Any woman who has ever despaired of firming up her flopping abdominal skin after the birth of a baby or any person discouraged by the appearance of his or her stomach following a large loss of weight should know that there is hope.
An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to trim the abdominal area.
It involves removing fat and skin from the area and tightening the abdominal muscles.
This eliminates sagging and wrinkles and leaves the abdomen looking firmer.
This can be partial or complete.
With a partial tuck, only a small incision is made, and the process usually takes one to two hours.
In a complete abdominoplasty, the incision stretches from hip to hip.
Much trimming and reconstruction is involved.
With either a partial or complete tummy tuck, liposuction may be required for fine sculpting.
Just because this is cosmetic, however, do not be fooled into thinking it is not a real surgery without risks.
In fact, hospitalization is often required.
It carries a significant recovery time, with initial recovery taking one to four weeks and a full recovery between three to six months.
Even after that, scarring will be evident.
A tummy tuck is definitely not to be taken lightly.
Not to be taken lightly, either, is your choice of surgeon.
Choosing an unqualified surgeon can result in a nightmare.
Everyone has heard horror stories of botched cosmetic surgeries.
Take the time to do your research.
Make sure you entrust your body to the best doctor available.
It is also important to know the risks and side effects going in.
A good surgeon will honestly discuss your expectations with you so you can be entirely comfortable with your choice to have a major cosmetic procedure such as a tummy tuck.
If you have worked to lose the weight, and you know it is what you want, go for it! But do not go into it blind.
Know what you are in for before you go under the knife.