| Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is one of the most | | | | problems you have experienced. Your information will |
| dramatic, body transforming cosmetic procedures | | | | be kept anonymous and holding back information could |
| available. It can flatten your stomach, removing fat, | | | | result in developing a severe complication. |
| excess skin, cellulite, and even stretch marks. | | | | Recovery from abdominoplasty will vary by individual, |
| Few procedures will provide as stunning results. | | | | but generally most require two to three weeks of bed |
| However, tummy tucks are also some of the most | | | | rest and abstinence from normal activities such as |
| intense surgical procedures performed by plastic | | | | work and errands. You will require a longer rest period |
| surgeons and also require a lengthy, uncomfortable | | | | away from more vigorous activities such as exercising. |
| recovery period. Before undergoing abdominoplasty, | | | | Initially after surgery, most patients experience some |
| you should carefully consider all potential risks, | | | | level of discomfort and pain that can be controlled by |
| complications, and the recovery process. | | | | prescription pain medication. After a few days, over |
| If you are an ideal candidate for this procedure, follow | | | | the counter products are generally sufficient to control |
| all pre and post op instructions, and choose a | | | | residual pain and tenderness. |
| well-qualified plastic surgeon, the risk factor of surgery | | | | For the first week your abdomen will be very sore |
| is greatly reduced. The best patients are those who | | | | and the dressing will have to be changed carefully and |
| are non-smokers (or able to quit nicotine for at least | | | | regularly. You will likely need a friend or relative to |
| six months in advance of surgery), are somewhat | | | | assist you with common tasks such as preparing |
| physically fit, are not prone to keloid scarring, and are | | | | meals and walking to the bathroom. You will also have |
| unhappy with the appearance of their midsection. | | | | drains that allow excess fluid to escape from the area. |
| One major complication that all potential tummy tuck | | | | These will need to be emptied and monitored regularly |
| patients need be aware of is infection. This can | | | | to ensure proper healing. |
| develop immediately following surgery or may take a | | | | Always report any irregularities or worrisome |
| few days or even weeks to develop. Symptoms | | | | developments after a tummy tuck to a plastic surgeon |
| include a high fever, sweating, chills, nausea and | | | | or doctor immediately. The sooner you catch and treat |
| vomiting, fluid loss, and skin irritation. | | | | the problem, the more likely you are to recovery with |
| If any of these symptoms occur, you should contact | | | | minimal damage. |
| your plastic surgeon and general doctor immediately. | | | | Tummy tuck surgery offers great cosmetic |
| To minimize infection risk, carefully care for the wound | | | | improvement, allowing patients to free themselves of |
| following surgery. | | | | camouflaging clothing and show off their new, sleeker |
| Other risk factors include bleeding, blood clots, poor | | | | tummy. Though it's true, the recovery period can be |
| wound healing, excessive or keloid scarring (raised | | | | more extensive than with other cosmetic procedures, |
| scars), skin necrosis, extended recovery periods. In | | | | abdominoplasty offers a high rate of patient |
| order for the plastic surgeon to provide you with the | | | | satisfaction to those who understand the risks as well |
| best care possible, it will be necessary to reveal your | | | | as the benefits going in. |
| family medical history and honestly divulge any health | | | | |