What’s a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgical procedure which helps flatten the abdomen by removing extra fat and skin. The best candidates for abdominoplasty are non-smokers that have a steady weight and are overall physically healthy.
Tummy tuck candidates may also have pockets of loose skin or fat that they have not been able to get rid of with a balanced diet or consistent exercise.
Men or women who have dropped a drastic amount of weight may also find an abdominoplasty beneficial because they may have lost elasticity in their skin. Women who have been pregnant may also find a tummy tuck ideal because their skin or abdominal muscles may have been stretched.
However, women who plan on having more children are advised to wait to have a tummy tuck. Anyone who is planning on losing a substantial amount of weight should also wait to have a tummy tuck until an ideal, stable weight is reached.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Following a tummy tuck surgery and depending on the surgeon’s approach to your procedure, a temporary tube might be inserted under the skin to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. In addition, you may be asked to wear a compression garment for up to 6 weeks following your tummy tuck surgery.
To make a healthy recovery, tummy tuck patients are asked to avoid strenuous actions and avoid lifting heavy things. The patient may return to regular activity once the surgeon’s approval is given.