May 13, 2008

Nip and Tummy Tuck

by Andrew W John

Perhaps the best way to shape a tummy, when diet and exercise will not work, may be a procedure called Abdominoplasty. Commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, this procedure involves an operation to removed excess skin or fat and possibly even tightens up or brings the abdominal muscles closer. Some tummy tucks are a simple operation that involves reshaping the skin on the stomach. While more invasive surgery may include removal of fat under or above the muscle wall, repositioning the belly button, and even stitching the muscles together.

More and more people have chosen to have a tummy tuck because it is safe and has also become more affordable in the recent years. This is anywhere between twenty-five hundred dollars up to eighty-five hundred dollars. A big factor in price depends upon who you choose to perform the operation, and also the time and complexity of the tummy tuck. Also, medical tests, room cost, surgeon fees, operation room, anesthesiologists, and post surgery will all affect the total cost.

Due to the rising popularity of the procedures, most hospitals and surgeons now offer financing options. This can be especially helpful if insurance does not cover all or a portion of any part of the procedures. You may also need to inform you insurance plan about the surgery. Your insurance rates may increase after your surgery.

The main reasons men and women may decide on this type of surgery may not always be cosmetic. More and more people are discovering the necessity of the surgery after pregnancy, particularly multiple births, and gastric bypass surgery. Those who have lost a lot of weight through gastric bypass or other means and find that their stomach muscles and or skin has not shrunk back into place and may need to go in for health reasons as well.

After an abdominoplasty surgery, many will feel some pain, which is to be expected, and will also be swollen in the area where the operation took place. This should last a few weeks and can be lessened by prescriptions that your doctor will prescribe to you after the surgery.

Normal recovery time is about 2 to 3 weeks of complete bed rest and then a few months of limited activity. Be sure to follow all instructions by your doctor to lesson the chance of fluid retention, hernias, blood clots, tearing, swelling, and other complications which can increase the pain and recovery time..

There are three stages to the recovery process. First, you must stay in the hospital so that they can monitor you for the first few days, usually three days. This is to ensure there are no complications, such as a dangerous clot. Second, you may be sent home or to a post operational care facility. This includes complete bed rest, often three weeks or more, during this time you must have assistance to bath, dress the wound, and other necessary functions. Lastly, you doctor may give you detailed instructions for caring for your new tummy in the long run. These may include how to maintain the size and shape through diet and exercise, as well and tips to prevent hernias.

The recovery time can also shorten if you have strong abs. If you do not have very strong abs, your recovery time may be longer. The scar tissue and swelling might now go away until about six months after the surgery.

As with any surgery, it is best to research and use caution before undergoing surgery. This will ensure safety and honesty.

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Filed under Weight Loss by Andrew W John

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