Abdominoplasty, better known as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery procedure mainly done by men and women for a thinner and firm finish. This is a common surgery that has remained immensely popular throughout the years.
Understandably, life changes such as pregnancies, weight fluctuations, and aging may change the way your midsection looks. People usually opt for this surgical procedure when all that extra skin on your tummy doesn’t budge despite countless hours of exercise and harsh diets. A tummy tuck removes the excess skin and fat, tightening the abdominal walls. Since a tummy tuck is a pretty significant surgery option, one has to think through it properly not to have second thoughts after the procedure.
The sagging of the skin can happen to both men and women. However, it is best to do your research and consult your doctor before making the final decision for yourself. As for this article, you’ll learn about how the surgery is performed, what factors are essential, which category of people qualify for this procedure, possible complications, how long it takes to recover, and more.
Let’s start with the essential details regarding a tummy tuck.
Types of Tummy Tuck
If you happen to be still deciding or have already decided to get a tummy tuck, then it would be best if you knew about the three dominant types of a tummy tuck. The first type of tummy tuck is a mini tummy tuck. In a mini-abdominoplasty, in which the skin around the navel is targeted. This process successfully removes skin and fat to drastically decrease the nasty bulge in the lower abdomen area. Since the procedure isn’t that major, it doesn’t require repairing the abdominal muscles or walls.
The second type of tummy is the traditional tummy tuck. Traditional abdominoplasty is an option primarily for women who have given birth. The abdominal muscles that are stretched during weight fluctuations or pregnancy are repaired. The extra, bulging skin or fat is erased from the abdomen area. The third type of tummy tuck is the extended tummy tuck. An extended abdominoplasty is a great option for people with dramatic results or who lost an imperative amount of weight. During the procedure of an extended tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are removed from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, and back. Such muscles in the areas are not only repaired but they are toned as well.
People Who Qualify For A Tummy Tuck
Nevertheless, not all people qualify or stand as the best candidates for this surgery option. A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is suitable for both males and females. In addition to that, both men and women must be in good health generally.
Apart from having a good state of health overall, people who desire a tummy tuck should also have a balanced weight. It would be best if they were non-smokers. Even if you happen to be a heavy smoker, your doctor would most likely ask you to throw that habit out of the window. It is said to be so because smoking can invite a particular set of complications during surgery. Moreover, it also slows down the body’s natural way of healing.
What are the Pros and Cons?
The tummy tuck procedure will take about 1 to 5 hours to complete, and the doctor will put the patient to sleep. Depending on your condition, you might be discharged the very day, or you might have to stay a night at the hospital.
The pros of having a tummy tuck procedure are a toned and flat abdomen; though this is what the process promises, it is vital to bear realistic expectations. The procedure tightens the weak muscles and reduces skin imperfections. A tummy tuck can also boost your confidence as it is a cosmetic surgery that focuses on enhancing one’s physical appearance. The disadvantages of having a tummy tuck procedure are a permanent scar in a specific region that your doctor will make you aware of before surgery. Once the procedure has been completed, you will feel pain and swelling, but the doctor will prescribe some medicines. One may also feel numb and tired from the bruises that can last several weeks. With any surgery one goes through, there are risks. Though such complications are rare, one can go through infection, blood clots, and internal bleeding.
Outlook of a Tummy Tuck
The majority of people fall in love with their new look. However, it is possible that you might not feel like yourself after a few months of the surgery. The procedure is a huge commitment with an enormous amount to make it happen- physically, emotionally, and financially. Therefore, it would be best if you don’t be too hard on yourself. Take all the time you need to get back to your normal self.
Recovery – What to expect?
As for the recovery, there are no promises made about how long it will take to get back on track, as it can take weeks to months to feel yourself in a normal state again. Though surgeries have a general time frame, individual recoveries also contribute to it. The individual factors depend on age, overall health state, type of tummy tuck performed, and post-surgery care. Though the doctor will provide you with an estimate of the recovery, most patients start feeling better on the 8-week mark. Taking small steps is essential to ensure that you recover most healthily. You should have a comfortable space, where all your needs are easily fulfilled. It would be best if you allowed yourself to slack off for approximately two weeks. Don’t force yourself to do any physical activities until you feel better again. Eat fresh vegetables and fruits and an ample amount of water to ensure that the feeling of bloating/swelling goes quickly.
Summing Up
Before arriving upon a confident decision, one must understand and bear in mind that an abdominoplasty or a tummy tuck is not an alternative for weight loss. It is simply a procedure that removes the extra skin and fat that one hasn’t been able to get rid of despite putting immense effort through exercise and dieting. Therefore, a tummy tuck shouldn’t be entertained as a possible option for weight loss. It should only be pursued if one has tried every other way to get rid of that stubborn skin that won’t budge.
Whatever choice you make in the end is all yours. Our job is to ensure that you’re fully updated and informed so you don’t regret your decision.
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