Many people get a tummy tuck and for many different reasons. Even if you take pretty care of yourself, eat well and exercise, the midsection can be a difficult area of the body to get in shape. A tummy tuck is not just for the rich and famous anymore but has become a much more common procedure. In fact, there has been a 431% increase since 1997 according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. In 2015 it was also the third most common cosmetic procedure perfumed with over 180,000 surgeries performed nationwide. Significant weight loss, pregnancy, and even genetics can all cause the stomach muscles to loosen.
What to Expect
A tummy tuck is a great thing, but it will not actually help you to lose weight which is a common misconception. In fact, most plastic surgeon NYC clinics would prefer to perform a tummy tuck when the patient is already at his or her ideal weight. With most surgeries, there is bound to be a scar. The location and size of your scar will depend on the type of tummy tuck that you get. If you get a traditional tuck, the scar will go from hip to hip. You will even have a scar under the belly button because it will be relocated during the surgery. If you get what is known as a mini tummy tuck, the incision will be slightly longer than a C-section scar. If you are getting a tummy tuck after you have lost a significant amount of weight, you will most likely have an inverted T-shaped scar across the belly. After the surgery, you will need some downtime to recover. A tummy tuck is an outpatient surgery, so you will be able to go home after the procedure has been done. You should have someone to help you for at least a few days as you recover and it may be necessary to have help for up to a week.
Do Your Research
A tummy tuck is an investment, and with any investment, it comes with a price tag that may be quite steep. Insurance does not always cover it either and the average cost, according to the Cosmetic Surgery National Data Bank, is about $5,891. If you have another medical issue that will be resolved when you get the procedure done such as a hernia, some insurance companies will cover a portion of the cost to get the surgery done. Before you decide on a surgeon, you will want to do your research. A cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon are two very different surgeons. For a tummy tuck, you will want a surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties. This is a well-known and recognized plastic surgery board. Your surgeon may recommend that you also get liposuction because it will help to give you the shape and contouring that you desire. When skin gets pulled down during the surgery, there is sometimes a bulge that forms and liposuction can help to graft and shape any areas that are not desirable.
