When Should You Get Abdominoplasty?

A tummy tuck, clinically known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery aimed at correcting excess or flabby skin on your abdomen after exercise and dieting have failed to give you a flat tummy. This procedure applies to both men and women. Dr. Bloch from Body by Bloch is a board certified Chicago plastic surgeon that specializes in this surgery.

When to get a tummy tuck

You need to prepare yourself before surgery. Dr. Bloch’s website www.bodybybloch.com will help you understand some facts about the procedure if you are considering it. You can consider a tummy tuck if:

• Your abdomen profile has been affected by significant weight loss or several pregnancies.
• You are in good general health.
• You have a flabby skin or fat deposits on your stomach that do not respond to exercise.
• Your unattractive abdomen is affecting your self esteem.
• You are a non-smoker. Your doctor will advice you to quit smoking two weeks before surgery and two weeks after surgery if you find it hard to quit the habit altogether. Smoking increases complications after surgery.

Your plastic surgeon will consider you for the cosmetic surgery if you have realistic expectations.

"Who should not consider a tummy tuck?

If you’re a woman who plans to get pregnant, then you may want to postpone a tummy tuck until you’re done having children. During surgery, your vertical muscles are tightened, and future pregnancies can separate those muscles.

Are you planning to lose a lot of weight? Then a tummy tuck also is not for you. A tummy tuck should be a last resort after you’ve tried everything else. It should not be used as an alternative to weight loss.

You should also consider the chance of scarring after a tummy tuck. You can talk about that possibility with the doctor before the surgery.

How is tummy tuck performed?

A tummy tuck is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. At Dr. Bloch’s facility, you can have one of the two types of abdominoplasty to improve your tummy profile. The procedures last for about 1 to 5 hours. Abdominoplasty types include:

• Complete abdominoplasty – also known as full abdominoplasty, involves making an incision just above your pubic hairline from one hip bone to the other. Excess fat and skin are removed. Loose muscles are also tightened. The navel will have a new position after surgery.
• Mini abdominoplasty – also known as partial abdominoplasty will not involve navel relocation as it targets removal of fat deposits below the belly button.

Incisions are then closed up with stitches and bandages. Drainage pipes may also be inserted and removed after a few days.

"Associated Costs

The cost of a tummy tuck varies from doctor to doctor, from one geographic area to another, and with the techniques involved. Because abdominoplasty is elective surgery, insurance does not cover these costs. Many surgeons offer financing plans to make the procedure more affordable.

After tummy tuck surgery

You will experience swelling and pain in the first few days after surgery but pain relieving medications will be prescribed. Dr. Bloch will advise you to stay away from strenuous activities for the first 6 weeks after surgery. Like most cosmetic surgeries, abdominoplasty has its own risks and complications which might include infection, bleeding, blood clotting among others. You will however be advised on signs to watch out for as you recover. You will have a compression garment to hasten healing and get advice on how to rest. You can resume work after a month. Though it may take several months before you achieve full recovery, aftercare visits are highly recommended. You can read much about other cosmetic procedures at www.bodybybloch.com or to book a consultation call us at 847-432-0840.