If you’re considering a tummy tuck, you’re not alone. Tummy tucks are one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the United States. In fact, more than 200,000 Americans undergo abdominoplasty each year.
But before you make the decision to go under the knife, there are some things you need to know. Here is everything you need to know about tummy tucks: what they involve, how much they cost, and what kind of results you can expect.
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and from the abdomen and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. A tummy tuck can help improve your appearance and self-confidence, and may also reduce back pain.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
If you’re considering a tummy tuck, you should first consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to find out if you are a good candidate for the surgery. In general, good candidates for abdominoplasty are individuals who are in good physical health and have excess fat and skin in the abdominal area that they would like to remove. People who have recently lost a lot of weight or who are pregnant may not be good candidates for surgery.
Preparing for Your Tummy Tuck
Once you have decided to go ahead with surgery, there are a few things you need to do to prepare for your tummy tuck. First, you will need to get some blood tests and other medical tests done to make sure that you are in good health and that there are no underlying medical conditions that could complicate surgery or the healing process. You will also need to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin or other blood thinners, a few weeks before surgery.
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your tummy tuck, which may include:
- quitting smoking
- losing weight
- avoiding certain medications and supplements
- eating a healthy diet
- getting plenty of rest
You should also make arrangements for someone to drive you home after your surgery and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours.
After your surgery is complete, you will stay in the hospital for a few days so that your team can monitor your recovery. You should expect to see some swelling and bruising in the surgical area, but this should start to go down after a few days. Most people feel well enough to return home within a week or so after their surgery.
You will need to take it easy for the first few weeks after your surgery, but you should be able to return to your normal activities within a month or so. You will need to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least six weeks, but you should be able to start light exercise after that. It is important to follow all of your surgeon’s instructions carefully during your recovery period in order to reduce the risk of complications and ensure a successful outcome.
Understanding the Complications That May Arise
Risks and complications associated with abdominoplasty surgery include infection, bleeding, scarring, and damage to nearby organs. Most of these risks can be reduced by following your surgeon’s instructions carefully both before and after surgery.
If you are considering having a tummy tuck, be sure to discuss all of the risks and potential complications with your surgeon beforehand. You should also make sure that you are healthy enough for surgery and that you have realistic expectations about the results. Surgery can be a great way to improve your appearance and boost your self-confidence, but it is not an instant fix for all of your body issues. Be sure to weigh all of the pros and cons before making a decision.