Tummy Tuck: What to Expect from your Procedure

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Author: Dr. Jay Calvert

Tummy tucks are a common cosmetic procedure used to flatten and firm the abdomen. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can also repair weakened or separated abdominal muscles. Patients whom have had a child or multiple children or have lost large amounts of weight are often left with saggy, empty skin that will not tighten no matter what exercises are tried or creams are applied.

To be a good candidate for this procedure, you should be physically healthy and at a stable weight. You should quit smoking permanently and have realistic expectations about plastic surgery outcome. If you are bothered by the feeling that your stomach is too large and you are willing to go through with a permanent body alteration, you should set up a consultation with a plastic surgeon.

A tummy tuck can not take away stretch marks, though many of the scars below the belly button may be removed when the operation is performed. The procedure will flatten the abdomen significantly. Much of the excess fat and skin will be removed, leaving you with a much more attractive, youthful stomach.

An abdominoplasty is moderately to severely painful, requiring two to six weeks of healing time. Most patients can return to work after one to two weeks. During recovery, your doctor may give you a few tips to help you heal faster. Walk around every hour and be sure to flex your feet to keep dangerous blood clots from forming. At first, this may seem like torture, but soon, you will realize walking helps to ease the pain. Flex your hips gently as often as possible in order to keep your sutures from becoming too tight. Any activities that cause discomfort, such as bending, lifting or twisting should be curtailed.

There are safety precautions that should also be taken. Many doctors recommend not lifting anything over fifteen pounds for at least two weeks. Showers should not be taken until the drains have been removed. Baths are strictly prohibited for the first two weeks post-op.

The biggest factor when deciding whether or not to get a tummy tuck is pain. It will be sever enough that you will require help doing almost everything for at least a week. You may not be able to stand upright fully for up to two weeks. But once those two weeks have passed, you will stand straight with pride and a beautiful body contour. Most patients who have had a tummy tuck will tell you that the pain is well worth it.

When deciding whether or not an abdominoplasty is right for you, keep in mind that your surgery will only be as good as the surgeon. Your selected surgeon should have proper certification, hospital privileges, malpractice insurance and an excellent reputation. There is a high concentration of plastic surgeons in Los Angeles. Many well known surgeons, such as Dr. Jay Calvert, practice in Beverly Hills. Dr. Calvert has been featured on the Tyra Show and can be reached for consultation at http://www.drcalvert.com/.

Jay Calvert, MD, FACS is a board certified plastic surgeon based in Beverly Hills and Orange County, CA. He performs all types of plastic surgery and specializes in face lifts, rhinoplasty and breast augmentation. To learn more about Dr. Calvert's aesthetic surgery practice, please visit http://www.drcalvert.com or Call 1-310-777-8800 in Beverly Hills or 1-949-644-2858 in Newport Beach to set up an appointment.