Health Care

By: Abigail Aaronson

A tummy tuck, also referred to as abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure, which creates a firmer and more defined abdomen area. As long as the patient chooses a doctor who they can trust and follow all instructions, they usually have desired results.

Most people desire a tummy tuck to remove excess fat and skin in the stomach and abdomen area. The ultimate goal is usually to adjust and tighten the walls of the abdomen. Many candidates get a tummy tuck after pregnancy while others choose to get abdominoplasty after they have undergone a major weight loss regime and want to remove sagging or loose skin.

If you want to get a tummy tuck, you should choose a doctor who you can trust. This doctor should have years of experience performing a tummy tuck and receive regular training. If you are unsure what doctor to choose, asking friends or relatives if they have any recommendations.

Once you have decided on a few doctors, they will ask you to come in for a consultation. During the consultation period the doctor will ask you many questions about your medical condition. If you smoke, you should stop several months before the procedure.

The doctor will ask you also about your goals and expectation so this is the time to explain what you like and do not like about your body. Since abdominoplasty can vary depending on the body structure, you and the doctor will determine together the appropriate procedure.

The procedure should take anywhere from one to five hours to complete if it is a full abdominoplasty and from one to two hours if it is a partial abdiminoplasty, which is also called a mini-tuck. This is also the time to ask the doctor plenty of questions regarding the procedure and about his experience. The doctor will then give you a few directions to follow to prepare for the surgery.

During the full tummy tuck, the doctor will make an incision from one side of the hip to the other side. The doctor will also cut free the belly button and he or she will detach the skin from the abdominal walls. He or she will tighten the muscles and the fascia and will remain any skin and fat. The doctor will then put the old belly button back on the skin. Occasionally the doctor will use liposuction to refine certain areas.

During a partial abdominoplasty, the doctor usually makes a smaller incision. This procedure is usually less invasive and is used when a full tummy tuck is not needed. Finally, with both procedures the doctor will put dressing or a compression garment on the patient and fluid is soon drained. The recovery period can usually last between one to four weeks and if all advice is followed there should be minimal swelling, bruising and discomfort.

If you are considering a tummy tuck, you should research the procedure thoroughly. Make sure you choose a doctor who can trust and follow all instructions to insure minimal risk and complications.

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* About Abigail Aaronson

For creating a firmer and more defined abdomen area try Tummy tuck. San Francisco plastic surgeons remove excess fat and skin in the abdomen area and tighten the walls of the abdomen. Consult one at http://www.drkim.com.