A Tummy Tuck is a surgical procedure designed to tighten and smooth the abdomen. Medically known as an adominoplasty, tummy tucks are designed to improve the shape and appearance of the stomach area, and can even be used to eradicate the appearance of stretch marks on the lower abdomen. This cosmetic procedure involves the surgical removal of excess skin, strengthening the abdominal wall and improving shape. Adominoplasty is a major procedure and results in permanent scarring.

The Tummy Tuck operation is ideal for patients concerned about excess fat and skin, possibly as a result of sudden weight loss, or stretch marks located below the navel. Though a purely cosmetic procedure, the operation can enhance a patient's mental wellbeing, in terms of improving abdominal appearance and raising self-esteem. Ideally, patient's considering such a procedure should be generally healthy but face problems with lack of skin elasticity after perhaps multiple pregnancies, or obesity which leaves non-responsive skin and fat in the lower abdominal region.

The procedure itself usually lasts for anywhere between two and six hours, although for a partial abdominoplasty this may reduce to as little as one hour. Ordinarily, the surgeon makes an incision above the pubic bone which can extend from hip to hip. Another incision is made to release excess tissue from the navel, and allow the procedure to progress.

After the procedure, patients will most likely suffer a degree of discomfort and swelling, although this can be largely controlled through prescribed medication. Patient's may be released within hours, or retained for several days depending on the extent of the operation.

Patient's who resume a course of light exercise upon successful completion of the procedure will tend to see a quicker healing process. However, it is important not to overly stress the body before it has had time to fully recover from what is essentially a major surgical process.

An abdominoplasty will usually produce good results for those with excess skin or a weaker abdominal wall. Whether the surgery is a complete Abdominoplasty or partial, the procedure produces strong long term results when coupled with a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise.

Before embarking on a tummy tuck operation it is important, as with all medical procedures, to consider the risks involved. Before deciding on the operation it is advisable to consult a qualified medical practitioner, who will be equipped to handle any queries or concerns you may have. The risks associated with this, and any operation can be reduced by closely following the surgeon's preparatory and post operative instructions, paying particular attention to the timeframe before resuming full physical activity. It is better to err on the side of caution to take into account variation in body types and natural healing capabilities, to avoid potential complications and the need for future corrective surgery.

If you've considered the risks and benefits, and understand the nature of the procedure, then this may be the procedure for you. Whilst a major operation, the tummy tuck usually produces highly effective and noticeable results with complications few and rare. It is highly recommended that you discuss the operation with your family and your medical professional before making your mind up.

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Prior to your surgery, your consultant will discuss all the dietary and lifestyle requirements necessary to ensure a speedy recovery. In the case of abdominoplasty, this means a refrain from smoking for at least two weeks after surgery, and avoiding exposure of the operation site to sunlight until healed. The consultant will also discuss more specific requirements, which will be variable based on a number of factors including age, health, gender and body type.

In the immediate aftermath of your procedure, you will almost certainly require the assistance of another. Patients find themselves lost without their physical capabilities, and great discomfort can arise from even the simplest of tasks such as driving or getting dressed. It is important to ensure someone is there at the hospital to collect you from your procedure and remain with you for the immediate future until you get used to coping with you discomfort and learn what you can and can't do. This is usually a trying time for patients, particularly those who previously lead an active lifestyle, although it is a beneficial sacrifice to ensure a speedier overall recovery.

It is also strongly recommended that patients eat a balanced healthy diet after their surgery. This includes a blend of fruit and vegetables as well as meats and carbohydrates to aid recovery. Under no circumstances should patients starve themselves, or use this as an opportunity to lose weight as this will seriously hinder the recovery process and could lead to a requirement for additional surgery. Additional surgery could lead to unusually visible scarring, and could cause complications with the procedure itself, therefore it is best avoided, particularly during the recovery period.

Additionally, patients are recommended to engage in some form of light exercise, although care should be taken to avoid over exertion. Patients should also give priority to the advice of their surgeon, and plan light exercise according to his/her guidelines. Patients can initially begin by trying some walking and very light stretching, although it is essential that patients' realise their limitations. The tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure, therefore care should be taken not to progress too quickly to avoid injury. Only after several weeks to months of mild activity should patients consider exerting themselves in more active pursuits.

The physical healing process is one that takes time. There is no magical cure other than rest, mild exercise and eating well. With patience and time, you will be able to resume your natural daily lifestyle with no complications or discomfort other than the permanent scar left by the procedure.

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Patients with excess fat in the lower abdomen should consider liposuction. Liposuction is the removal of localised deposits of fat from within the body. The process, although obviously no substitute for more traditional weight loss, is a comparatively new procedure in mainstream usage for a mere fifteen years. Having said that, thousands of liposuction procedures are carried out each year with great success by qualified surgeons across the world. Ideally, patients opting for liposuction should be those who are of normal weight with small localised areas of stubborn excess fat. Liposuction carries its greatest risk for those with conditions to do with the heart, lung disease or diabetes.

Initially, the surgeon will take the time to evaluate your general physical condition before determining your suitability for the procedure. It is to be recommended that you disclose any lifestyle or dietary information that may be relevant during this consultation process to aid in you practitioner's surgical judgement. Ordinarily, the process of liposuction is safe. However, as with all surgical procedures there is an element of risk involved. The main hazards associated with this treatment are the risks of blood clots or infection. Additionally, excessive loss of fluids can result in shock or the collection of fluids in a localised area, which can be problematic. The process also leaves behind scarring, although it is still a favourable option for many considering abdominal cosmetic surgery.

Another form of alternative procedure is known as an endoscopic abdominoplasty. This process is conducted with the incision usually made inside the navel, and is ideal for those with weaker abdominal muscles but tighter abdominal skin. It is thought that this procedure is more beneficial to males, and it is only helpful in tightening muscles, with no skin removal properties. The procedure involves a small camera attached to small surgical implements to allow for a smaller incision. It is essential that the skin retains some elasticity to allow this procedure to take effect.

Although patients will realise some mild discomfort after the operation, this procedure requires significantly less healing time thanks to its less intrusive nature. With a combination of a balanced diet and some moderate physical activity, full recovery is possible very quickly.

When considering cosmetic surgery of this nature, it is useful to know all the relevant procedures and the risks and benefits of each. It is also important to understand the motives behind your desire for surgery, and to understand that the tummy tuck in itself is a major surgical procedure requiring months of recovery time. That's why it is important to consult your physician prior to surgery to find all the answer you'll need, and hear any recommendations based on your age, gender and all round health.

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If you are considering a tummy tuck, it is important to meet and consult with your surgeon before and after treatment. He will be particularly equipped to answer questions relating to your specific condition, and will be able to inform you of the necessary pre-op preparation and post-op care as relates to your physical condition.

The procedure usually lasts several hours, and is largely conducted under a general anaesthetic. In some instances, the surgeon may opt for a localised anaesthetic and a sedative to relax the patient and desensitise the abdominal region. With a localised anaesthetic, the patient may still feel a pulling sensation, although the area will not be responsive to pain for the duration.

In a complete abdominoplasty, the surgeon begins by making an incision spanning the whole of the lower abdomen (i.e. from hip to hip, above the pubic bone). In a partial procedure, the incision is significantly reduced. After the first incision, a second incision is made to remove the navel from the surrounding tissue. This is to allow the surgeon to restore a natural looking shape to the area after the excess skin is removed. The surgeon next separates the skin from the surrounding tissues to reveal the abdominal muscles, which extend vertically up as far as the rib cage. The abdominal muscles are then pulled to tighten, before being stitched into place to hold their new shape. The overall aim of the operation is to promote a firmer, tighter abdominal wall. This is largely achieved by tightening theses long abdominal muscles, or the 'tucking' process. The skin is then stretched over the tightened abdomen, with excess skin then removed. A further incision is made for the navel, which is then replaced before the incisions are stitched and dressings applied.

Patients may be kept in hospital for several days after the procedure to ensure there are no major complications. In some cases, patients may even be released the same day, although it is important to take it easy until the body has begun to heal. Activities such as driving and heavy exercising are to be avoided before total recovery, although your surgeon will detail specific requirements to you at the time of your operation.

In the immediate aftermath of surgery, patients will feel some degree of localised discomfort and pain. This should subside soon after with the help of controlling medication. However, the larger healing process takes significantly longer, with some patients requiring several months before resuming physical activity. All things considered, the tummy tuck procedure really does produce effective, long term results. Despite the permanent scarring, patients can benefit from feeling and looking better, and can maintain the results indefinitely with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

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The main risks which are associated with the tummy tuck are bleeding and infection, although it has been known to cause blood clots and also leaves a permanent scar. It is important to take on board the advice of the surgeon prior to your surgery relating to preparation and after care to ensure the healing process is as quick and as straightforward as possible. Although the surgeon's advice may sound overly cautious, it is better to be too careful to avoid damage to the surgery site or necessitate further surgery. It is always a good idea to report any unusual sensation around the site, or any pain or discomfort you may feel immediately to help stop any complications from developing further.

Before undergoing surgery, it is important you are sure the tummy tuck is for you. The operation will leave a permanent scar and could interfere with future abdominal surgery. Only opt for the tummy tuck as a last resort, and remember to consider the risks fully before going under the knife.

Complications can arise in the aftermath if patients intend to lose a great deal of weight, or become pregnant shortly after the operation. If either of these occur, it is possible for the vertical abdominal muscles to become detached from the abdominal wall which will require further surgery to correct and result in the risk of the further complications associated with surgery.

Overall, it is important to consider the after care – mainly the healthy balanced diet and regular mild exercise to improve physical condition and speed the healing process. With care not to over exert, the body will soon heal back to normal with your new shape, leaving you looking and feeling better in yourself. It must be stressed that tummy tuck is very much a last option for those with excess skin, and should not be taken lightly. As this is a major procedure, many patients require several months before being able to resume their normal daily lives, so it is advisable to consider your underlying motives and insecurities, as well as to discuss the procedure with your surgeon, friends and family.

If you are considering the tummy tuck procedure, it is strongly recommended that you consult your medical professional. He will assess your physical condition, as well as your psychological motivation to determine whether this is the best option for you. There are a range of alternatives which may be less risky and possibly less expensive, so it's again a good idea to speak with your surgeon before commencing surgery.

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After the procedure, it is important to follow the surgeon's instructions relating to how you should live your life, paying particular attention to the dietary and exercise requirements. On the whole, it is advisable to pursue a course of mild exercise within a week or two, as well as maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. It is also important to take advice on smoking after your operation. This will ensure the healing process is both quick and painless, free from the complications that can arise without due care.
As with any procedure of this nature, a tummy tuck can result in infection or bleeding, or even blood clots – it's important to tailor your lifestyle to the instructions of the surgeon, and avoid cutting corners on your road to recovery.

Your new look comes at the price of permanent scarring. If you opt for a full-scale tummy tuck, your scar will span from hip to hip. Although the surgeon will attempt to disguise the scar beneath your underwear line, the scar may still be visible and may be accentuated if you ever need additional abdominal surgery. It is important to consider all the options and potential outcomes when thinking about your operation and your new look.

Many patients feel that they need a tummy tuck to match their desired figure, or that others will think about them and treat them differently as a result. This is not necessarily the case. Although you may feel better and more confident in yourself, it is important to remember that people respect you for your intellect and personality, rather than your appearance. Those who are truly important are those who support you through your operation, and don't care or alter their approach towards you after the procedure. At the end of the day, you are still yourself, and pursuing and portraying yourself more confidently will almost certainly increase your social status alone.

It is worth remembering that the tummy tuck is a major operation, leaving your body open to all manner of risks and complications. It is important to think about your motivation for the procedure, and to consider whether this really is the best option. Many patients find it helpful to consult their surgeon prior to the procedure to ask about alternatives, and you may even find out about procedures you didn't know existed. Take care to ensure what's best for you. If you don't have months to spare for recovery, don't opt for the procedure. There are many procedures which require a lesser recovery period, so perhaps they will be more suited. Or how about a mini-tummy tuck for less severe problems? There are many options available, so ensure you consider them all, so you can be satisfied with your new look.

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Ideally, candidates for an abdominoplasty should be men or women otherwise in good health with the mild cosmetic complaint of loose abdominal skin or excess fat. The procedure is particularly effective in helping women with irretrievably stretched abdominal muscles through numerous pregnancies, or those suffering from sub-navel stretch marks. The procedure is also suited to treating older patients who, through mild obesity and a loss of elasticity in the skin, realised excess skin in their lower abdominal areas.

Patients intending to lose significant amounts of weight, or those planning on future pregnancies should consider postponing the procedure, as this could cause the vertical abdominal muscles to separate, resulting in the need for further abdominal surgery. If there is scarring from a previous abdominal procedure, the surgeon may recommend against an abdominoplasty, or warn that future scars may be more visible.

When considering an abdominoplasty, it is important not only to consider your general state of health and wellbeing, but also the impact the operation will have on your social life and career. The operation demands a degree of preparation, coupled with a great deal of recovery time. This may have negative impacts on your life, particularly if you are a parent or carer with dependents, or have an active job. During your recovery time, you may not have the same energy or physical ability to care for others, so it is important to consider your current situation. Patients with stronger abdominal muscles, or generally better health will require a shorter recovery time, although some patients may require up to as much as eight months before their full recovery and before they can safely resume physical activity such as driving and lifting. It may be worth holding out until suitable circumstances, although again the future is unpredictable and you may not have the necessary finance or health at some later stage. It is always a good idea to discuss the operation with friends and family as well as your doctor, to get a variety of different perspectives before making your final decision.

Abdominoplasty can definitely enhance the appearance of the abdomen, and boost self confidence. However, it is best to keep your goals realistic, and consider that this will not necessarily result in happiness, nor will it encourage other people to treat you differently. It is always a good idea to consider and discuss your motives, as well as alternative procedures with your medical practitioner to decide if an adominoplasty is the right surgical procedure for you.

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The mini-tummy tuck is suited to those in largely good health with minor complaints regarding small amounts of loose skin as a result of weight loss or pregnancy. It is by no means a minor operation, and still requires a degree of after care and attention to ensure a smooth and painless recovery process. Again, it is wise to research the alternatives, which may reveal a more suitable procedure for your needs.

With a mini-tummy tuck, the initial incision is significantly smaller and does not extend from hip to hip as with its full scale counterpart. Additionally, it may not even be necessary to make the navel incision, although this can lead to an odd shape or positioning of the abdomen after surgery. The process takes a similar course as a regular operation, only on a smaller scale, and allows the patient the luxury of not having to face a general anaesthetic.

Under the localised anaesthetic, the patient will not feel any pain although may feel the occasional tugging or pulling sensation. When combined with a sedative, the patient will feel fairly relaxed and will benefit from not having to be fully anaesthetised.

The risks associated with a mini-tummy tuck procedure are the same as those with the orthodox procedure, although even rarer. Because the operation is literally a scaled down version of the full scale procedure, it carries the same risks although the benefits are not as pronounced and the surgery is not suitable for more severe skin excesses. The preparatory procedures are still recommended to follow the same course; that is primarily no smoking for at least two weeks prior and the arrangement of some assistance for driving home. Again, with a healthy balanced diet and some mild exercise, the recovery period will be as short and straightforward as possible. It is still a good idea to remain alert to any swelling or feelings of discomfort in the abdomen and is, as always, advisable to consult your medical practitioner before undergoing any surgical procedure. The surgeon will be able to embellish on the risks and potential complications of the operation, and offer instructions on how best to minimise the problems associated.

As with prior to any procedure, the best thing a patient can do is consult their physician. That way they will help to alleviate anxieties and build a relationship of trust with the man or woman carrying out the surgery. Even in a less severe operation such as this, it's important to feel informed and the best way to feel informed is to be informed.

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Initially, your surgeon will check your general health and examine the extent to which your abdominal region is sagging. It is important to inform the surgeon of anything which may be relevant in terms of existing medical conditions, complaints, and lifestyle habits (diet, smoking, etc.). Even minor details could be helpful so it is wise to disclose as much information as possible at this stage. It is also a good idea to discuss your expectations in detail, and take heed of the information your surgeon provides in terms of risks and alternatives before making your decision. It is possible that you only require a minor abdominoplasty, which is a significantly less complex (and less risky) procedure. You may find you require additional liposuction to remove fatty deposits to improve your body shape. Whatever the situation, your consultant should work to advise on the best procedure for your needs.

In these initial stages you will also learn the type of anaesthesia the surgeon will use, the location/facility that will be used to conduct the surgery, information about the exact nature of the procedure and the costs involved, if any. This is an important time, and will certainly help to give you piece of mind before and after your procedure.

There are a variety of guidelines which will vary depending on your age, gender and physical condition in relation to eating, drinking, smoking, medication and vitamin consumption. If you are a smoker considering a tummy tuck procedure, you must avoid smoking for a minimum of two weeks prior to the operation, and do not continue smoking for an additional two to three weeks after the procedure. This will help to minimise the potential for blood clotting and infection which could result from lack of physical condition. Additionally it is important to avoid over exposure to sunlight before and after the procedure as this can prolong the healing process. The same can be said for strict dieting, and if you happen to develop a cold immediately prior to surgery, it is probable your operation will be postponed.

It is also important to ensure you have a suitable method of transport home from the hospital, as driving and exercise of even the mildest kind will be painful or even prohibited by your surgeon within the first few weeks or months of your recovery. Above all it is important not to push yourself to hard. Bear in mind you will have undergone a major procedure, and will require the same time as anyone to recover. Take it easy, and ensure that any illness or discomfort you feel is reported to your surgeon. This could prevent the necessity for further surgery, so it's a good idea to maintain constant contact in the aftermath of your surgery.

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Initially, consultations with the surgeon before and after are helpful to resolve and questions or queries, as well as to build a relationship of trust. This can be very beneficial in reducing pre-operation anxieties and fears which many patients may consider, as well as providing a forum for discussion about the procedure and the best methods of preparation and after care. It is also crucial for patients to understand fully their motives, and to be realistic in their ambitions and expectations. The surgery will not change someone as a person, and as such is not a suitable option for those with deeper rooted insecurities. It is important to consider the magnitude of this surgery, and the ever prominent potential for complications and risks.

Upon completion of the surgery, patients may be retained in hospital for anything up to a few days provided there are no complications with the surgery, or apparent side effects. This time should be spent for resting, and patients should consider reading as a suitable, non-energetic way to pass the time. It is also important for regular visits from family and friends to maintain morale and ultimately help your path to recovery. Befriending other patients may also be a good way to pass what can be a frustrating and boring time for many patients.

After release from hospital, it is again vital to refrain from over exertion and strenuous activity. For those with active lifestyles, or those with young families, this may prove problematic. It is a good idea to arrange childcare for the first few weeks, as caring for children may be too physically demanding for some patients. During this period of recovery, it is important psychologically to begin some mild exercise – perhaps in the form of walking short distances. It is critical that any exertion is of a minor form to avoid the potential for further injury. Furthermore, patients may find that reading or watching films with family and friends as a good social activity to maintain good humour.

In the proceeding weeks and months it is important to increase physical activity both in terms of physical recovery as well as for psychological reasons. This will let you know you are firmly on track, and give some hope as to the progress of your recovery which can otherwise feel slow.

The mental healing process is almost as important as the physical aspect. Keeping on top of morale is vital to ensuring a speedy recovery. The key is simply to remain mentally active, and this depends largely on support from family and friends. They may or may not have experienced your feelings, however it is vital you ask for the support you need to keep you happy and on course for a full, complication-free recovery.

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