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The Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Procedure Explained!
A tummy tuck, also referred to as an abdominoplasty, can help reduce the appearance of loose and flabby skin around your abdomen by strengthening the walls of your tummy, as well as tightening your stomach muscles.
This surgery removes fat and tightens loose skin around the abdomen and is not meant to be used as a weight loss tool. Tummy tucks are for areas around the abdomen that don't respond to diet and exercise and can be an ideal solution to achieving a slimmer waistline.
During your initial cosmetic plastic surgery consultation, your board certified plastic surgeon will guide you through the process of the abdominoplasty procedure and can give you an estimated recovery time so you can plan ahead. Knowing all about the tummy tuck procedure you are about to undertake will minimize anxiety and fear and can help you create a healing and recovery plan.
The after effects of abdominoplasty can be very painful with a long drawn out healing and recovery period. The patient might suffer from sore and tender muscles, tiredness, numbness and redness in certain places and have deep scars and bruises.
It will be necessary to take painkillers and antibiotics for pain and sore muscles. The medicines prescribed by the doctor will help in smooth recovery after the surgery. You will find it difficult to stand or move and the swelling and bruising around the incision area will require time to heal. Loose clothes that do not hinder you in any way, an ice pack to relieve soreness and padding the area for comfort while you sleep are some of the things that will help in a smooth and speedy recovery.
The risk of infection and adverse reaction to anesthetics cannot be ruled out just like in other surgeries like cheek implants, nose reshaping or breast augmentation. In some unusual instances, formation of blood clots can be a major risk. Extensive bleeding, ruptured stitches, belly button and skin death and hematoma are other obstacles you should consider before deciding to go for this surgery.
According to the ASPS - American Society of Plastic Surgeons, tummy tucks were priced at an average of $4500 in 2008 and can reach up to $6000-10000 when anesthesia and other facilities are added. For more detailed information, you can check the ASPS website at www.plasticsurgery.org.
It is recommended that you quit smoking prior to having an abdominoplasty, as patients who don't smoke tend to have fewer complications. In general, a tummy tuck is for those people who have loose skin that has not responded to exercise. If you are planning on losing a significant amount of weight or becoming pregnant, then you should wait to have this surgery.
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