A tummy tuck, medically called an abdominoplasty is a procedure carried out on a person with excess skin or fat on their stomach which they want removed. The procedure can leave you with a flat stomach and is often a preferred surgery for those who have lost a large amount of weight and are left with sagging skin around the abdomen.
This type of procedure flattens the stomach and tightens the muscles. It can be performed on men or women and is considered a major surgery, which is why it’s so important to understand all the facts before making a final decision to go ahead with the surgery.
Before you start looking into the tummy tuck surgery, it’s advisable to know that it is not an ideal solution for everyone. Women who still want to have children in the future and those who still want to lose a large amount of weight should not opt for this type of surgery. Rather have your children, lose all the weight you want to lose and then go ahead.
It’s very important that you choose the best surgeon to carry out the procedure, whether you intend having it at your local hospital or you is travelling to another country.
The surgeon should make you feel comfortable; they should explain the procedure in detail, outline any risks and give you complete information on what you can expect when it comes to recovery. If you are not completely comfortable or feel the surgeon isn’t the best of the best, rather wait and find another surgeon you can feel relaxed with.
You will be required to attend a consultation appointment with the surgeon, which is your chance to see how you feel about them. Chances are if you do smoke, you will have to stop for a period of time before the surgery. Smoking is known to slow down the recovery period and when having a major tummy tuck surgery, your recovery should be as quick as possible.
The surgeon will give you information on how the surgery is performed. In most cases it involves a cut which is made from hip to hip along your lower abdomen. The skin is then pulled and tightened, stitched back into place, leaving you with a flat stomach you can be proud of.
Before the surgery you will be required to eat a healthy and well balanced diet and will be asked not to diet. This is exceptionally important. The surgeon will probably also give you a list of things you should keep ready for your recovery, either at home or in your hotel room, depending where you intend having the tummy tuck.
You will need loose fitting clothing and ice packs. If you have chosen medical tourism and are traveling to another country, ensure you pack light and loose fitting clothing. A maxi dress or two is perfect, there is no waist band and it’s comfortable, thereby not irritating the surgery site.
After the tummy tuck surgery, your surgeon will give you set instructions on how to look after the surgery site. It’s imperative you follow these instructions to the letter. Keep an eye out for infection and ensure you are aware when you can travel again, if you are in a foreign country.
When having a tummy tuck you will not be able to do any strenuous exercise for at least six weeks. You should keep your exercise to a minimum and only do some basic chores, ensuring you don’t put any unwanted pressure on the scar.
As the scar heals, the pain will subside and soon you will be able to show off your flat stomach at the pool or beach.
