The Beginner’s Guide to a Tummy Tuck
The person who invented the tummy tuck knew that maintaining a nice figure is a real struggle — you can succeed in losing weight and end up with excess skin or belly fat that just will not go away. You may also struggle with that post-pregnancy flab that is just super hard to get rid of.
So, how do you get your tummy back in shape when it does not want to cooperate?
With a tummy tuck. It is a great option when you have lost some weight and are close to achieving your weight loss goal. If you are a new mom, the procedure will restore the shape of your belly after you have had your baby.
If you are considering a tummy tuck and want to know more about it, read on.
What exactly is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that is used to flatten the abdomen. A surgeon performs the procedure by removing excess fat, removing extra skin or by tightening the abdominal muscles.
Often, a surgeon will have to do all three things in order to execute the perfect tummy tuck. That said, each surgery is unique and tailor-made to each patient’s needs.
Who is a good candidate for the surgery?
Like with most elective surgeries, tummy tucks are done on healthy patients that have a low risk of developing complications caused by existing health issues. Here is a list of attributes that a surgeon looks for in a prospective tummy tuck patient:
- Someone who is very close to reaching their weight loss goals
- A person who has no plans of getting pregnant anytime soon
- Someone who wants the procedure for themselves, and not because of pressure from someone else
- A person who is ready and willing to keep their body in good condition after the procedure
- Someone who has realistic expectations concerning the tummy tuck, its results and aftercare
- A non-smoker
Preparing for a tummy tuck
To get ready for a tummy tuck, the patient should get really close to their ideal body weight. Anyone who plans to lose loads of weight should shed the pounds before getting a tummy tuck, not after.
A smoker that wants a tummy tuck should quit long before the surgery. The person also should boost their health and immunity by eating a balanced diet. That means no fad diets months before the procedure.
Right before going in for the procedure, the patient should prepare for aftercare by arranging for time off from work or caregiving. They should also get themselves lots of loose, slip-on clothing and petroleum jelly for the scar.
The patient should also get a hand-held shower and a bathroom chair. Most importantly, they should pick up their prescription pain medication before the surgery.
The procedure
The surgery is done under general anesthesia. Often, it is an in-patient surgery that requires a short hospital stay. During the surgery, a cosmetic surgeon will perform re-contouring of the abdomen by removing excess fat and tightening any stretched abdominal muscles.
The surgeon will complete the surgery by removing excess skin and close the incision.
Aftercare
Firstly, the patient should find someone to drive them from the hospital and stay with them for the first few nights after the procedure. They should manage any pain and discomfort with ice packs and the pain medication that the doctor prescribed.
In order to heal quickly, the patient should rest for as long as the doctor tells them to. After healing, they should maintain their flat belly with exercise and a healthy diet.
Find a qualified cosmetic surgeon for your tummy tuck
Once you decide to get a tummy tuck, the next step is finding the right person to do the job.
Do your research and find an experienced surgeon who specializes in tummy tucks. The ideal doctor is one who does the procedure almost every day. The surgeon should have an army of happy clients and a detailed portfolio of their work.
If you think a tummy tuck might be right for you, talk to a surgeon and find out what your best options are today.
Request an appointment here: https://paulcdillonmd.com or call Paul C. Dillon, MD Inc at (847) 429-3185 for an appointment in our Schaumburg office.
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