There are a lot of myths surrounding tummy tuck surgery – some of them are downright scary, so it’s essential to be educated about all the facts before making a decision. This blog post will discuss everything we need to know about the procedure, including what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A Tummy Tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. This surgery can improve the appearance of a protruding belly, remove an uneven layer of skin, or correct a sagging stomach after childbirth.
What is the Cost of a Tummy Tuck?
The cost of a tummy tuck varies depending on the extent of the surgery and various other factors. Still, on average, most tucks cost between $5,000 and $10,000. The price also depends on whether we have insurance coverage or not. If we do not have insurance, we can check with a surgeon to find a payment plan that meets our needs.
Who Should Get a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. This procedure is most commonly used to reduce the appearance of a protruding stomach or improve the abdomen’s contour after weight loss. It may also correct other health problems that cause excess skin, such as Rectus Abdominis muscle weakness (a common problem after gastric bypass surgery), a flabby torso, or an inverted triangle shape.
The surgeon who performs a tummy tuck will first evaluate the medical history and recommend a treatment plan specific to the situation. The client will then undergo a physical examination to determine if we are a good candidate for surgery.
The following are some of the factors that may influence whether or not we should have a tummy tuck:
- Unhappy with our current appearance
- Overweight or obese
- Obesity-related health problems include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc.
- An excessive amount of loose skin on our abdomen?
How is the Procedure Done?
There are a few different ways the procedure can be done. Still, it often involves dividing the stomach into two parts by performing an incision just below the navel. The surgeon removes excess fat, muscle, and connective tissue from the stomach’s inside, replacing it with new tissue. This can be done through many different techniques. Still, minor cuts are usually made that allow the surgeon to move around within the stomach without damaging its internal organs.
Recovery after a Tummy Tuck
After surgery, our surgeon will likely give us specific instructions on how to care for our incision. Follow these guidelines closely to ensure a speedy and successful recovery.
Walking
Start slowly by walking short distances, up and down stairs, or around the house. Gradually increase the distance we walk each day.
Rest
Avoid strenuous activity for the first two weeks after surgery. This includes anything that might cause pain, such as lifting or running. Instead, focus on easy exercises like walking and gentle yoga stretches.
Ice Pack Therapy
Place an ice pack on the surgical site at least twice daily for the first week following surgery. Do not use an ice pack longer than 20 minutes at a time because it can increase blood pressure and swelling.
Sitting or Lying Down
If we can sit or lie down, do so as much as possible during the first few days post-op. When sitting, prop up our feet with pillows or cushions to prevent blood from flowing back into our legs from below (called pooling). When lying down, place a thin pillow between the knees to help decrease swelling in that area. Over time, we can resume all activities except standing for long periods.
What are the Risks?
There are a few risks associated with abdominoplasty, but they are minimal compared to other plastic surgery procedures. The most common risk is that the surgery will not be successful, and the excess skin will need to be removed. This can be done through a series of surgical procedures or a single procedure known as a “flap.” Other risks include infection, nerve damage, and stretch marks. We must talk to our surgeons about what risks we are willing to take to achieve the desired results.
Tuck The Tummy to Get that Fab Look
If we consider a tummy tuck, this article has given us insight into the various procedures and what to expect. It is an essential step in restoring our appearance after childbirth or weight loss, and it can be life-changing with the right surgeon and care. Be sure to speak with the doctor about the individual needs and goals before scheduling surgery to get the best results possible.
