Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy-tuck, is a surgical procedure where an incision is made in the abdomen region. Upon successful incision, the doctor will proceed to remove excess skin and fat tissue from the stomach area.
There are three main types of tummy-tuck surgeries:
- complete
- partial
- circumferential
These different procedures caters to individuals looking for minor, moderate, and major changes. Consulting with a board-certified surgeon can help provide guidance to which procedure aligns best with your goals. Regardless of your reason for getting this procedure, it’s important to consider several factors before making your appointment.
1. You’ll Have to Take Time off
Time off doesn’t mean only taking time off from work. This also means time off from physical activities and some routine home care tasks. Those working desk jobs typically return to work after 14 days. During the first week back at work, it’s recommended to start with half-days.
Doing this allows you to ease back into your routine; while still making time for rest and healing. Following abdominoplasty, you must refrain from heavy physical labor for at least four weeks.
2. You will Need Help During Operation Recovery
Following tummy tuck procedures, individuals will need assistance with things they didn’t need help with before. For this reason, it’s important to have adequate help around you at home during recovery.
These arrangements should be made ahead of time, especially for parents with younger children. Tasks such as laundry, cooking, and other home care happenings will need assistance from others as you heal
3. 12 Months Is Full Healing Time
During the first few weeks following surgery, a significant amount of swelling and pain goes away. Your stomach may feel tight as scar tissue forms, but this will dissipate over months of healing. The stomach will also be numb to the touch during the early stages of healing.
4. Tummy Tucks Alone won’t Make You Lose Weight
Although some individuals might lose a few pounds after their tummy tuck, the surgery shouldn’t be approached as a weight loss procedure. Medical professionals advise patients to already be their target weight prior to surgery. An overall healthy lifestyle consisting of nutritious food and exercise will influence an optimal surgical procedure
5. Most Insurance Companies won’t Pay for It
The cost of this cosmetic operation averages out at $6000. Depending on the type operation you get, that number can fluctuate hundred of dollars. Insurance companies generally don’t cover cosmetic operations. Be prepared to spend money on both your surgery and recovery.
6. Choosing the Right Surgeon
Finding a qualified surgeon for your procedure is vital to efficient results. The surgeon you choose should be accredited by the American Board of Medical Specialities, a specialty medical agency that represents only qualified and reputable surgeons.
7. There will Be Scarring
The size of the scar you’ll have is contingent on the type of tummy tuck you get. More comprehensive operations can result in deeper scarring. However, the positioning of the scarring makes it easy to hide; even in swimwear.
Abdominoplasty has significantly increased over the past several years. Individuals choose to get this operation for various reasons. Regardless of reason, knowing what factors to consider prior to surgery can guide your decision. There are many qualified surgeons to choose from when considering tummy tuck in Houston.
