When it comes to cosmetic surgery, tummy tuck surgery is one of the most popular treatments. But is it always a good idea? Tummy tuck surgeries have been around for over 40 years, and now they are more popular than ever before. There has been a dramatic rise in tummy tuck surgeries from celebrities to everyday people who want a flat stomach.
However, there are some common misconceptions about this procedure that you need to consider before proceeding with it. Here, we will go through five things you should know about tummy tuck surgery before undergoing this procedure.
1. Will This Procedure Improve Your Health?
A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss. If your weight is not in a healthy range, your surgeon may recommend weight loss prior to surgery in order to optimize your health – this will improve your result and reduce your risk of complications. Although a tummy tuck is not a weight loss treatment, patients often feel better afterwards with a tighter core and are more comfortable exercising.
2. How Much Does It Cost To Get This Procedure?
The cost of a tummy tuck surgery varies based on numerous factors. The surgeon will consider all of your needs before putting together a quote for this procedure. The factors that are typically considered are the costs of anesthesia, operating room time, and any additional procedures that might be recommended in addition to the tummy tuck itself. Since this surgery can be performed in several different ways, the cost may also vary by the technique used.
3. Consider Downtime in Recovery
Recovery from a tummy tuck surgery can take anywhere from 1-3 weeks of downtime, depending on how much skin is removed and whether your stomach muscles need to be repaired. During this downtime, you should prioritize rest and recovery while gently walking around your home every few hours to prevent complications.
4. Be at a Stable Weight Before You Have This Procedure
Tummy tuck surgeries, like most surgeries, can be risky if your health is not stable. Weight fluctuations after your tummy tuck can affect your results, and you must be healthy in order to safely undergo surgery. You need to have a healthy body mass index before getting this procedure done because if you are underweight or overweight, issues are more likely to arise after surgery.
5. Have Realistic Expectations
It is important to understand realistic expectations for your tummy tuck results. While you will be able to achieve a flat, toned abdominal area, tummy tucks will always result in some form of scar. In addition, you should understand how long side effects like swelling will last and when your final results will be noticeable. It is important to have realistic expectations of what you can hope for after this procedure.
Schedule a Consultation
If a tummy tuck can make you feel more confident about yourself, then it might be the right choice for you. It is always best to do your research before jumping into any surgery to ensure you don’t end up wishing that you hadn’t made this choice for your body. To learn more about abdominoplasty, do not hesitate to set up a consultation with Dr. Brown at the Aesthetic Center at Woodholme.
Dr. Ira D. Papel is certified in Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Papel earned his B.A. from Johns Hopkins University and his M.D. from Boston University of Medicine. He completed a residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and a fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Papel is considered an international expert in rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and facial aesthetic surgery.
