You may have heard of a tummy tuck before, but you might not be totally clear on what the treatment actually involves. Abdominoplasty is a procedure that removes excess skin and deposits of fat in the abdominal region and tightens muscles to achieve a flatter, more desirable look.
The Ideal Candidate
Candidates for tummy tucks will be in good health and physical shape, but will also have frustrating excess skin that they have not been able to improve through dieting and exercise. Abdominoplasty is an effective way to target embarrassing problem areas, which may be holding you back from feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin.
It is common for moms to get tummy tuck done. If you have had children and wish to rejuvenate your body, a tummy tuck is an excellent way to tighten skin and muscles which may have been stretched during pregnancy. However, you should wait until you no longer plan on having any additional children as the effects of a tummy tuck will be reduced every time you become pregnant. If you have lost a significant amount of weight, tummy tucks can help you remove loose skin which might be holding you back from showing off your new body. These procedures are perfect for removing any feelings of self-consciousness and letting you re-discover your beauty.
The Procedure
A tummy tuck will take approximately four hours and require you to be placed under general anesthesia. The treatment requires for two incisions to be made in your abdomen area, the higher one just above your navel and lower incision crossing from one hipbone to the opposite. Through these incisions, your muscles will be realigned and tightened to produce the sleek, firm look that you deserve. Excess skin will be removed and your incisions will be sealed. Your navel is simply brought through a new opening on your abdomen and looks the same as it did before surgery. Two drains will be placed in the area of surgery to remove any excess fluid, and the drains will be painlessly removed in the office. All patients will get an automatic pain pump to go home with that will deliver a local anesthetic to the surgical area to reduce post-op pain and improve the overall experience.
The Recovery
Most patients recover in a couple weeks to a completely healed state but some take a bit longer, so your recovery time may vary depending on your individual situation. You will need to take about two weeks off from work and be sure to avoid strenuous physical activity for up to six weeks. To have the best possible outcome, it is required that patients quit smoking for two weeks before and after their procedure.
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