Aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy – our bodies go through a lot. As a result, the look of our body, and especially our midsection, changes with time. While dieting and exercising can help address these changes, they can only do so much. What we’re often left with are excess skin and tissue, and this is where abdominoplasty comes into play.
Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a cosmetic procedure that can help you ensure a youthful, lean, and flat tummy. But just like any other surgery, making sure you’re educated and well-informed is essential before deciding to get abdominoplasty. Below, a couple of important things you should know about a tummy tuck.
It’s not just liposuction
Tummy tuck and liposuction are things people often confuse with one another. However, it’s important to note that these are two very different procedures. Liposuction focuses on fat removal from areas such as hips, bottoms, thighs, and stomach. A tummy tuck, on the other hand, aims to remove both fat and excess skin from the abdominal area so that the abdominal muscles are tightened.
…but your surgeon may recommend liposuction as well
Both you and your surgeon want to ensure the best aesthetic results possible. This is why it shouldn’t come as a surprise if they recommend liposuction along with abdominoplasty. That way, they can help reshape and contour your abdominal area and sculpt the waist and the so-called love handles. Keep in mind that you have a choice when selecting your tummy tuck surgeon. They need to be board-certified, and ideally, experienced in the field. Make sure you do your research beforehand – this is a choice that can really make a difference.
It’s the most common procedure after weight loss and pregnancies
Pregnancy and weight loss are two processes where our bodies endure numerous changes. Both of them expand the abdominal tissue, which can result in excess skin and tissue. What’s more, some pregnant women experience diastasis recti (muscle separation), which can lead to constipation, bloating, and lower back pain. A tummy tuck, which is often a part of the mommy makeover procedure, can address these issues since it surgically corrects the abdominal muscles.
…but you need to be close to your goal weight
Despite popular belief, a tummy tuck procedure is not an alternative to weight loss. In fact, your surgeon will most likely advise you to lose weight before scheduling a procedure. Ideally, you’ll be close to your goal weight (10-15 pounds) in order for you to get a contoured shape. Any additional weight loss or gain could compromise the results of the procedure and possibly even undo them.
It works when dieting and exercising don’t
Although abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss, it can be a great way to ensure a sculpted, contoured abdomen that cannot be achieved with dieting and exercising. It works by smoothening the tissue and muscle, thus addressing everything from stretched out abdomen to bulging tissue to sagging skin.
…but it won’t make you drop weight
Abdominoplasty is a contouring procedure. Therefore, patients shouldn’t expect the same results as they would from a weight loss procedure. That said, the procedure may lead to weight loss in some patients. They may lose several pounds in the process, but generally speaking, the procedure itself won’t make them drop weight.
There’s a significant downtime involved
Just like any other surgical procedure, a tummy tuck will require a significant amount of time for patients to recover. During the first few days, you may feel sore, tired, and swollen, and there may also be moderate pain. Because abdominoplasty is a major procedure that involves hip-to-hip incisions, it’s important that patients allow time to rest and heal. Postpone any strenuous activity for at least two weeks, and wait six weeks before resuming physical activities and strenuous exercise. You’ll also need assistance with children and household chores as well as some time off from work.
…but the benefits go beyond the cosmetic ones
In order for the results to become fully visible, you’ll need to wait for a significant amount of time. The process of healing can take up to a year. However, you should be feeling like your old self after a couple of months – only much more confident. Aside from the obvious cosmetic benefits, you may also reap some medical benefits as well. These include everything from diastasis recti and urinary incontinence to reduced back pain and bloating.
Wrapping up
A tummy tuck can be a life-saver when it comes to stubborn fat that won’t go away. That said, it’s not a small procedure, and you should thoroughly research it before deciding to get one. That way, you can ensure the best results, and get a lean, sculpted abdomen you’ve been dreaming of.
