Why would I have a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tack, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess skin and fat. The procedure is used to help people achieve a flatter and firmer abdomen. This procedure is usually ideal for people who want to remove excess skin due to aging or after a significant weight loss. It is also suitable for women who want to regain their pre-pregnancy shape.
What are the benefits of having a Tummy Tuck?
The procedure has both cosmetic and medical benefits, including:
- Create a firmer stomach area
- Tighten the abdominal muscles
- Restore the contour of the belly
- Correct hernia
- Create a more youthful appearance
- Improve posture
- Reduce stress urinary incontinence, especially in women who have given vaginal birth
- Increase tolerance for exercise, meaning easier weight loss maintenance and management
- Boost confidence and self-esteem
What should I prepare before the surgery?
Your doctor may ask you to have lab tests or medical evaluation, eat a well-balanced diet, and adjust your current medications. You may also need to stop smoking and avoid aspirin, herbal supplements, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs several weeks before your procedure as they can increase bleeding.
What is the recovery time?
The recovery time for a tummy tuck depends on several factors, including your overall health, age, and body weight. Also, the recovery time is easier and quicker if you don’t need muscle repair. You should be able to return to work within 2 to 3 weeks following your surgery and also be able to perform light exercises (such as walking). By 6 to 8 weeks, you should be back to your normal activity, including strenuous activities. However, note that your body will continue to heal for several months.
How long will I need to stay in the hospital after my procedure?
Your hospital stay depends on the extent of your tummy tuck. You may only need to stay in the hospital for a few hours and leave on the same day, or you may need to stay for one night or longer.
How long should I expect to stay overseas after my procedure?
Since you need to attend follow-up check-ups and allow your body to recover, plan to stay overseas for at least 7 more days following your discharge from the hospital. During your follow-up check-ups, your doctor will continue to monitor your healing progress and check for complications.
What aftercare should I take into consideration?
You may feel tired, rest as much as possible. You will be told to find an optimal resting position to make you comfortable. Your doctor will give you antibiotics, anticoagulants, and pain killers. Take all of the medications as prescribed and don’t take any medicine that contains aspirin unless directed by your doctor. Stay away from alcohol and any form of nicotine until you fully recover since these can cause complications. It is important to keep moving (such as walking around) following your surgery to keep your blood flowing and decrease the risk of a blood clot.
What’s the success rate like?
Most people who have had a tummy tuck have been recorded to have had positive results. A tummy tuck is a very safe procedure and complications are uncommon, especially when performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon. However, you should still be aware of the possible side effects and risks, such as scarring, infections, skin loss, bleeding, fat necrosis, asymmetry, prolonged swelling, skin discoloration, seroma, cardiac complications, and pulmonary complications.
What can I do to maintain the results of a tummy tuck?
To maintain and achieve the best results after a tummy tuck, you need to make sure you have a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a healthy and well-balanced diet, as well as limiting alcohol intake.
Are there alternatives?
The alternatives are CoolSculpting and SculpSure. However, you need to note that although the result is similar, they’re not as effective as a tummy tuck.