A Beginner’s Guide to Tummy Tucks
For some, getting rid of belly fat can be difficult, and it seems no amount of exercise will tone the areas around your abdomen. If you’ve found yourself at your wits’ end trying to figure out what it takes to get your ideal figure, an abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck,” might be the solution you’re looking for.
You might be wondering: what is a tummy tuck? Simply read on to learn more about this safe and effective procedure.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes and tightens the abdomen, giving it a slimmer look. The process involves the removal of excess fat and skin around the belly area. There are two types of tucks: complete abdominoplasty and partial abdominoplasty.
With the complete abdominoplasty, a surgeon makes a large incision around your hip bone area and removes excess fat, skin, muscle, and tissue. During the stitching process, an adjustment is made to the belly button.
The incision is smaller for partial abdominoplasty and does not involve adjusting the belly button. This partial procedure is commonly used when the fat is below the navel area.
A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia.
How to Prepare for a Tummy Tuck
Before getting a tummy tuck, you must review your medical history with your chosen surgeon. It is also advised that you discuss your expectations, as well as the risks—what appearance are you looking to achieve? Will you be all right with potential scarring?
If you are a smoker, you must abstain from smoking for several weeks before and after surgery. Smoking decreases blood flow and puts you at risk for tissue damage. You should also abstain from medications such as aspirin and herbal supplements, for these can increase bleeding.
Is a Tummy Tuck Right for Me?
This cosmetic surgery is suitable for both men and women who want to get rid of belly fat or loose skin after losing a lot of weight. Accordingly, it is not a weight-loss procedure; you must be near or at your ideal weight to benefit the most from a tummy tuck.
For women who intend to have children after receiving a tummy tuck, it is generally advised to wait a year or more after the surgery before getting pregnant. Keep in mind that a pregnancy may jeopardize the results of your tummy tuck as it can re-stretch skin and tissue.
In general, candidates must be in good health and at a stable weight if they wish for the best results.
How Painful Is a Tummy Tuck?
The pain from the procedure will depend on your threshold, but for many people, it is tolerable. Depending on the scale of the surgery, you may even be allowed to go home on the same day.
The tummy tuck recovery process lasts about six weeks. Like most invasive surgeries, the pain is at its worst during the first week of recovery, with stiffness, swelling, and burning sensations being common symptoms. Don’t worry—discomfort should wear off within a few weeks.
What Do I Need to Know About the Recovery?
Remember that recovery times can vary based on a number of factors—age, type of tummy tuck, and health—and because of this, some recover quicker than others. In general, you should avoid stressing yourself after the procedure to ensure the best results. Get someone to drive you home after the operation, follow all your doctor’s instructions, and rest well. Avoid drinking and smoking for at least four weeks. Pain medications can help, so long as they are approved by your doctor.
In terms of your occupation, you will need to wait up to six weeks before going back to work, especially if your job is physically demanding.
Looking to Get a Tummy Tuck? Talk to Experts Today!
Tired of the way your abdomen looks? The team of specialists at Body Cosmetics of Beverly Hills is happy to address any cosmetic concerns you may have, helping you to achieve the body you've always wanted.
To learn more, call us at 310.858.8646 or complete our contact form.




