Even after doing everything right, you still have skin hanging around your midsection. This is frustrating for most people, especially after following a diet, exercise routine, and instructions to remain trim even after pregnancy. Yet, your hard work is not paying off. Plus, after all the research you did. Still, you have no solution other than getting a tummy tuck. So, you may be ready to commit to having one, but you have questions and concerns. Prepare all your questions and below are some questions you can ask before you get a tummy tuck procedure.
What is a tummy tuck?
The question may seem obvious, but you may learn more from it of what you did not know. Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck procedure that removes skin and fat around your abdominal areas distended by former surgery, pregnancy, accelerated weight loss, heredity, or age. It helps repair separated muscles caused by some of these factors. In some cases of the tummy tuck procedure, you can eliminate stretch marks and cesarean section scars. The result of the tummy tuck procedure is a firm and flat stomach with no unwanted bumps or bulges.
Am I a good tummy tuck candidate?
ο»ΏHow do you know you are a good candidate? There are things your doctor should ask you to confirm. First, you should be in good health and have good elasticity and muscle tone. You should be between 25 to 50 years of age and a non-smoker. Also, you need to realize that the tummy tuck procedure is not a weight-loss procedure giving you an overnight makeover. And you no longer plan to get pregnant but note that an unexpected pregnancy after abdominoplasty is not harmful to the baby. However, you may need surgery to correct loose skin. Lastly, you should have enough flabby and loose skin to perform a tummy tuck procedure to avoid stretching the resulting scar, among other things.
Are there different types of tummy tucks?
All tummy tucks are not the same. To know the best tummy tuck for you depends on your individual needs and desired results. There are three common types of tummy tuck methods, the full tummy tuck one. It is addressed directly above and below the navel. If liposuction is necessary with this type. It is performed, and the remaining skin after the procedure is pulled together and closed. This type is best when you have muscle weakness and surplus skin. A mini tummy tuck concentrates on the lower abdomen and is less invasive. Finally, the circumferential lower body lift is the most invasive. It requires a long period of recuperation, and yields the most dramatic results.
What precautions should I take after an abdominoplasty?
The doctor should explain both the preoperative preparations and aftercare needs. The instructions include the need for someone to take you home. You get prescribed pain medication and antibiotics. Also, since you will have drain tubes and bandages, they require you to give it attention and care, and you may have to document drainage output to establish you are healing well. Other instructions include not doing strenuous activity or heavy lifting. You have to refrain from sexual activity. Avoid hot tubs and baths. Plus, while taking showers, face away from the steam. You will have a compression garment to wear for about six weeks. If you experience high fever, blackening of the skin, swelling or redness at the incision, foul-smelling discharge, or excessive pain and medication is not helping, call your doctor.
Who should not have a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is still surgery, although low-risk elective surgery. Therefore, you need to disclose your medical history, over counter medications, prescribed ones, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you use. The doctors will have preoperative tests done and all precautions covered to ensure a safe procedure. Reasons making you a poor candidate include obesity and a compromised immune system. And a tendency to form blood clots, an intolerance to anesthesia, poor circulation. Also, if you have healing difficulties, caused by certain conditions. Such as coronary artery disease and diabetes. All these your doctor will explain during a consultation.