| A tummy tuck is a procedure that tightens the | | | | finished with your weight loss. A tummy tuck is not a |
| midsection and can provide radical improvement in | | | | quick fix solution to weight problems, and should not be |
| appearance. The procedure is not for everyone, so it | | | | used in situations where a diet and exercise schedule |
| is best to understand a tummy tuck before going | | | | can give you your desired results. |
| forward. | | | | What to Expect During and After a Tummy Tuck |
| What is a Tummy Tuck? | | | | Procedure |
| If you've tried every sit-up and stomach crunching | | | | An abdominoplasty is usually performed under general |
| move there is, and are still far from your goal of a | | | | anesthesia, although in some cases local anesthetics |
| flat-as-a-board belly, then a tummy tuck could be the | | | | may also be used. The surgery can last between 2 to |
| right choice for you. A tummy tuck, also known as | | | | 4 hours. Typically, the more skin and fat to be |
| abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure | | | | removed, the longer the duration of the procedure. |
| aimed at removing excess flab from the abdominal | | | | Remember that a tummy tuck is a type of surgery; |
| area, and tightening the abdominal muscles. Like all | | | | that means you can expect some swelling following |
| cosmetic procedures, it's not a "one size fits all" option. | | | | the procedure. Generally, prescribed painkillers are all |
| A tummy tuck is not a weight loss measure and | | | | you'll need to alleviate the discomfort during your |
| should never be treated like one. It's a procedure for | | | | recovery. You may also experience some degree of |
| people who want to firm and tone up their abdominal | | | | soreness, numbness, and bruising that may last |
| muscles, and have exhausted all their options. A | | | | anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. |
| tummy tuck is an invasive surgery, and those who | | | | You'll probably also notice some general fatigue which |
| elect to have it should take the time to educate | | | | should also correct itself in a few weeks. |
| themselves before making a final decision. | | | | The Importance of the Recovery Period After Your |
| Who's Eligible for a Tummy Tuck? | | | | Tummy Tuck |
| The number one requirement for anyone considering a | | | | If you think that having a tummy tuck means you can |
| tummy tuck is a clean bill of health. Men and women | | | | bounce off your surgery bed and into a bikini, think |
| who are in good physical condition in general are | | | | again! The incision area will be bandaged and will need |
| eligible for this cosmetic procedure. The best | | | | to be taken care of properly to avoid infections. Your |
| candidates for tummy tucks are women who have | | | | surgeon will be able to advise you regarding this. Any |
| delivered babies and notice excessive sagging | | | | kind of strenuous physical activity is also a strict no-no, |
| abdominal skin. A tummy tuck is also the ideal option | | | | at least for six months after the surgery. The scars, |
| for those who have recently lost a large amount of | | | | although they will lighten considerably over time, will |
| weight, and have loose skin around their abdominal | | | | never completely disappear. Once you're sufficiently |
| area that is unaffected by regular exercise. | | | | recovered, your surgeon will prescribe lotions that will |
| Who Should Not Consider a Tummy Tuck? | | | | speed up the lightening process. |
| Those who have a history of heart and vascular | | | | A tummy tuck does not magically endow you with |
| problems are advised against having tummy tuck | | | | perfectly sculpted washboard abs. It does, however, |
| surgery. In addition, if you have digestive problems that | | | | give you a more contoured and tauter outline than |
| might affect your eligibility for a tummy tuck. | | | | before. The improvements are often dramatic, and |
| Additionally, if you plan on losing more weight, then a | | | | people who have had tummy tucks are some of our |
| tummy tuck might best be deferred until you are | | | | most happy patients. |