Over time, many things can change your body and its appearance. For instance, pregnancy and extreme weight loss can change the look of your abdomen due to loose muscles and saggy skin. While exercise and a healthy diet can help you lose weight, it might not give you a toned look or get rid of flabby skin. However, you can achieve the body of your dreams with a tummy tuck.
Tummy tucks are the sixth most common cosmetic procedure in the United States. The procedure gives your abdomen a toned and sculpted look by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the abdominal muscles. While anyone can get a tummy tuck, this procedure is most common in women after pregnancies or people who have lost significant weight.
Things to Know Before Getting a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a common and safe procedure. Regardless, deciding to get a cosmetic procedure is not a small decision. It is always recommended to research and learn as much as you can about a procedure to help you make an informed decision and set realistic expectations. So, here are some things you need to know before getting a tummy tuck.
1. There are different types of tummy tucks
There are different types of tummy tucks based on the target area. While you can choose the type of tummy tuck you want, your surgeon will help you understand which one might be more suitable for you.
Here are the three different types of tummy tucks:
- A mini tummy tuck targets the area around the navel to reduce bulging. While the procedure removes excess fat and skin, it does not include the repair of abdominal muscles.
- A traditional tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin and repairs abdominal muscles as well. It can also be combined with liposuction. This procedure is most common after pregnancy or weight loss.
- An extended tummy tuck tends to give dramatic results and is common among people who have lost significant weight. During the procedure, extra skin and fat are removed from the abdomen, back, thighs, and hips. Abdominal and back muscles are also repaired during this tummy tuck.
2. A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure
A tummy tuck is often mistaken for a weight loss procedure; however, that is not true. While you may lose a couple of pounds, a tummy tuck will not cause a significant change in your weight. You’ll only lose around four pounds because your surgeon will remove extra fat and skin during the procedure.
3. A tummy tuck is different than a liposuction
A tummy tuck and liposuction are often mistaken for being the same thing. However, a tummy tuck gives you a sculpted look by repairing the abdominal muscles. On the other hand, liposuction only removes excess fat from target areas such as thighs and abdomen. And it may also help you lose some weight. While the two procedures differ significantly, liposuction can be a part of a tummy tuck.
4. You need to be at a stable weight
A great thing about tummy tucks is that there is no ideal weight for the procedure. You can get a tummy tuck as long as you are healthy and happy with your weight. While there is no set weight for the procedure, it is necessary to be at your ideal weight before getting a tummy tuck, as gaining or losing a significant amount of weight can ruin the results. So, it is important to be at a point where you don’t plan on losing or gaining more than 10% of your weight.
5. You will need lots of rest
You will need lots of time to rest and heal after a tummy tuck. As tummy tucks usually require a hip-to-hip incision, you will need some time to rest before you can get back on your feet. So, after the procedure, it is necessary to take it easy and give yourself time to heal. You will need to take a leave from work and also need help with daily household activities.
Recovery can take around three weeks after a tummy tuck. During this time, you will feel sore and swollen and also experience moderate pain. However, it will go away with time if you rest and give your body time to heal. Your surgeon will ask you to avoid any strenuous physical activity for six weeks.
6. You can have babies after a tummy tuck
A tummy tuck does not affect your ability to have children at all. While you can have babies after a tummy tuck, it is recommended to get an abdominoplasty after you have completed our family. This is because pregnancy can cause weight gain and stretch your abdominal muscles. And this can ruin your tummy tuck.
7. You’ll need to prepare for the procedure
As mentioned earlier, you need to be healthy before getting a tummy tuck and need lots of rest afterward. To prepare for your surgery, it is important to maintain a healthy and nutritious diet and achieve your ideal weight. Similarly, you will also need to make arrangements for important things such as childcare, household chores, and other responsibilities, as you will need all the rest you can get post-surgery.
8. A tummy tuck will leave a scar
It is important to remember that a tummy tuck will leave a scar. However, it depends on the surgeon you choose. A good surgeon places the incision at a point that can be easily hidden by clothing like the waistband of your trousers. In addition, good scar care post-surgery can also help minimize the scar’s appearance.
9. It will take some time to see the results
While a tummy tuck is great for achieving a toned and flat stomach, it is important to remember that you won’t see the final results right away. After the surgery, you may experience a lot of swelling and inflammation, and your tummy might not look flat at all. Although you will start seeing results at around three to four months, it can take up to a year before you see the final results of your tummy tuck.
Concluding Thoughts
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a common cosmetic procedure that can help you achieve a flat and toned stomach. It can help you get rid of pesky fat and saggy skin and repair your abdominal muscles as well. While a tummy tuck gives great results, it is important to make an informed decision before getting any cosmetic procedure done.
It is recommended to learn about the results, recovery, and procedure to help set realistic expectations and plan accordingly. However, it is most important to pick a certified and experienced plastic surgeon to ensure that you are in good hands.