Your stomach can go through several natural physical changes over time, whether it be through childbirth, weight fluctuations or the ageing process. Unfortunately, for many cases people can find that no matter what you try to do about your stomach it proves difficult to get it how you want it. Sometimes, your diet and exercise just isn’t enough and you may result in getting a tummy tuck to resolve your issues.
The purpose of this surgical procedure is very common for patients if you’re looking to contour the appearance of your abdomen and to provide a smooth looking waistline. It can also help to repair abdominal muscles and provide long term results in the future.
Whilst it can be a popular surgery it’s also important to make sure that it’s the right surgery for you through research. There are many considerations that you have to make and here are common ones to think about.
Downtime can be long after getting a tummy tuck
There is plenty of tissue and skin removal that can be involved in a tummy tuck surgery. This will require plenty of weeks needed for your recovery. The incision itself is made across the abdomen area, from one side of the hip to the other.
Due to the size of the incision, you may feel rather fatigued and sore. This is why it’s extremely important to give yourself plenty of time to heal. Be sure to take time off work and if you can, request support at home from family members. Your movement will be quite stiff for the first few weeks which will make it difficult to manoeuvre.
Prepare to be at a stable weight before the surgery
Although a tummy tuck is great for contouring the body to provide an aesthetically pleasing figure, you should not consider it as a replacement for weight loss. During your consultation, your body will be examined to ensure that you’ll be as safe as possible before the procedure. If your surgeon feels as though you’re not, they’ll advise you to be as close to the desired weight as possible.
A ‘desired weight’ can differ between patient to patient. They’ll advise you of what the weight is during your consultation. Why is this important? Because excessive weight gain or loss can undo the results of the original surgery. Certain weight bands can also make it difficult for the surgeon to perform the surgery safely so they want to keep this in mind before the procedure takes place.
Scars will remain from the procedure
As with many invasive surgical procedures, scarring will occur due to the incisions required. During tummy tuck procedure, the scar will be placed across the abdomen from one side of the hip to the other just above the pubic bone.
Be reassured that the scar will fade over time, but it will still remain visible for a number of years. A skilled surgeon, however, will try to apply the incision to conceal it as much as possible when you wear underwear, swimsuit bottoms or any other form of underclothing.
Surgical drains will need to be maintained for the first few weeks
Surgical drains may sound rather frightening, but their purpose is important and will be required to stay in place for the next few weeks after your surgery. Doing so can help to reduce the amount of blood produced, control the swelling and encourage healing.
The drains will be placed temporarily for the healing process and will require care and attention. How you can do this will be provided by your surgeon and you can also discuss your concerns with your surgeon. You should expect to have them removed after a week or so depending on the progress of your recovery.
Are you considering a tummy tuck?
Here at UK Aesthetic, your care and attention is at the top of our priority list regardless of the procedure you’re undertaking. If you wish to know more about the procedure feel free to visit our tummy tuck page for further details and contact us today to book your consultation with us.