subject: The Tummy Tuck: Weighing The Decision To Go Under [print this page] If you're a fan of shows such as Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition, you've probably watched contestants get their loose skin removed with an intermingling sense of revulsion and jealousy. Perhaps you've been in their situation. You've lost a lot of weight, but you didn't have the forethought to do it on national television. No world renowned trainer got you up every morning to hit the treadmill. Certainly, no one paid for you to have skin removal surgery. Maybe you're ready to take that step on your own as well. If you think a tummy tuck might be right for you, here are some of the factors you should think about.
Function
To make a good decision about getting a tummy tuck, you first need to understand what it is. Called an abdominoplasty in medical circles, this surgery is designed to remove both loose skin and excess fat from the abdominal region. There are several scenarios that could make you a good candidate for the operation. Having just lost a great deal of weight is one of the most common reasons. No one likes to put all of that hard work in just to see a lot of sagging skin in the mirror. Women who have just had a baby often find their stomachs don't snap back the way they had hoped. Sometimes, it's just a matter of getting older.
Cost
Unfortunately, medical insurance companies rarely care to cover elective surgeries. A tummy tuck falls under this category, unless your doctor can make a convincing argument that you need it for serious medical reasons. This is not impossible, mind you. Loose skin can lead to infections, rashes, and other problems that must be taken seriously. Nine times out of ten, however, the claim is going to be denied and you'll have to come up with the money out of your own pocket. This is a substantial sum, as abdominoplasty is not cheap. Consider this when making your decision.
Recovery Time
Get a nose job and you're only looking at a few days of downtime. A tummy tuck is a different matter altogether. It is one of the most invasive forms of cosmetic surgery and it can put you out of commission for quite some time. Of course, to get a real idea of how long it will be before you're up and back at 'em, you'll need to figure how extensive your surgery will be. The full version of the operation requires much more downtime than the "mini" version, although both can be effective.
