What is a tummy tuck?
After pregnancy or major weight loss you may have loose excess skin around your belly. Exercise and diet can go a long way toward helping you shrink your waistline and lose unwanted pounds but a surgical option may work best.
What is a tummy tuck?
With any plastic surgery it’s important to understand the goals of the procedure and have realistic expectations. A tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin and will repair separated abdominal muscles. Situations like pregnancy or major weight gain can cause ab muscles to separate; a condition called diastasis recti. Repairing those muscles helps strengthen the stomach and give it a flatter appearance.
A tummy tuck is not weight loss surgery though liposuction may sometimes be performed alongside the procedure to remove excess fat and produce a more sculpted look. It’s important to remember that a tummy tuck does not help you lose weight and the effects can be diminished by future weight gain.
Who is a candidate?
If you’re bothered by how your stomach looks you might be considering a tummy tuck. You do not have to be overweight to be considered a candidate though your weight should be stable and not susceptible to major changes. Candidates must also be in generally good health and must be nonsmokers. A tummy tuck is not recommended for women who are planning to get pregnant in the future.
What to expect
Before surgery you will have a detailed consultation with your surgeon. During this process you will receive more detailed answers to questions like “what is a tummy tuck exactly?” and discuss what is involved in the procedure along with your goals and lifestyle. Your doctor will also describe the risks and benefits. Be open and honest during this discussion to ensure you get the best long-term results.
The procedure is then performed either in an office suite or an outpatient surgery center according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The surgeon will make a horizontal incision typically from hip to hip just below the bikini line. The muscles are then stitched together and the skin is stretched trimmed and sutured.
The surgeon also makes an incision at your navel and will create a new opening for the bellybutton.
Recovery will take several weeks and you should plan to have help around the house for at least the first few days. During the first week or two tightness in your stomach will likely keep you bent over much of the time. Initially you won’t be able to lift more than 10 pounds so plan ahead if you have small children.
Any form of cosmetic surgery is a personal decision. Discuss all the possible risks and rewards with your surgeon before the procedure to ensure you’re making the right choice and getting the results you want.
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