Having a flat, toned tummy is something many people try to achieve through physical exercise and diet. Unfortunately, these techniques are not always effective.
Stubborn pockets of fat may refuse to go away, and loose abdominal muscle may not get tighter even after spending months at the gym. The good news is that you can achieve a flatter and well-toned tummy by going for a plastic surgical procedure known as tummy tuck surgery. But how much does a tummy tuck cost, and what does it entail?
Here is everything you need to know about tummy tuck surgery.
What Is Tummy Tuck Surgery?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is performed to improve a patient’s body contour by tightening the abdominal muscle and removing excess abdominal fat and skin.
Whether you have a flabby or protruding tummy due to pregnancy, weight loss, or genetics, the procedure will effectively resolve the imperfection and significantly improve your overall appearance.
What Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Involve?
Tummy tuck surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. This is meant to ensure that you don’t panic or experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
After administering the anesthesia, your plastic surgeon will make the necessary incisions and pull up the abdominal skill to remove fat deposits and tighten the abdominal muscle using sutures.
Lastly, the surgeon will remove the excess skin and close the incisions with sutures, skin adhesives, and tapes.
The procedure will take between three and five hours.
In most cases, patients may be allowed to go home the same day. However, you shouldn’t be surprised if your surgeon asks you to stay in the hospital for a day or two. This is because a tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure, and therefore, some healthcare professionals may find it necessary to observe their patients closely after the procedure.
Ideal Candidate for a Tummy Tuck
Not everyone who would like to make their tummy flatter and more toned qualifies for a tummy tuck.
A good candidate for the procedure should:
- Be in good physical health, free of conditions that might compromise the healing process
- Be a non-smoker or willing to quit smoking. This is because smoking can cause poor healing
- Have a stable weight. This is because weight fluctuations can negatively affect tummy tuck results
- Not intend to get pregnant soon. This is because pregnancy will stretch your tummy again.
- Have realistic expectations
Tummy Tuck Surgery Cost
On average, tummy tuck surgery costs about $6153, according to the American Society of Plastic surgeons. However, it is important to note that this figure does not include other costs, such as the cost of anesthesia and hospital charges. It is important to note that a tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure, and your medical insurance is unlikely to cover it.
Before you can go for the procedure, you need to talk to your plastic surgeon for you to know the estimated amount of money you will need for the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tuck
How much downtime does a tummy tuck require?
After the procedure, you will need about two to three weeks to recover. After these three weeks, you will be able to go back to work. However, you will have to avoid strenuous physical activity and contact sport for at least six weeks after the procedure.
Is tummy tuck surgery painful?
The procedure will be done under anesthesia. Therefore, you will not experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure. However, during the first week of recovery, you may experience some painful moments. However, the discomfort will gradually subside. In any case, your surgeon will prescribe some medication to help you manage pain throughout the recovery process.
How long will tummy tuck results last?
During a tummy tuck, fat and excess skin are removed to give a patient a flatter and tighter tummy. The results are expected to be long lasting. However, the longevity of your tummy tuck results will depend on your lifestyle. If you decide to adopt an unhealthy diet and fail to exercise, you might quickly reverse the results. However, if you take the necessary steps to stay healthy and maintain a stable weight, you could enjoy your tummy tuck results for the rest of your life.
Will tummy tuck surgery reduce my weight?
No! Tummy tuck surgery is not meant to help you lose weight. Therefore, if you intend to cut weight, you will need to adopt a healthy diet and exercise regularly. However, although the procedure is not a weight loss solution, it can help you get rid of abdominal pockets of fat that refuse to go away through traditional weight loss techniques.
