Are you looking to reduce your belly fat and appear chic? Is there a flap of flesh around your midsection, causing a protruding abdomen that you want to get rid off? Then, we have just what you're looking for. Here is all you need to know about tummy tuck.

What is Tummy Tuck? 

Also known as 'Abdominoplasty', is a process of making your abdomen firm and taut, by removing excess fat from the middle and lower abdomen in order to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. This is mostly done through a cosmetic surgical procedure—extra skin is removed, and the remaining skin is repositioned for a toned look.

Other than surgery, a tummy tuck is often said to be achieved through exercises or tummy tuck belts—a slimming belt, accompanied with a slimming cream, alleged to burn away fat after 10 minutes of using it every day and performing some abdominal exercises. We do not know how good tummy tuck belts are at performing tummy tucks, but sometimes, people get to a dead-end where belly fat doesn't just cut down, and then, a tummy tuck surgery becomes the only option.

Abdominoplasty is basically of two types:

• Mini Tummy Tuck 

This surgery is for a person with a loose skin below the belly button. It targets and improves the lower belly with less extensive surgery. This procedure is usually shorter and with a quicker recovery rate.

• Full Tummy Tuck

Also, a 'plus-size tummy tuck' is meant for a person with a full roundness and excess fat above and below his/her belly button. It targets and improves on the upper and lower abdomen. It tightens the muscles of the entire stomach.

Who Gets a Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Before considering abdominoplasty, you must be eligible for the procedure. Certain factors should be regarded before a tummy tuck procedure can be put in place.

1. Do you plan on getting pregnant?
2. Do you plan on losing more weight?
3. Have you had a previous abdominal surgery which caused significant scar tissue?
4. Do you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 30?
5. Do you have a chronic health condition? Like heart complications?
6. Are you a smoker or a drinker?

If you fall under any of the above-mentioned groups, then you will have to forgo the idea of tummy tuck surgeries.

Procedures for a Tummy Tuck Surgery.

In preparing for an Abdominoplasty, there are specific steps you have to take and guidelines you have to adhere to when embarking on this cosmetic surgery.

First, a consultation with your plastic surgeon:

• A review of your medical history, with questions about current and past medications and surgeries.
• Discuss your allergies to any medication and expectations as regards the tummy tuck surgery.
• Get a physical examination to determine your surgical option. The surgeon will have to take pictures of your midsection for medical records.

Next, adhere to the following, as your surgeon must have instructed:

• Avoid certain medications, as directed by your surgeon, like anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, herbal supplements—drugs which can increase the rate of bleeding.
• Eat well-balanced meals, and minimize eating level. Do not try any drastic meal.
• Be able to maintain a stable weight for more than 12 months. Your weight should be how you want to always be from the surgery, thereafter. A weight gain creates complications, and a weight loss can render the results of the surgery null.
• Take anticoagulant medications to prevent blood clotting.
• Quit smoking to prevent complications during and after the surgery
• Make arrangements for assistance during recovery. Someone to stay with you during your stay at the hospital and at home while you recover, to drive you home and to the hospital for check-ups till you are fully recovered.
• Get your home ready with ice packs, petroleum jelly, hand-held shower and bathroom chair, loose and comfortable clothes; all that can help you heal and add no stress to your healing abdomen. 

How Long Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Procedure Take?

Abdominoplasties are done in one procedure and take between two to six hours to complete, dependent on the extent of the operation. And you are advised to stay 1 to 2 days at the hospital for monitoring and observation.

How a Tummy Tuck is Done

Prior to your tummy tuck surgery, you and your surgeon must have discussed the type of tummy tuck suitable.

During your surgery:

1. General Anesthesia.

You will be completely unconscious and unable to feel pain. 

    2. On Sedation;

• An incision is made depending on the type of tummy tuck you are going for. 
• Excess fat and skin is removed from your abdominal region.
• The connective tissues over the muscles are tightened with permanent stitches.
• The skin below or around your belly button will be brought back to its normal position through an incision and sutured tight over your abdomen, from hip to hip.
• Excess skin will be trimmed off and the incision closed off with final stitches.

After the procedure:

1. Your abdominal incision and belly button will be covered with surgical dressing. 
2. Small tubes will be placed along the incision to drain any excess blood and fluid. Your medical team will assist you in disposing of the drains and show you how to do it yourself.
3. You are most likely to feel pains and experience some swelling around the region. You will be placed on medications for the pains and blood-thinning.
4. A support system will be provided for you by your medical team to help you talk walks to prevent the formation of blood clots.
5. You will wear an abdominal binder for about 6 to 7 weeks after your surgery, to prevent fluid build-up and support your abdomen while you heal.
6. Be careful while moving around and avoid positions and activities that strain your incision line to prevent reopening of wounds.
7. Make sure to follow through with your scheduled visits to your surgeon, so you can be monitored till any risk is satisfactorily forgone.

How Painful is a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tuck surgery is bearable and you are prescribed pain relief medications to help you handle the pains.

You may also experience swelling, bruising,  numbness, fatigue during the time, but your surgeon can give you advice on how to handle them.

What is the Recovery Time After a Tummy Tuck?

The recovery rate of an abdominoplasty depends on the individual and how quickly he or she heals.

However, it is largely advised to stick to the following:

• Begin full activity after 6 to 8 weeks.
• Strenuous activities should be put off till after 8 weeks.
• Moderate exercises like walking and swimming during the time of recovery.
• Refrain from smoking.
• Eat healthy diets.

Tummy Tuck Surgery Scars.

Fears arise about scarring from the incision region and stitches. But this will not happen if you take care of them. Do the following:

• Keep scars moisturized by hand clean the incision daily.
• You may want to use steroid applications or injections to get rid of thick, red scars.

Cost for Tummy Tuck Surgeries.

An exact cost can only be drafted after consultation and examination of the patient. However, if you do want to learn about this, you can contact us at [email protected]. We provide you with approximate quotes and you see some of our before and after tummy tuck pictures from our specialities that will suit you.

Where to Get the Best Tummy Tuck Surgeries.

Anavara knows just the right surgeons for you. We have over 100 connections around the world and can quickly link you to one appropriate for your tummy tuck type. Visit our website: www.anavara.com and email us for enquiries at [email protected].