1. Nip and Tuck That Belly
Tummy tucks are called abdominoplasty in the medical field. A tummy tuck removes excess fat and loose skin from your abdominal area. People may have tummy tucks after pregnancy, prior abdominal surgery, significant weight loss or just because the aging process causes abdominal muscles to sag. Fat pockets and weak muscles combine to alter stomach tone and shape. Tummy tucks tighten muscles and skin, and may provide results not possible with regular dieting and exercise.
2. Count the Cost
Tummy tucks are elective surgeries. This means you choose to do it, and don't have to do it for medical reasons. Most insurance companies won't cover the costs of tummy tucks since they are not a necessity. Tummy tucks fall under the category of cosmetic surgery or plastic surgery, so unless you have life-threatening reasons for this surgery, plan on paying out of your pocket.
3. Recovery Time Depends on Extent of Surgery
The length of recovery time depends on how extensive your tummy tuck is. Full tummy tucks require an incision between your pubic hairline and your navel. The length of the incision and the shape of your incision depend on how much fat and skin is removed. You may also require a second incision just above your navel to remove excess skin and pull your skin tight. If you have a lot of fat and skin removed, your navel may be repositioned. Depending on the extent of surgery, you may have it done as an outpatient or spend a couple of days in the hospital.
4. Expectations Can Be Too Great
Your plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon must determine if you're a good candidate for a tummy tuck. You will be asked to answer many questions, and the doctor will decide whether or not you are emotionally stable and if your expectations are realistic. Tummy tucks reshape your abdomen and get rid of flab and hanging skin. The surgeon ties up your loose or separated muscles and your stomach firms and tightens. Realize, though, that tummy tucks are not miracle fixes. Don't expect tummy tucks to take the place of dieting and exercise for weight loss.
5. Add a Side of Lipo
Liposuction works along with a tummy tuck. Liposuction sucks out excess fat from your abdomen. It contours your skin, restoring shape to your lower abdomen (sometimes the upper abdomen or both lower and upper, depending on your needs). Loose skin is then simply trimmed off and tightened with tummy tucks.
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