An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a surgical procedure for ridding undesirable skin and fat around the abdomen. The procedure is not a weight-loss treatment but rather a way to tone the body.
Fat around the abdominal region can be difficult to eliminate even with the healthiest habits. A tummy tuck can help you achieve your dream body. If you are looking for a new look this spring, here are frequently asked questions about tummy tuck surgery.
Do You Need to Lose Weight Before Abdominoplasty?
If you are overweight, you will need to shed weight before getting a tummy tuck. The surgeon will recommend a certain weight range before the procedure. You need to maintain a stable weight for some time to qualify for the tummy tuck. If you are close to your goal weight, you can ask your surgeon if you can get the surgery.
How Safe Is the Procedure?
A tummy tuck is safe. Like any other surgery, the procedure has some inherent risks that include infection, bleeding, and complications from anesthesia. The overall health of the patient is an important consideration factor before the procedure. It is vital to talk to the surgeon about the procedure to understand the risks.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
How long the procedure will take will depend on the technique, type of surgery, and the patient’s condition. A mini tummy tuck takes a shorter time than a full tummy tuck. In general, tummy tucks can last anywhere between one and four hours. In most cases, the patient remains in the hospital overnight.
How Long Does the Recovery Take?
Recovering from a tummy tuck will depend on an individual and the extent of the procedure. Generally, most patients begin to feel like themselves in about eight weeks. The surgeon will discuss the recovery timeframe for your specific case. Following post-op instructions will help you recover quicker.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
The ideal candidate for the procedure must have lost weight but has excess or loose skin on the abdomen. Women who have just given birth and want to get back to their pre-pregnancy bodies are good candidates. Individuals with lax abdominal muscles and excess fat can benefit from the procedure. A good candidate is someone in good health and a non-smoker.
How Soon After Giving Birth Can You Get the Procedure?
Most surgeons recommend that women wait for six months to one year after giving birth before getting abdominoplasty. It takes time for the body to heal and return to the normal pre-pregnancy weight. But different women react differently to pregnancy, with some taking much longer to lose their pregnancy weight.
To find out more about a tummy tuck procedure, you need to consult a qualified plastic surgeon. You can find details such as the cost and how to prepare for the surgery. You will need to take time off work as this is major surgery.
For more tummy tuck FAQ, contact Texas Plastic Surgery at our office in San Antonio, Texas. You can call 210.981.4490 today to schedule an appointment.
