hours, depending on the technique and combinations
Liposuction is performed if planned, followed by muscle repair and skin removal
Drains may be placed to reduce fluid build-up

After surgery you are taken to your private hospital room.

Step 5 – 2 Nights in Hospital After Tummy Tuck

For your safety and comfort, we keep tummy tuck patients 2 nights in hospital:

Day 0–1: Pain control, IV fluids, first assisted walk, breathing exercises
Your drains, dressings and corset are checked regularly
Nurses help you get in and out of bed safely
Dr Özge or his team examine you daily

Only when you are stable, walking better and drinking/eating comfortably do we discharge you to the hotel (if included) or your accommodation.

Step 6 – Hotel Stay, Check-Ups & Safe Flight Home

You continue wearing your abdominal corset day and night as instructed
Swelling, bruising and tightness are expected in the first weeks
Before you fly back, you will have a final post-operative check with Dr Özge
You receive written instructions and medication prescriptions for your home country

Online Follow-Up After You Return Home

Healing continues for months. That’s why:

You can send photos at regular intervals (for example at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months)
Our team answers questions about scar care, massage, compression garments and physical activity
If needed, we arrange online calls to review progress

How Is a Tummy Tuck Actually Performed?

In simple terms, here is what happens in the operating room:

Anaesthesia – You are put under general anaesthesia by an experienced anaesthesiologist.
Incision –
- A horizontal incision is made low on the abdomen, usually hidden within underwear / bikini lines.
- For extended/fleur-de-lis tummy tucks, a vertical component may be added.
Liposuction (if planned) – Excess fat from the abdomen and flanks is gently removed to sculpt the waist.
Muscle Repair – If your abdominal muscles are separated, they are tightened like an internal corset with strong sutures. This reduces bulging and improves core support.
Skin Tightening – The upper abdominal skin is pulled downward, excess skin is removed, and the belly button is brought out through a new opening at a natural position.
Closure – Multiple layers of sutures are used to close the incision and support fine scar healing.
Dressings & Corset – Drains may be inserted, and you are placed in a specialised abdominal garment.

Recovery Timeline After Tummy Tuck in Istanbul

Every body heals at its own speed, but a typical timeline looks like this:

Days 0–2 – In Hospital (2 Nights)

You wake up with an abdominal corset and sometimes drains
Pain is controlled with medication
Nurses help you stand and walk slowly, slightly bent at the waist
You start drinking and eating light meals

Days 3–7 – Early Hotel / Home Recovery

You are discharged from hospital and move to your hotel or accommodation
Walking becomes easier but you still move carefully
Swelling, bruising and a feeling of tightness are expected
Most patients prefer to rest, walk inside, and avoid long outings

Weeks 2–4 – Returning to Daily Life

Stitches are usually absorbed or removed according to your surgeon’s method
Many patients can return to light office work after 2–3 weeks (if their job is not physically demanding)
You still wear your corset almost full-time
Driving is usually possible once you are off strong pain medication and feel safe to react quickly

Weeks 6–12 – Shaping Phase

Most bruising has resolved
Swelling starts to decrease significantly, but minor swelling may come and go through the day
You can gradually start light exercise (walking, cycling) and, later, core exercises as advised
Scars are still red/pink but begin to soften

6–12 Months – Final Results

Swelling and tightness continue to improve
Scars fade from red to lighter tones and become less visible with time
You can fully enjoy your new silhouette in fitted clothing and swimwear

How Long Should You Stay in Istanbul for Tummy Tuck?

For international patients we generally recommend:

Minimum stay: 7 days in Istanbul
Ideal stay: 8–10 days if possible

This includes:

Pre-operative consultation and tests
Surgery day
2 nights in hospital
Several days in hotel for early recovery and check-ups
Final examination before flying back

Flying home too early increases discomfort and may limit our ability to handle small issues quickly.

Tummy Tuck Results – What to Realistically Expect

A well-performed tummy tuck can:

Give you a flatter, firmer abdominal wall
Improve your waistline and side view profile
Allow clothes to fit better and more comfortably
Give you more confidence in swimwear and fitted outfits

You should also be prepared for:

A permanent scar low on the abdomen (usually well hidden in underwear/bikini)
A scar around the belly button
Some minor asymmetries – no body is perfectly symmetrical
The need to maintain results with stable weight and healthy lifestyle

Most of our patients report that the psychological and aesthetic benefits of the procedure far outweigh the presence of scars.

Safety, Risks and How We Reduce Them

As with every surgery, tummy tuck carries potential risks such as:

Bleeding or haematoma
Infection
Delayed wound healing
Seroma (fluid accumulation)
Temporary numbness
Blood clots (thrombosis or embolism)

At BBL Istanbul, we reduce risks by:

Operating in accredited hospitals with experienced anaesthesia teams
Keeping tummy tuck patients 2 nights in hospital for close monitoring
Using compression garments and encouraging early, gentle walking
Avoiding overly aggressive combinations in patients with high BMI or health risks
Giving you clear instructions for smoking cessation, medication management and post-operative care

Your honesty about your health, smoking, medications and previous surgeries is essential for safe planning.

Tummy Tuck Cost in Turkey – What Is Included?

Tummy tuck cost in Turkey can vary depending on:

The type of tummy tuck (mini, full, extended)
Whether liposuction, BBL or other procedures are combined
Hospital category and length of stay
Hotel choice and transfer services

At BBL Istanbul, our packages typically include:

Surgeon’s fee (Dr Özge Ergun)
Anaesthesia and hospital fees
2 nights in hospital for tummy tuck
Pre-operative tests and examinations
Post-operative garments (corset) and basic medications during your hospital stay
Follow-up visits during your time in Istanbul

We will provide your personalised price after evaluating your photos and medical information.

How to Prepare for Tummy Tuck Surgery in Istanbul

Maintain a stable weight for at least a few months
Stop smoking as advised before and after surgery
Avoid blood-thinning medications, supplements and certain herbal remedies (as instructed)
Arrange help at home or at your hotel for the first days after discharge
Prepare loose, front-opening clothing and easy-to-put-on underwear
If you have chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, thyroid problems etc.), make sure they are under good control and bring your recent reports

Frequently Asked Questions – Tummy Tuck in Turkey & Istanbul

Is it safe to have a tummy tuck in Turkey?

Yes – when you choose a qualified plastic surgeon and accredited hospital. Turkey is a major hub for cosmetic surgery and sees thousands of international patients each year. At BBL Istanbul, safety protocols, pre-operative screening and 2 nights of hospitalisation after tummy tuck are standard.

How many nights in hospital do I need after tummy tuck?

With BBL Istanbul and Dr Özge Ergun, tummy tuck surgery includes 2 nights in hospital as part of your package. This allows controlled pain management, early mobilisation and safe monitoring before you move to your hotel.

How long after tummy tuck in Turkey can I fly home?

Most patients can safely fly:

Short to medium-haul flights: usually from day 7
Long-haul flights: ideally after 8–10 days

We advise wearing compression stockings, drinking plenty of water and moving your legs regularly during the flight.

Will tummy tuck remove my stretch marks?

Stretch marks located on the skin that is removed will disappear with that skin. Stretch marks higher on the abdomen may remain but often look better once the skin is tightened.

Will I lose weight with a tummy tuck?

Some tissue is removed, so the scale may show a small drop. However, tummy tuck is not a weight-loss surgery. It is designed to reshape and tighten the area, not to reduce body weight significantly.

Can I combine tummy tuck with BBL or liposuction?

Yes, combination procedures such as tummy tuck + 360° liposuction or tummy tuck + BBL are common in our clinic. Whether this is safe in your specific case depends on your BMI, health status and desired changes. This is evaluated individually by Dr Özge.

Will I have visible scars after tummy tuck?

Yes, you will have:

One scar low on the abdomen (from hip to hip or slightly shorter, depending on the technique)
One scar around the belly button

We place incisions low so that they are hidden within underwear or bikini. Scar quality depends on surgical technique, your genetics and proper post-operative care.

When can I go back to work after a tummy tuck in Istanbul?

For desk jobs, many patients return to work 2–3 weeks after surgery. For physically demanding jobs (lifting, heavy activity), a longer break is needed – sometimes 4–6 weeks or more.

How long do tummy tuck results last?

If you maintain a stable weight, eat well and exercise regularly, the results of tummy tuck are long-lasting. Large weight changes or pregnancy after surgery can stretch the tissues again.

Tummy Tuck in Istanbul with BBL Istanbul – Take the Next Step

If you are searching “best place for tummy tuck in Turkey”, “tummy tuck surgeon in Istanbul”, or wondering if you can combine tummy tuck with BBL or a mommy makeover, our team at BBL Istanbul is ready to guide you.

Same experienced surgeon as our BBL patients – Dr Özge Ergun
Surgery in modern, accredited hospitals in Istanbul
2 nights in hospital included for tummy tuck patients
English-speaking coordinators and full online support

Ready to find out if you are a good candidate?

Tummy Tuck Surgery in Istanbul, Turkey – With Dr Özge Ergun at BBL ISTANBUL