3 Things you should consider before getting a tummy tuck

Many women (and also quite a few men) are affected by the unaesthetic appearance of the tummy that is caused by many different factors, such as weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and the natural aging process. The optimal solution to get rid of the imperfections of the tummy, namely the skin folds present on the lower part of the abdominal wall and the loose abdominal muscles, is plastic surgery. The procedure is called the tummy tuck and here are three things you should consider before getting one:

1. The tummy tuck doesn’t deal with unwanted fat
What many people interested in the procedure don’t know is that the tummy tuck doesn’t have any effect on the fat on the tummy and the flanks. When the procedure is performed, the plastic surgeon will make an incision on the lower part of the tummy, detach the skin and fat tissue, and elevate them up to the level of the sternum. After this is done, the muscles are strengthened with sutures, and the skin is re-draped on the tummy. The skin excess is eliminated and the incisions are sutured. As you can see, the surgeon doesn’t do anything to the potential layer of fat present in the tummy. To take care of this aesthetic imperfection, liposuction can be performed with the tummy tuck. Combining the two procedures delivers better results for patients confronted with a consistent layer of fat on the sides and the abdominal wall.

2. There are strict requirements for the recovery period
The recovery period after the tummy tuck can last between a few weeks and months, depending on the health condition of the patient. Usually after two weeks, most patients can return to work and their daily routines, but with the condition to avoid intense physical activities and also lifting heavy objects. After the surgery, patients need to be careful and keep a bent forward position of the back so as not to put unnecessary pressure on the incisions that can cause their rupture. Smoking is also to be avoided, as well as sleeping on the tummy for a minimum of three weeks.

3. Patients need to keep a constant weight to enjoy the results for longer
The tummy tuck is not a weight loss method and shouldn’t be used as such. After the procedure, the patient will have a firmer and flatter tummy as a result of the elimination of the skin excess. However, this usually translates just into a minor (if any) weight loss. To sustain the beautiful results achieved with the tummy tuck n, patients are advised to keep a stable weight in the months and years to follow. Considerable weight fluctuations can alter the aesthetic results of the surgery and trigger the need for an additional procedure later on in life.