Are You Considering A Tummy Tuck?}

Are You Considering a Tummy Tuck?

by

DaleCorner

Abdominoplasty, which is popularly known as Tummy Tuck, is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures worldwide. The trim, youthful abdomen that can be obtained as a result of this procedure causes more and more people to seriously consider it. Besides, with high quality and affordable healthcare solutions provided by highly specialised hospitals in countries like India, Tummy Tuck is now within reach of the average person on the street and not just to celebrities. Anyone who wants to improve the appearance of his or her abdomen can opt for this procedure.

A Good Candidate for Tummy Tuck:

People consider Tummy Tuck for a host of reasons. While the large majority of candidates are women who have recently had babies and are looking to get back into their pre-pregnancy clothes, men are also not far behind in choosing a Tummy Tuck procedure to get rid of their unsightly belly bulges. Older people who want to get rid of the loose skin around their midriff also consider getting this procedure done.

While the increasing acceptance of cosmetic surgery may prompt many to consider undergoing the procedure, there are several factors that make an ideal tummy tuck candidate.

Realistic Expectations, Physical Fitness and Future Plans:

The ideal candidate has realistic expectations of the outcome of Tummy Tuck surgery. While the appearance of the abdomen and waist area improves drastically, if you are looking at surgery as a shortcut to look like Halle Berry or Hugh Jackman, you are likely to be disappointed. The procedure is not a weight loss technique, rather it is used to remove excess skin and fat that cannot be eliminated through diet and exercise alone.

Other desirable attributes would include physical fitness, emotional health and non-smoking. General physical fitness will ensure a faster recovery. Since a person who is physically fit can generally be expected to be close to the ideal weight and physically active, there is less chance of piling the fat back on due to a sedentary lifestyle after the surgery. Smoking inhibits the ability of the body to heal, so a non-smoking candidate will recover faster.

A person who is considering losing a large amount of weight is better off doing that first through proper diet and exercise and then using the surgery to help remove the excess, loose skin which has resulted from the weight loss. Also, women who are looking to get pregnant again should not ideally go for the surgery. The surgery proves most beneficial when the family is complete and no more children are on the way. If a woman becomes pregnant after abdominoplasty, the skin will stretch again and the only recourse is another procedure.

Cost of Abdominoplasty:

The cost of the procedure varies according to the requirements of the patient and clinics/hospitals where it is performed. There are three types of Tummy Tuck procedures Traditional Tummy Tuck, Mini Tummy Tuck and Extended Abdominoplasty. These procedures vary in complexity and a qualified surgeon will be able to determine the ideal procedure for you and give you an estimate of the cost involved. The cost varies from surgeon to surgeon and hospital to hospital.

To undergo the procedure in India, it costs only about a tenth of what it would cost in the UK or US.

Before the Tummy Tuck Procedure:

Before undergoing the procedure you and your surgeon will have a thorough discussion. Take some time to think your decision through and use your time with the surgeon to the fullest extent possible. Ask as many questions as possible and make sure that not a shadow of doubt remains in your mind.

Once you decide to go ahead with the procedure, you will have a pre-surgery consultation with your surgeon. It is of utmost importance to be completely frank and honest here; your surgeon wants you to achieve the best possible results from the surgery and with no complications. If you are taking any prescription drugs or have had surgery before or have allergies, this is the time to mention it.

The surgeon will want to ensure that you are healthy and fit; he will need your complete medical history and also require you to undergo routine tests for blood pressure, blood test, height, weight etc. It will also be ascertained whether your heart and lungs are fit enough for anaesthesia.

There will be a list of dos and donts before the surgery. This may include stopping smoking because if you are a smoker it may adversely impact wound healing. You may also be instructed to stop taking some medications like aspirin or nutritional supplements. The surgeon will also advise you on what you can eat and drink before the surgery.

After Tummy Tuck:

The recovery will be carefully monitored and your dressings and general condition will be checked on a regular basis. The time of recovery varies according to the procedure performed and the general fitness of the patient. For a more involved Extended Abdominoplasty procedure, the recovery time is around two weeks whereas in other procedures, you may be able to leave the hospital in 2-3 days.

Expect the abdomen and surrounding area to feel sore and swollen, you will be given pain medication which will help you through this stage. Normally, you may be required to wear a support girdle. This helps in reducing the swelling and speeding up the recovery process. The stitches are dissolvable and you dont need them to be taken out in a hospital. Your surgeon will advise you on how to take care of yourself when you get home. Take it easy for a couple of weeks and you are well on your way to complete recovery.

You must also ensure that the flatter abs that you have gained through the procedure is well maintained through diet and exercise. Going back to a sedentary lifestyle and paying no attention to food habits may pile the kilos back on and completely negate the positive effects of the Tummy Tuck.

Benefits of Abdominoplasty:

The most obvious benefits are a toned, flat abdomen and a trim waist. A slimmer waistline and flat abs improve the posture and create a more youthful look. Patients who have undergone Tummy Tuck surgery experience skyrocketing levels of confidence and self esteem. Bulges in the lower abdomen and stretch marks that are otherwise impossible to get rid of are also eliminated by abdominoplasty.

Dale Corner works as a scientist who researches across various health care subjects. She is also an avid reader of health articles and news across established health tourism portals like

Asias Medical Tourism

. Through her articles she wishes to inform and educate public about those medical procedures that are and of great help to patients who want to get treated for a particular ailment.

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Are You Considering a Tummy Tuck?}