8 Tummy Tuck Facts From Someone Who Got One
If you’re considering a tummy tuck, you’re not alone. In 2015, more than one-third of all cosmetic procedures were tummy tucks, resulting in over 180,000 of them in the United States. Your doctor is, of course, the best source of information about the procedure and whether or not you’re a good candidate. If you want a little information from someone who has been through the procedure, however, you’ll find it here. Below are eight facts about tummy tucks from someone who got one.
You Won’t Lose Weight
Tummy tucks are recommended only once you have reached a weight you are happy with. While a tummy tuck can remove excess skin after weight loss, it is not a weight loss method in and of itself. A tummy tuck is meant to reshape your body, not remove fat from it or make it smaller. Try to get to your happy weight before having this procedure.
Your Skin won’t Be Perfect
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure, which means it will leave behind scars. A skilled surgeon can minimize scarring but won’t be able to eliminate it completely. When done well, you can expect to have a horizontal scar below your panty line and a u-shaped scar around your belly button. Your horizontal scar will migrate upwards during healing, however, so the incision should be made as low as possible. Stretch marks may be removed with excess skin but not all of them will be, so be prepared for some of your stretch marks to move rather than going away.
You’ll Have to Pay
With a few exceptions after gastric bypass surgery, most insurance companies won’t pay for a tummy tuck. You’ll have to come up with the money on your own, and the procedure isn’t cheap. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), a tummy tuck costs an average of $5,493 in 2014.
Choose Carefully
This skill and expertise of your surgeon will have a huge impact on the results of your procedure. Look for a plastic surgeon certified by the ASPS. The ASPS is recognized by and works with the American Board of Medical Specialties, who have been the approving body for medical professionals and organizations since 1934.
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Expect a Mention of Liposuction
Many surgeons suggest liposuction in conjunction with a tunny tuck. Liposuction helps your surgeon sculpt your midsection while helping to prevent unnatural fat bulges that may may appear at your hips when the stomach skin is pulled taught. Don’t assume that adding liposuction to your procedure is just a way for the surgeon to pad your bill.
This is a Real Surgery
You should expect to experience some discomfort and need a little help around the house whenever you have a surgery, and a tummy tuck is no exception. Stretching, sitting up, and rolling over may all be difficult for the first week or two after surgery. You’ll recover more quickly if you give your body the time it needs rather than pushing too hard, so line up some helpers before you schedule your surgery.
Embrace the Letter L
Because all of your stomach skin has been pulled very tight, you will be bent over like the letter L for at least a week after your surgery. Have ice packs and products like Icy Hot available to ease the strain this will put on your lower back. Expect to have trouble reaching anything on shelves or in cabinets above eye-level and plan to sleep in a recliner or propped on pillows so you can support your back while you sleep.
It’s All Worth It
You’ll feel better about yourself and experience higher levels of self-esteem after your tummy tuck, but you’ll receive other benefits as well. A tummy tuck may help strengthen your core and ease urinary incontinence. Your stronger core and tighter stomach muscles will also reduce occurrences of bloating and ease lower back pain. A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that needs to be taken seriously, but it is one that can improve both your physical health and emotional well-being when performed properly.
