Having a flabby stomach can negatively affect your overall appearance. However, after a pregnancy or significant weight loss, this is an issue you are likely to face. The good news is that several cosmetic treatments can be used to give you a flatter and more toned belly, tummy tuck surgery being the most successful one.
So, what is a tummy tuck, what does it involve, and how can it benefit you? Here is everything you need to know about tummy tuck surgery.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgical procedure that seeks to remove excess fat and skin from the lower abdomen. The procedure also tightens the abdominal walls. After undergoing tummy tuck surgery, a patient will get a smoother, firmer, and flatter abdominal profile. However, it is important to note that although the procedure will remove excess fat from the abdominal walls, it is not an alternative weight loss method. Therefore, if your goal is to cut weight, you will need to exercise and adopt a healthy diet.
The Ideal Candidate for Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, like any cosmetic surgical procedure, is an individualized procedure and you should not have it to look like other people or to fulfill the desires of someone else. Generally, a good candidate for a tummy tuck should:
- Be in good physical health. If you have any medical condition that might impair the healing process, you will be advised to avoid undergoing the procedure.
- Have a stable weight. If you are gaining or losing weight rapidly for some reason, you will be advised to manage your weight before the procedure can be performed
- Be a non-smoker or willing to quit smoking. This is because smoking can cause poor healing
- Have realistic expectations and a positive outlook.
- If you are considering getting pregnant in the future or losing a significant amount of weight, or you have a chronic medical condition, a tummy tuck may not be good for you.
During your initial consultation with a plastic surgeon, you will be asked some questions and undergo some medical tests to determine if a tummy tuck is right for you.
What Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Involve?
The procedure is usually performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. This is meant to ensure that you will not experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure. After administering the anesthesia medication, your plastic surgeon will make the appropriate incisions, depending on the amount of excess skin that needs to be removed.
The incision will allow the surgeon to lift the abdominal skin in order to remove unwanted fat and tighten the abdominal muscles. The excess skin will then be removed. Finally, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures, skin adhesives, and tapes.
Tummy Tuck Surgery Risks
A tummy tuck, like other surgical procedures, can pose several risks. Some of the risks associated with the procedure include:
- Poor wound healing
- Unfavorable scarring
- Fluid accumulation
- Change in skin sensation
- Infections
- Excessive bleeding
- Suboptimal aesthetic results
FAQs About Tummy Tuck Surgery
When Can I Go Back to Work After Getting a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure that requires significant downtime. Indeed, the first two weeks will be quite uncomfortable for you as you may experience pain and swelling. However, most people can go back to work after about three weeks. However, more strenuous activities will have to wait for about six weeks.
When Can I See the Full Results?
For the first week, you may not notice any positive results due to swelling. However, after a couple of weeks or so, your slimmer profile will become more apparent. As the swelling subsides, your abdominal profile will get flatter, firmer, and proportionate to your body type.
Is Tummy Tuck Painful?
As mentioned earlier, the procedure will most likely be done under general anesthesia, meaning that you will be put to sleep, and you won’t experience any pain during the procedure. However, in the first week or so, you can expect to experience some discomfort. However, your surgeon will prescribe appropriate medication to not only prevent infections but also help you manage pain.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a tummy tuck is about $6154. However, it is important to note that this is only a part of the total cost, meaning that you may have to spend much more than this. Therefore, you need to talk to your plastic surgeon for more accurate estimates.
How long Will Tummy Tuck Results Last?
Tummy tuck surgery results are considered permanent since the removed fat and skin will not grow back. However, significant weight fluctuations could cause your abdominal skin to lose its elasticity and sag again. Therefore, for your tummy tuck results to last longer, you need to maintain a stable weight after the procedure.
