Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty is one of the most well-known plastic surgeries today. Many people view it as a short-cut to slim-toned abs that can help them pose with a beach body. If you want to restore your confidence with a slimmed-down waistline, this medical procedure can surely work in your favor. With this popular process, you can get the toned, flat stomach that so many people can only dream of. However, before you go under the knife, here are a few things about Tummy Tuck that you should know about.
You need a lot of healing
Your body needs a lot of time for complete healing after you undergo this process. You cannot heal instantly as your body needs enough rest to deal with the abrupt change. You might need about 2 to 24 weeks to recover completely.
If you want the best results and no complications, try to give your body as much rest as you can. Avoid working out extensively or taking up activities that can put your body under pressure. While it is normal to feel sore and tired, too much of these can be a warning sign.
It does not make you slim down in the entirety
Keep in mind that the procedure can only help you to lose excessive fat from the midsection. You can get rid of stubborn fat from the areas that make you appear unpleasant. When dietary changes and workouts fail to bring about any visible reduction, going for Tummy Tuck surgery can be useful.
However, if you want to look symmetrical and well-toned, you need to invest enough time into your diet and workouts, as well as make some significant lifestyle changes. You can look and feel much better and manage to look proportionate. Rather than only having a slimmer midsection, you can look slimmer and better-looking in all areas.
You will have a permanent scar
Keep in mind that the surgery will leave you with a permanent scar on your middle area. While it will fade with time, as in the case of any other scar, it will still be there promptly. Regardless of the kind of precautions that you take, the scar will always be there. While you can lighten the appearance of the scar with some treatment, a closer look will make it apparent. You have to undergo the surgery accepting this as a truth.
You need drains for a short time
Whether you go for a Tummy Tuck or any other surgery, you need to ensure safety. Avoid anything that can cause irreversible damage to your body. For this reason, when you undergo this surgery, you can expect surgeons to put drains in your body after the procedure is over. This can help prevent blood or fluid accumulation in the operated area. Your surgeon will discuss all these things with you in detail, and recommend you all the necessary things to be done if you go for a reputed surgeon at a top clinic.
Smoking is a big “No”
Smoking is not only injurious to health. It can retard your healing pace by decreasing the amount of oxygen that can reach your cells. Around 3 weeks before you go for your surgery, you should stop smoking. It is a good idea to give your body the maximum possible amount of oxygen that does away with the risk of complications associated with smoking, which has a vasoconstriction impact.
If you cannot do without smoking, consider the use of nicotine patches or gum. Even if you cannot give up smoking all your life, consider using all these alternatives for at least 6 weeks before and after your operation.
You need someone to accompany you after surgery
Do not take Tummy Tuck surgery too lightly. It is a good idea to have somebody who can take you back home safely, possibly driving your car or arranging for all the comforts and taking care of your daily chores to some extent. That way, you can have maximum chances of recuperating easily.
Keep in mind that you should choose a surgeon with care. Make sure that he is board-certified, duly qualified, and has excellent knowledge of follow-up protocol standards. When you go for a skilled surgeon associated with a duly accredited, licensed clinic, you can always expect the best results.