You have tried all kinds of diets and many forms of exercise but there is still that problem of removing the weight from your abdomen. You are fit enough but your waist is not cooperating. You decide to go for a tummy tuck. You have read the recommendations ? being within 30% of your body weight, removing only specific areas of excess weight, stable weight for about 6 months. You meet all the requirements and you understand the risks ? it is after all a major surgery procedure. Knowing all this, you decide to get a tummy tuck.
So what to do now?
First thing to do is to find a surgeon that you are comfortable with. This might be someone recommended by a friend or by your family doctor. During consultation, the tummy tuck surgeon will evaluate your health and determine the fat deposit in your abdomen. Don?t be afraid to be very specific about what you want to have done and what you expect out of your tummy tuck. After all, it is your body so you have every right to be picky about it.
If the tummy tuck surgeon sees that your waistline problem only lies under the navel, then you might only need to go for a mini tummy tuck which can address this area quite well. The mini tummy tuck requires a smaller incision so recovery time is much shorter than a full tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck can also be done with liposuction to ensure best result. Discuss the options with the surgeon and see what is best for you.
If a full tummy tuck is what you need, then you would want to know what to prepare prior to the surgery. If you smoke, then stop ? at least for about 2 to 3 weeks before surgery. It helps a lot if your body does not need to deal with cleaning the lungs while you are undergoing tummy tuck surgery and recovery later.
Get a copy of your doctor?s protocol to read through. Ensure that there is someone to drive you to the surgery. Although you will be fitted with a loose hospital gown, you will need to wear your normal clothes upon discharge. Prepare some loose fitting shirt and pants. The tummy tuck will cause your entire abdomen to be traumatized so tight fitting clothes will not help. If you live alone, make sure you setup your bedroom for easy access to telephone, remote controls and bathroom before you leave for your tummy tuck. This will make life easier when you return.
