Tummy Tuck Before and After

More and more men and women are investigating tummy tuck plastic surgery, or abdominiplasty, to flatten their abdomen, thereby enhancing their body image, self-esteem, and confidence. This surgical procedure involves tightening loose muscles and removing excessive skin and fat around the abdomen.

The most common groups of people who undertake this surgery are:

• Men and women who have a large amount of fat and loose skin on the abdomen that will not go away with exercise or diet, and whose skin is not elastic enough to have liposuction
• Women who have baggy folds of skin on the abdomen and/or weakened abdominal muscles after pregnancy
• Older people who, due to age and being a little overweight, have sagging, loose skin on the abdomen or weakened abdominal muscles

BEFORE SURGERY

Proper preparation before tummy tuck surgery is key to ensure a comfortable and safe experience. A comprehensive consultation period with the surgeon is crucial to discuss your expectations and concerns. An examination will reveal available treatment options, so you choose the optimal one to pursue.

The doctor will instruct the patient how to prepare for surgery, such as when to stop eating and drinking before the operation. In addition, the surgeon may advise these precautions:

• Female patients taking oral contraceptives should stop taking it and use another birth control method until after the surgery to reduce the risk of getting blood clots.
• Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs before surgery since these drugs contribute to bleeding during and after surgery. Some vitamins and herbs also affect bleeding, so patients should ask their doctor which nutritional supplements they should avoid.
• Patients who smoke should stop smoking for a time before and after the surgery if the surgeon recommends it. Smokers are at risk of getting a chest infection after anesthesia. Also, smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, which can raise the risk of circulation problems after surgery.

A full tummy tuck operation generally takes 3-6 hours depending on the extent of the operation based on the individual's requirements. For mini tummy tuck operations, the procedure generally lasts 1-2 hours.

AFTER SURGERY

For the first few days after tummy tuck surgery, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort, which can be controlled by medication. After you are released from the hospital, a proper recovery regiment should be followed based on advice from your surgeon. A compression garment is generally worn for a few weeks to alleviate pressure and provide comfort for the operated areas. Patients are strongly advised to install a gentle exercise regiment to improve blood circulation, which will prevent the formation of blood clots.

Results will become more obvious as tummy tuck swelling declines. Some patients may not see the final result for three to six months or longer. However, in the long run, abdominiplasty produces excellent results, enhancing your body contour by making your abdomen firmer and flatter. It is often found that patients find themselves to feel more comfortable in your clothing and are more confident about your appearance - leading to an overall better quality of life.

Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your abdomen should remain firmer and flatter for many years. It is important to follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly to maintain these results.