Why You Might Consider A Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is perhaps the best way to shape your lower stomach when an excess of fat accumulates in the area. There are many different types of tummy tucks a person can have, and each is different depending on the case. Some tummy tucks may involve shaping the stomach, while others might require an operation for the removal of excess fat and/or skin which will tighten up the abdominal muscles and will also reposition the belly button.
The affordability and accessibility of Abdominoplasty has made it a desirable goal for the image and health conscious individuals. The increase of educated and qualified doctors and the additional technology that supports the doctors, has contributed to making it nearly affordable for most people. The procedure can cost around 2500 dollars, but the total cost can be even higher, perhaps around 8500 dollars or more, depending on the surgery and its complexity or complications. Some price quotes are all inclusive, while others may charge extra for necessary services not listed in the quote. You can expect to pay for pre-op and post-op medical tests, operation and recovery room fees, surgeon fees, anesthesiologists, pre-op and post-op care, and for necessary medications.
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 surgery you can expect to be in pain and need bed rest for two weeks or more. The first few days you may experience swelling and intense tenderness at the operation site. This is normal, you may need to take prescription medicine to speed up healing, reduce the swelling, and reduce the pain.
You can do things to speed up recovery as well, such as not stretching too much, not moving around to much, and taking it easy during the recovery. You should not lift anything and you will need a personal care attendant. Otherwise you risk tearing the stitches, increasing the recovery time, increasing the pain, or even getting an infection. Therefore, follow all the direction the surgeon provide right to the letter, this includes how to dress the wound during recovery and how long you may have to wait before resuming normal activities.
The recovery period occurs in three stages. The first stage is post-operation and you have to remain in the hospital, this can be from a few hours to even a few days. The second stage, is when you get home. You might have to stay in bed following your doctor's orders. The third and final stage, is to maintain your new physique. Your doctor, most likely, will give you a diet and exercise schedule to follow to optimize your recovery.
Your doctor should provide you with post operative care instructions which should include direction on medication, dressing the wound, and diet and exercise. You can expect about six months of recovery time after the surgery before all the swelling disappears and the scaring starts to heal and minimize. If you went into surgery with well conditioned muscles and on a good diet, you can expect quicker recovery results.
You should research your chosen surgeon and hospital well and this includes the procedures and after care policies they offer. Fining a great surgeon, hospital, and plan isn't all you need. You should check with their history for doing this type of surgery, how long they have been doing it and consider both positive and negative feedback from their clients and the health administration.
June 15 2009 05:03 am | Cosmetic Surgery