You’ve had a baby, congratulations! And you’ve lost your ‘baby weight’, congratulations, again! But is that extra stretched skin keeping you from feeling your fabulous, ‘yummy mummy‘ self? Let’s talk tummy tucks.
What’s a tummy tuck?
An abdominoplasty, or ‘tummy tuck’ as we more commonly know it, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen. Loose skin is removed and the abdominal muscles are tightened to resemble the tummy’s natural contour. Scars and stretch marks from previous surgeries, childbirth or weight gain can also be removed during this procedure, if located in the treated area. Tummy tucks are ideal for post-pregnancy tummy that has resulted in extra skin, or simply weight loss that has resulted in a similar effect. Tummy tucks can be performed on both men and women who are looking to rid themselves of lax, sagging or extra skin and fat that is unable to be reduced through diet or exercise.
So, what should you know about a tummy tuck procedure before undergoing one yourself? Here are some tummy tuck prep tips:
1.) Plan for adequate recovery time. Be realistic in your recovery expectations. It will likely be a minimum of two weeks before you can return to a desk job, and approximately four weeks before you can resume regular daily activities. Activities such as exercise will need to be reintroduced into your routine slowly and carefully. Start with light, easy exercise and build up slowly to where you were pre-surgery.
2.) Ask lots of questions. There is no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to preparing for your surgical procedure. If you have any questions or concerns, ask your surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to provide you with ample information about your procedure, associated risks and what to expect. By the time your surgery date rolls around, you should feel comfortable with, and informed about, your upcoming procedure. As with all surgical procedures, it’s important to choose a surgeon who is highly experienced and credentialed, particularly in the procedure you are interested in. Your consultation is a great time to understand the experience and expertise of your surgeon.
3.) Plan for help. This means taking time off work, making arrangements for child care or any other family members for whom you are responsible. For the first few weeks after your procedure, you will be greatly limited in movement. Plan to have someone around to care for you for at least the first week. Taking good care of yourself during early recovery, not pushing your body to do more than it should during that time, is crucial in a safe, healthy recovery and in achieving your desired results.
Not being able to get rid of saggy, lax, extra skin on your own can be incredibly frustrating. Fortunately, a tummy tuck can help you achieve that toned, ideal tummy you’re striving for.
Contact us today for a consultation during the month of October. Book your tummy tuck this month (to be received by March 31st, 2015) and take advantage of our celebratory 15% surgical discount. There’s never been a better time to get your ideal tummy!
