Abdominoplasty surgery removes excess fat and skin
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a plastic surgery procedure that firms, flattens and smooths your abdomen. A plastic surgeon will remove excess fat and skin and tighten muscles in your abdominal wall. Your plastic surgeon may also use liposuction to improve your results.
Navigating the Route to a Successful Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, can dramatically improve your body contour. However, it’s essential to find a qualified medical practitioner and understand the procedure fully before deciding to proceed. Read below for a comprehensive guide on abdominoplasty.
Finding a Qualified Medical Practitioner for Abdominoplasty
When contemplating abdominoplasty, finding a qualified medical practitioner should be your priority. It’s essential to ensure that the surgeon is board-certified and experienced in performing tummy tuck surgeries. Research their credentials, read reviews, and ask for before-and-after photos of previous patients. The right surgeon will address your concerns, explain the procedure, and discuss the desired outcome and potential risks.
Understanding What Abdominoplasty Involves
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the abdominal area, often tightening the muscles for a more streamlined appearance. It often involves an incision from hip to hip, around the navel, and the removal of excess skin. Patients usually require general anesthesia and can expect some downtime for recovery.
Things to Consider Before Deciding to Have Abdominoplasty
Before deciding on abdominoplasty, it’s crucial to consider certain factors. These include your overall health, weight stability, and realistic expectations about the results. Abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss solution and works best for those near their ideal weight. It’s also important to consider the cost, as most insurance companies do not cover cosmetic surgery.
What Tummy Tuck Surgery Can’t Do
While abdominoplasty can improve your appearance and self-confidence, it’s important to understand what it can’t do. It won’t replace a healthy diet and exercise regimen, nor can it address stretch marks unless they’re on the skin being removed. It also can’t correct sagging skin from significant weight loss or aging.
Useful Tips and Facts About Abdominoplasty
- Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss.
- It’s best to wait until after you’ve finished having children before considering a tummy tuck.
- Prepare for a recovery period of at least two weeks.
- Smoking can compromise your recovery and results.
- You will need someone to assist you post-surgery for a few days.
The Reality of Life After Abdominoplasty
After abdominoplasty, you’ll likely experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which are part of the healing process. You’ll need to wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your abdomen. Following your surgeon’s recovery guidelines is crucial for the best results. Remember, the outcome may not be immediately apparent due to swelling and it takes time for the final results to settle.
