From reducing fine lines and wrinkles to minimizing the size of your nose, the number of plastic surgeries available can be overwhelming. Due to this large selection, finding a procedure suited to your needs should be simple. While many of these procedures focus on improving the look of your face, others can enhance your body size and shape. Considering the number of tummy tuck procedures has increased 87 percent since 2000, this cosmetic surgery may be an option for you to consider. Of course, proper understanding of this cosmetic surgery is smart. Using this guide on surprising facts about the abdominoplasty, you will learn if the tummy tuck is right for your needs.
There Are Multiple Tummy Tucks to Consider
After consulting a cosmetic surgeon, you will most likely be surprised to learn that there are multiple types of tummy tuck procedures. During a traditional tummy tuck, the surgeon will remove excess skin before tightening the underlying muscles of the abdomen. This is the most common type of abdominoplasty, but your cosmetic surgeon may also suggest one of the following versions:
- Mini – To tighten the loose skin on your lower abdomen only, opt for a mini tummy tuck procedure.
- Extended – If you have a larger amount of excess skin on the abdomen that also affects the hips and your lower back, your surgeon may suggest an extended abdominoplasty. Surgeons will remove the excess skin while tightening the underlying muscles, but the extended tummy tuck will require a longer incision that begins in the abdomen and wraps around to the hips. In most cases, liposuction will also be necessary to suction out excess fat during the extended surgery.
Tummy Tucks Are Not for Weight Loss
Tummy tucks are not weight loss surgeries, but they are effective for patients who are unsuccessful in reducing the excess skin and fat around their abdomens. The procedure should only be performed on patients who have already reached an ideal weight but have saggy, loose skin after dramatic weight loss.
If you have lost a considerable amount of weight, your surgeon and insurance company will require you to have a stable weight for 3 to 6 months before approving you for cosmetic procedures. If you have undergone weight loss surgery, you will need to wait 12 to 18 months from your original surgery date to be approved for the removal of the skin.
Tummy Tucks Require Ample Recovery Time
Tummy tucks are invasive surgical procedures that will require time for proper recovery. You'll need to refrain from work and strenuous activities for a few weeks after surgery.
You'll also have to avoid walking, except to the bathroom, for the first few days after your surgery. This will reduce the risk of friction between the tightened abdominal skin and muscles. Excess friction immediately after your surgery may cause fluid or blood to build up in your post-surgical drains. This causes pain and increases your risk of infections.
After the surgery, you will have light bruising and swelling around the incision sites and across the abdomen. Bruising and swelling will decrease after a few weeks. You will need to wear a compression garment, which appears similar to a girdle, for the first 6 weeks after surgery. This garment reduces swelling and discomfort while decreasing your total time for recovery.
Incisions may take a few weeks to heal, as well, so following your surgeon's recovery instruction is essential to prevent bleeding, infections, and pain. During the surgery, drains are placed to collect blood and fluid from the incision sites during recovery. Drains should be emptied periodically. Be sure to document the amount of fluid buildup to discuss with your doctor at your post-operative appointment.
The tummy tuck is a common cosmetic surgery, but proper understanding of the procedure is imperative for your successful healing. Using this guide and the help of your surgeon, you will understand if the tummy tuck is the right option for your needs. You can also learn more by visiting sites like http://www.cosmeticsurgeonbellevue.com.
