A tummy tuck is a safe but invasive cosmetic procedure that is also referred to as an abdominoplasty, which tightens abdominal muscles as well as rids the midsection of excess skin and sometimes fat. It is performed in a licensed and certified facility by a licensed plastic surgeon, with at least 5 years of residency experience.
Abdominoplasties are performed on both men and women, who are in relatively good health. There are only a few health conditions that would preclude an individual from having the procedure. A tummy tuck can involve several additional procedures besides the basic tightening of the abdominal muscles. This tightening of the muscles is what is referred to as abdominoplasty.
However, removal of excess fat that is lying beneath the surface of the skin is called liposuction. There is a particular type of liposuction that brings out a person's six pack if they are developed but merely hiding behind a wall of fat. This procedure is called an abdominal etching. Then, there is the cutting away of the excess skin. This is called panniculectomy. Often, people have a mixture of these different procedures when they go in for their "tummy tuck".
Usually, a tummy tuck takes between two to 5 hours in an outpatient, plastic surgery center. Occasionally, they are also done at hospitals. Rarely, if ever, are they performed in a doctor's private office. Certifications should be available upon request as to the validity and licensure of the facility.
Recovery usually takes place within 4 weeks of the procedure with restrictions on vigorous movements up to 6 weeks. However, scars should fade, and the true results should be manifested within at least 3 months. This may take up to 2 years, though, depending on the extensiveness of the work.
Plastic surgeons who perform tummy tucks should be licensed medical doctors or doctors of osteopathic medicine. They should have graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least a 5 year residency program. However, residency programs for more specialized procedures can take up to several more years.
Before getting your tummy tuck, your surgeon will want to meet with you to review your medical history. There are a few diseases and practices that may preclude you as a candidate or may slow down the recovery process. Typically individuals with cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks, heart failure, and plugged arteries are not the best candidate for the procedures.
Also, patients with diabetes or who smoke, may have additional complications during surgery. Their healing may take longer, too. Also, excessively drinking alcohol can increase the amount of anesthesia you will require for surgery and the amount of pain medications you need after surgery.
Complications are possible but rare. Scarring is a big issue, but the techniques that most surgeons use for your tummy tuck produces little to no scarring. You will have pain and swelling after the surgery, but these things are expected.
If you experience increased pain after the first day of recovery or increased swelling and redness two or three days after surgery it may be cause for concern. If you experience anything usual, it is best to contact your surgeon. However, these surgeries are typically safe, quick, and produce excellent results.
Abdominoplasties are performed on both men and women, who are in relatively good health. There are only a few health conditions that would preclude an individual from having the procedure. A tummy tuck can involve several additional procedures besides the basic tightening of the abdominal muscles. This tightening of the muscles is what is referred to as abdominoplasty.
However, removal of excess fat that is lying beneath the surface of the skin is called liposuction. There is a particular type of liposuction that brings out a person's six pack if they are developed but merely hiding behind a wall of fat. This procedure is called an abdominal etching. Then, there is the cutting away of the excess skin. This is called panniculectomy. Often, people have a mixture of these different procedures when they go in for their "tummy tuck".
Usually, a tummy tuck takes between two to 5 hours in an outpatient, plastic surgery center. Occasionally, they are also done at hospitals. Rarely, if ever, are they performed in a doctor's private office. Certifications should be available upon request as to the validity and licensure of the facility.
Recovery usually takes place within 4 weeks of the procedure with restrictions on vigorous movements up to 6 weeks. However, scars should fade, and the true results should be manifested within at least 3 months. This may take up to 2 years, though, depending on the extensiveness of the work.
Plastic surgeons who perform tummy tucks should be licensed medical doctors or doctors of osteopathic medicine. They should have graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least a 5 year residency program. However, residency programs for more specialized procedures can take up to several more years.
Before getting your tummy tuck, your surgeon will want to meet with you to review your medical history. There are a few diseases and practices that may preclude you as a candidate or may slow down the recovery process. Typically individuals with cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks, heart failure, and plugged arteries are not the best candidate for the procedures.
Also, patients with diabetes or who smoke, may have additional complications during surgery. Their healing may take longer, too. Also, excessively drinking alcohol can increase the amount of anesthesia you will require for surgery and the amount of pain medications you need after surgery.
Complications are possible but rare. Scarring is a big issue, but the techniques that most surgeons use for your tummy tuck produces little to no scarring. You will have pain and swelling after the surgery, but these things are expected.
If you experience increased pain after the first day of recovery or increased swelling and redness two or three days after surgery it may be cause for concern. If you experience anything usual, it is best to contact your surgeon. However, these surgeries are typically safe, quick, and produce excellent results.
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