Should You Consider Getting a Tummy-Tuck?

Do you dream of having a smaller stomach? Do you dream of having the fat removed from your tummy? Do you think that a tummy tuck is the answer to these dreams?

What is a tummy tuck?

It is a major surgery that will flatten your abdomen. It does this by removing any extra skin and fat you have. This will also tighten the muscles around your abdominal wall.

It should be considered a last resort by people with weight issues. Sometimes it is actually performed on people who lost a lot of weight and have a lot of excess skin hanging from their body.

Who Are The Best Candidates For Tummy Tucks?

Both men and women get tummy tucks. Women who have had multiple pregnancies may find that is the perfect procedure to tighten the muscles around their abdomen and help to get rid of unwanted skin that may have developed because of their pregnancies. Both men and women who were obese and now have lost weight, may find that this is an excellent procedure for them to help get rid of the rest of the fat that they can't get rid of through exercise and diet.

Who Aren't Good Candidates For Tummy Tucks?

Women, who still plan on having children, should wait before having a tummy tuck. The reason why is that your muscles are tightened during this procedures. These same muscles will then become loose again if you become pregnant.

People who are still planning on losing a lot of weight after the procedure, should hold off on having it done right now.

How Is The Surgery Performed?

Usually the surgery will take from one to five hours. The patient will be put under general anesthesia. This will put the patient to sleep. How the surgery will be performed will depend on the type. There are two basic types of tummy tucks.

Complete Abdominioplasty

The cut will be made low on your abdomen from hipbone to hipbone. Your belly button will have a new opening.

Mini Abdominioplasty

Your belly button will not be moved. The cut will be made from your belly button upwards.

What To Expect After Surgery

After surgery, you may suffer some swelling and some pain. This can especially occur within the first few days after surgery. You may also feel numbness, bruising and weakness.

Basic soreness may last for a few weeks or even months. As for risks, there are always risks involved in surgery. You will have more risks if you have current health conditions such as diabetes.

Should you have a tummy tuck?

That is only a question you and your doctor can answer. But be advised that this is generally considered a cosmetic procedure is usually not covered by medical insurance.