subject: Tummy Tuck Surgery: What You Should Know [print this page] If you are considering a tummy tuck, you most likely have good reason to do so. That being said, it's always good to examine your reasons, and to become fully informed of the procedure and what it entails before deciding to go ahead.
Any type of operation has its pros and cons, and the responsible thing is to know what they are so you can make the best decision. There are different types of abdominoplasty procedures, and which one is performed depends on the patient's specific circumstances.
Reasons
Are you a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery? The two most common reasons for having abdominoplasty are excess flab on the stomach after childbirth and after losing a large amount of weight. Some people have it done because genetics have given them a "pooch" in their stomach that they want to get rid of, and sometimes men or women want the procedure done to tighten up the stomach after aging has given into gravity.
All can be valid reasons, as long as you're not exaggerating the problem in your mind. A consultation with a reputable cosmetic surgeon can help you look at things realistically, and make the best decision from there.
Which Procedure
Probably the least invasive tummy tuck surgery is one that basically removes a lot of the fat and some of the excess skin around stomach muscles that are reasonably toned. There's no reason to cut into muscle, since it's already in good shape.
In many instances, however, fat and skin are removed, and muscles are tightened. This is more invasive, and usually requires a longer recovery period. Where the cuts are made depend on the individual body types, and where the major part of the problem is. Which procedure is best for you will be determined at your initial consultation.
Realistic Expectations
Though tummy tuck surgery can make a dramatic difference in the way your abdominal area looks, you shouldn't go into it with unrealistic expectations. Your basic body shape does not change; the operation can just make the best of it in the abdominal area. For awhile after the operation, there will be some swelling, so don't let that frighten you into thinking that the procedure didn't work. And it's doubtful that you'll end up with washboard-flat abs. You should, however, see a vast improvement after everything is completely healed.
When you educate yourself about tummy tuck surgery and make the most informed decision possible, you should be happy with the results. If you eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly, your tummy should look great afterward for a long time.
