What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is normally an elective procedure, meaning that it generally is considered a cosmetic procedure although there are exceptions to the case when other medical conditions arise. It is important to note however that this procedure is not strictly for weight loss or appearance reasons.
If you are interested in losing weight then this option is probably not your best option. Losing weight consists of good nutrition and proper exercise to help you shed the pounds. A tummy tuck can be used to further emphasize your well toned body. A tummy tuck should be the last resort after you have followed your exercise and diet plan, think of it as just adding a cherry on the top.
The procedure itself is simply removing excess skin around the abdomen. In addition liposuction can also be used to remove excess fat. The simplest way to imagine it is to think of your skin being pulled tight and then any excess skin cut off.
Once the tummy tuck has been completed there will only be a small scar left after the operation. In addition the patient abdominal wall muscles are made tighter which makes your stomach look even more contoured.
It is common to also have other procedures done while you are undergoing a tummy tuck like combining your tummy tuck with some liposuction around your stomach and thighs.
Anesthesia is required but which type is used will depend on what type of tummy tuck you are going under, this of course will be discussed with your anesthesiologist.
If for example you are only having a partial tummy tuck then you are more likely to be put under a local anesthetic meaning you will be awake while the procedure is taking place. If you are having a full abdominoplasy then you will be given a general anesthetic.
Both men and woman can enjoy the benefits of a tummy tuck and it is becoming more and more popular with both sexes. More men in general are undergoing this procedure as they tend to lose weight faster. It is important to be realistic about the end results however, as the chances are that you will not go from someone who is 40 pounds overweight to a Baywatch model overnight.
However, the better shape that you are before the operation the more likely you are to have a better looking stomach post operation.
