Tummy Tuck - Things You Need to Know

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a very serious surgical procedure. While the surgery produces significantly beneficial results, it’s helpful to educate yourself about the process.

A tummy tuck, technically known as an abdominoplasty, is a common procedure formed during cosmetic surgery. While the name sounds fairly simply, it is actually a more complex surgery than most people realize, and candidates should carefully decide if this procedure is for them.

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck? Good candidates have extra abdominal skin or significant abdominal muscle weakness. They are also in good physical shape prior to the surgery. Women who have had children (especially those who have carried multiples) generally have extra skin and muscle weakness that they are unable to change with diet and exercise. Men and Women who have had bariatric surgery are also generally good candidates, since they typically lose a large amount of weight in a short amount of time.

It is important to note that abdominoplasty is not for people who are not in relatively good physical shape, nor is it for those who still have a lot of weight they would like to lose. You should finish losing the weight and focus on getting your body in shape, as this will ensure a more successful procedure. Also, women should wait until they are done having children, as successive pregnancy would re-stretch the muscles and skin.

So what exactly is a tummy tuck? A complete abdominoplasty requires a significant incision, usually from hipbone to hipbone. The surgeon will remove excess skin, tighten abdominal muscles and help to flatten the abdominal wall. You can expect a possible hospital stay (depending on the complexity of your personal procedure) and up to 6 weeks for full recovery. It will take around 2 weeks for initial recovery, so you should plan to miss work for this time. Since the procedure is more complex, there does tend to be a significant scar, although it can often be covered by a bathing suit or underwear. If you are concerned with scarring or have less significant issues to address, you may be a good candidate for a mini-tuck.

While a tummy tuck is a significant and major surgery, the benefits typically outweigh the risks involved. A flatter stomach and better fitting clothing are two immediate results (after recovering, of course.) If you take good care of your body, the excess fat and loose skin should be gone forever. Though you may be concerned with the scarring, all scars fade in time and can be typically hidden.

Another benefit of the tummy tuck procedure is renewed confidence. Being able to wear proper-fitting clothes and not constantly trying to get rid of the flabby stomach can really boost how you feel. If you’re a good candidate for this procedure and it is something you want to pursue, then what are you waiting for?

Perhaps you’re considering abdominoplasty but have other cosmetic procedures you are also interested in. You may want to look into a “mommy makeover” where multiple procedures are combined that deal with the breasts, hips, and abdomen. Recovery time may be a little more significant, but combining procedures may actually lesson the risks and recovery time overall.

Like all cosmetic and aseptic surgical procedures, the tummy tuck and mommy makeover are not covered by insurance. However, your doctor may have financial plans available that make the procedure a little easier to afford.

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