A tummy tuck is a surgical plastic surgery procedure that can help overweight individuals reshape their abdomen. It is the fifth most common cosmetic surgery in the US and has helped thousands of people achieve their body goals. Tummy tucks offer individual results and can be tailored to suit your personal needs. In this article, we will explore common queries related to tummy tuck surgery.
There are four different types of tummy tuck procedures you can opt for: classic, mini, extended, and fleur de lis.
Classic: This kind of “full tummy tuck” removes excess skin and fat from the area between your pubic bone and belly button. It is also excellent for tightening the abdominal muscles.
Mini: Mini tummy tucks use a smaller incision and only removes skin from the lower abdominal area without affecting the navel or abdominal muscles.
Extended: In this version of the tummy tuck, the cosmetic surgeon removes excess skin and improves muscle laxity in the hip region and above; the incision spans from the hips to the back.
Fleur de Lis: This type of procedure is ideal for those who with significant weight loss who want to contour their body; in it, excess fat and skin are eliminated from the stomach area. This method uses a vertical incision instead of a horizontal one like the other version of the tummy tuck.
Anyone who wishes to achieve a smoother and flatter abdominal section should opt for a tummy tuck; it is better than liposuction because it can help reshape the entire area as well as remove excess fat and skin. Most people who opt for a tummy tuck have gained and lost weight (either through pregnancy or dieting) and lost their skin’s elasticity.
Before settling for a surgeon to perform a tummy tuck, make sure you have read How to Choose a Plastic Surgery for Cosmetic Surgery. At a minimum choose a board-certified plastic surgeon; they should hold a certified medical license with recognition from your country or area’s local medical council.
When preparing for the tummy tuck procedure, you may have to undergo a basic medical evaluation, conduct some lab tests, adjust your current medications as directed, temporarily stop smoking, and avoid any anti-inflammatory drugs.
Patients should be close to their desired weight 6 to 12 months before the procedure and maintain a stable weight for this period; they should be between 10 to 15 pounds of their goal weight.
Pain medication will help you manage the pain after the surgery. Your body will need time to recover from the tummy tuck. Most people will experience swelling up until one month after surgery; this will make their clothes feel tight and bodies somewhat uneasy. Once the two-month mark is crossed, patients will notice that most of the swelling in their abdomen will be settled.
Recovery also demands that you exercise and eat as directed after the procedure. It would help if you also rested plenty to allow the body to heal. Smoking and alcohol should be avoided for least six weeks after the procedure.
Tummy tuck scars and stretch marks may take up to a year to fade away; these scars will occur where the incisions were made. They will go away on their own once the body heals.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, most tummy tuck procedures cost $8500 (2018) which includes anesthesia, the surgery center, and surgeons fees.
In addition to hospital fees, patients will have to pay for any required medical tests (often covered by insurance), post-surgery garments, including an abdominal binder for reshaping, and prescribed medications (often covered by insurance).
Many people will experience a period of emotional adjustment after the procedure; their body has just been placed under great physical stress and altered entirely, and getting used to the new shape after months or years of having low self-esteem can be challenging.
Also, after surgery, your body will initially be swollen and bruised, but these will fade away with time; patients should expect a period of emotional adjustment and allow themselves time to heal, both physically and emotionally.
A proper diet that’s fortified with all essential organic nutrients, vitamins, and minerals is vital; without it, the body will not recover or maintain its post-surgery weight.
