You've dieted. You've exercised. The scale says your weightis normal. However, your tummy still sags with loose skin. Especially women whohave had two or more pregnancies may find this abdominal pouch unresponsive toconventional fitness methods. You may find yourself weighing the benefits of atummy tuck, or as a surgeon would call it, abdominoplasty.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
So what is a tummy tuck? Is it the same thing as liposuction? Not really. Atummy tuck is considerably more elaborate and more of an actual surgery thanthe familiar liposuction. However, benefits of a tummy tuck may exceed those ofthe simpler procedure in many cases.
Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck? As mentioned, women affected by theabdominal stretching of pregnancy are good candidate. Also good candidates aremen who want to lose that little overhang on the belt. It is generally betterfor those who still have some elasticity left in their skin, although it can bedone older people.
The surgery begins with an incision across the hip bone. The doctor then peelsback the skin all the way up to the rib cage and pulls the abdominal musclestogether. He or she fastens them in this high, more supportive position withsutures. He or she then stretches the skin back over the abdomen, cutting a newhole for the navel and stitching around it. After trimming off the excess skin,he or she closes the incision with sutures and dresses the wound.
A Shock to the System
A tummy tuck is not a nose job. It is abdominal surgery, a serious shock toyour system. Stitches come out in two to three weeks. Recovery may take a fewweeks more. Scars take between six months and a year to fade. Be sure to followyour doctor's instructions about changing your dressing, taking pain medicineand antibiotics. If you should have a large amount of discharge or drainage,call the doctor right away. You may be able to get the benefits of a tummy tuckand less trauma to your body with a partial abdominoplasty.
The benefits of a tummy tuck are long lasting, provided you watch your diet andexercise regularly. A large weight gain could be dangerous to the surgical siteand undo the advantages of the operation. In general, however, most patientsare satisfied with the procedure and heal without complications.
