subject: Tummy Tuck Talk - Ready, Set, Go! [print this page] Are you ready to talk about a tummy tuck (TT)? Before you can know if this cosmetic surgery procedure is for you, you must take the time to learn what it is all about. It is not right for everybody but could it be right for you? Let's find out.
An abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure that is undertaken to remove excess fat and skin in the abdominal area. This excess may develop due to weight gain, age or following pregnancy. There are different tummy tuck procedures that the surgeon can perform. When a full abdominoplasty is done, the muscles of the abdomen may need to be tightened if they have become weaker or stretched over time.
A tuck is not a simple operation. It involves the potential for complications. Postoperative care is required for the patient and there will be a period of recovery that will affect your normal day-to-day life and schedule.
One of the first questions most prospective patients should ask is whether or not they are an eligible candidate for the procedure. To begin with, to be considered for the surgical procedure you must be in good to excellent health. You must not currently have any active diseases or any major pre-existing medical conditions that could put your health in jeopardy.
It is essential that you have realistic expectations for the outcome of your tummy tuck. Talk over your goals with the operating surgeon so that you will come away knowing what can realistically be achieved through having the procedure.
Your mental health matters as well. You must be both emotionally and mentally stable to have an abdominoplasty. You need patience, resilience and mental stability to get through the recuperation period. It does not happen in a flash but involves taking one day at a time. Some patients find that there is a lull following the procedure that can leave them feeling depressed. For the person who is already depressed before the surgery, the depression can turn into a more serious problem following the operation.
Female patients would be well advised to wait until they finish having children before they have an abdominoplasty. The muscles and the skin stretch every time you get pregnant so waiting until you have had all of the babies you wish to have is the wisest thing to do.
If you would like to lose some weight, wait until you have reached your goal weight before you think about having any work done. If you have the tummy tuck and then decide to lose more weight afterwards, you may require additional surgery to get rid of the excess skin that is left behind. The money you would have spent on the first operation will be wasted.
There is no specific or appropriate age to have this operation performed on your body. Talk over with the doctor about what you hope to achieve and what can be done for you.
