Tummy Tuck: Things To Consider

There are various reasons why you might consider a tummy tuck, such as excess skin due to a previous pregnancy or recent weight loss. It can be very embarrassing to have a flabby stomach, especially on the beach or in the bedroom. This procedure is not to be confused with liposuction, since it actually involves cutting away skin rather than simply suctioning out the fat. Based on your individual situation, there are certain points to consider when deciding what the best operation for your body is.

A tummy tuck can often be combined with liposuction for drastic results, reshaping the abdominal area while reducing the fat content. In many cases, removal of excess skin becomes necessary after the fat has been extracted because it no longer has a foundation to rest on and becomes looser than before. If the skin was already stretched and flabby before liposuction, it will only become worse after the operation and will need to be trimmed away with an additional procedure. Consider the condition of the skin around your abdominal area before deciding if you will need to have the excess removed after liposuction.

The surgery begins with an incision placed on the lower part of the abdomen to make it more easily concealable. After that the doctor will tighten the muscle layer and then remove whatever extra fat and skin they can. Your navel will need to be relocated once the tissue is cut away, and then secured into place using stitches. As a result, you will have two different scars from this procedure – a horizontal one on your lower stomach, and a circular one around your navel. These will fade in time as your body heals itself.

Once the procedure is completed, there will be some swelling and pain but you will be able to leave the hospital the same day. If you are really feeling out of it, you can make arrangements to stay overnight. It is recommended that you avoid any heavy lifting or excessive movement, but do not lay in bed for too long either since you will risk getting blood clots. Try using a pillow under your knees while you sleep to reduce any pulling or strain on your stitches. After a few weeks you will be back to normal and can resume regular activities.

A tummy tuck is the only sure way to remove stretch marks, and can be extremely helpful after a few pregnancies or extreme weight loss. After a certain point, exercise becomes useless in removing flab because there is simply too much excess skin. In this case it is best to turn to an experienced plastic surgeon to safely and easily reshape your stomach.