Dealing with loose abdominal skin can be extremely frustrating, and that is why so many people undergo cosmetic surgery after losing a significant amount of weight. Following your tummy tuck procedure, you are going to finally have the eye-catching and toned midsection that you have always wanted. This operation can often be completed in one or two hours, and the results could potentially last for decades as long as you stay within a healthy weight range and follow all of the surgeon’s aftercare instructions.
Your Initial Consultation
Patients should schedule an initial consultation with a plastic surgeon at least a few weeks before their procedures are carried out. During your first meeting with your surgeon, you should be prepared to give them as much information as possible regarding your medical history and cosmetic goals. The surgeon will need to ask you a wide variety of questions to determine if this procedure is right for you. You might also want to take a look at some tummy tuck before and after photos to get a better idea of what can be accomplished with this procedure.
Getting Ready for Surgery
Leading up to your operation, you must try to remain as healthy as possible. In addition to reducing your risk of post-op complications, staying healthy is also going to make your recovery much easier. Your surgeon will most likely suggest that you follow a strict diet, get plenty of rest, and exercise daily. You must also avoid cigarettes and any other unhealthy habits that could compromise your immune system. Most surgeons also suggest that their patients stop eating and drinking at least 10 or 12 hours before this procedure is carried out.
What Takes Place During a Tummy Tuck?
The tummy tuck procedure is typically carried out with a general anesthetic, and that means the patient will be fully asleep and won’t remember a thing. Once the anesthetic has kicked in, a small incision is made just below the waistline so that the small scar can easily be hidden with clothing. The surgical team will then begin the process of removing excess skin and fat throughout the midsection. If the patient has weakened or damaged abdominal muscles, then those will need to be repaired as well. Once all of that work has been done, the surgeon can suture the incision shut and place a bandage over the treatment site.
A Look at the Recovery
You should be able to leave the surgical center within a few hours of the procedure as long as you aren’t experiencing any unusual side effects. A loved one will need to be prepared to take you home, and you should have someone ready to assist you for at least two or three days. During that time, you must relax as much as possible and avoid using your abdominal muscles. After three or four weeks, you should be able to resume most everyday activities as long as you have been cleared by your surgeon and aren’t experiencing any complications.
