Are You Considering a Tummy Tuck?

An overview of what a tummy tuck is and who is a good candidate and who is not for this popular procedure as well as what to expect after your surgery.

Tummy tucks remain one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, even showing a slight one percent increase in the number performed in 2010 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Also known as an abdominoplasty, this procedure removes extra fat and excessive skin in the abdominal area. This body toning cosmetic procedure also tightens up the muscles in the abdominal wall and gives a toner look to your abdominal area.

There are several reasons women may need a tummy tuck including pregnancy which can stretch the abdominal muscles out to the extent they simply don’t rebound even with time, exercise and diet. Other factors such as age, heredity or fluctuation in weight are issues that can also create extra baby fat that doesn’t respond to traditional weight loss methods including exercise and diet.

A tummy tuck may be done by itself or in conjunction with liposuction. Sometimes these two are combined with a breast lift and called a mommy make over, for obvious reasons to anyone who has ever been pregnant. However this should not be considered an alternative to a weight loss program. This is after all a surgical procedure and it should not be the go to option instead of diet and exercise. This procedure should only be done on patients who have stabilized their weight and are realistic about their surgical outcome.

If you are planning to get pregnant or planning to loose weight, you are not an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck. Talk to your surgeon if you plan to loose weight or get pregnant so you can understand how a surgical procedure such as a tummy tuck will impact your choice.

After your surgery, which will likely be done in a surgical center and not a hospital, you will be discharged after the affects of the anesthesia wears off to go home and recoup. You will need to arrange to have a family member, friend or a skilled medical professional with you to drive you home and to take care of you the first day while you recover.
You should expect to be swollen, bruised and sore and you probably won’t feel like doing cartwheels for awhile but you should try to move around as much as you are able to especially the first twenty four hours to help prevent the formation of blood clots from forming. Blood clots are the biggest risk factor you face with any surgery and are easily avoided with regular movement after surgery

You will probably be sent home with a drainage tube in place, which is also common with any surgery to help your body flush out excessive fluids that form during surgery. In addition to the drainage tube you will have stitches that will need to be kept clean and dry, and you will be bandaged up.
It sounds grim once you recover you will see the benefits of a flatter, more toned stomach area and realize your surgery was worth it.

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