Tummy Tuck - What You Need To Know

You eat well and consistently exercise, but can't seem to get rid of the extra skin around the abdominal area. In this case, you are a great candidate for a tummy tuck. You have done all that you can and it is time to turn the issue over to a plastic surgeon. While you have a long road ahead of you, the final results will be worth it. Most people feel better about their bodies and more confident in social situations after going through this process.

Type of Operation

A tummy tuck is not a “one size fits all” procedure. It is so important to sit down with the cosmetic surgeon of your choice to discuss what will work best for your specific situation. Your height, weight and even health history are all taken into consideration when deciding on the right course of action. Usually by the end of the first appointment, you are able to find out the cost, set a date, and get some idea of what the final result will be.

Before Your Appointment

On the day of the tummy tuck, make sure that you have followed all of your physicians instructions. These are given to make sure that everything goes smoothly and to make sure your body is ready to go. Have a friend or family member drive you to the appointment and be sure that they wait around to drive you home. It may be a few days before you are able to drive yourself around. 

Recovery Time

When you get home, be prepared to rest and let your body recover. You may sleep for much of the day and wake up with a small amount of pain. In this case, most doctors will prescribe some type of medication before you go home. While you are resting, have a friend pick it up so you can take one or two pills when you wake up. As with all medicine, be sure to follow your doctor's and your pharmacist's instructions. 

You may not feel like hanging out in your swimsuit immediately afterward, but as the recovery progresses, you will find that you abdomen looks better and better every day. Take it easy for the next few weeks. You want to avoid lifting anything heavy and getting overly exhausted. Give your body time to heal and you will be so pleased with the results.

Scars

One of the main concerns patients have involves the scars that are visible after the surgery. While there is no way around tummy tuck scars, they can be hidden by clothing and may not seem noticeable in some swimsuits. Many people find that the final results of their body and the confidence they feel is well worth any type of marks left after the operation. If this is a real concern, be sure to talk with your surgeon. He can give you some idea about the extent of the marks, where they will be located and how long it will take for the initial swelling to go down.