Tummy Tuck Basics

By Tim Adan

Cosmetic surgery is quite common today and it seems that even the smallest town has a plastic surgery practice or a Med-Spa and the tummy tuck is one of the most popular procedures. When approached carefully and thoughtfully, cosmetic surgery can improve not only a person's physical appearance, but also improve the patient's self-confidence and general outlook on life.

The technical name for the tummy tuck is abdominoplasty. It is designed to firm up the abdomen area. The surgery itself gets rid of extra skin and fat from this area. Many women who choose the tummy tuck do so after pregnancies or if they have lost a great deal of weight.

There are full and partial tummy tucks. The full procedure is a fairly invasive and complicated surgery because it involves actually cutting into the muscle in the abdominal wall. This procedure requires several hours in the operating room.

A partial tummy tuck, sometimes called a mini tummy tuck, deals more with excess skin removal and the fat deposits that are just under the skin. It does not usually involve cutting into the actual muscle structures.

As with all types of surgery, the patient can expect that there will be a recovery period and there will be some pain and discomfort until the body heals. Recovery times vary according to individuals but several weeks is normal. Scars from incisions may take several months to fade.

Tummy tucks are not cheap and usually are not covered by standard health insurance, especially if the surgery is for strictly cosmetic reasons. Costs vary in different parts of the country, but will generally range from $4,000 to $20,000.

There are costs beyond just the surgery too; these include lost work time, follow-up doctor's visits, and medications. The physical restrictions regarding lifting and driving are also items to consider.

The tummy tuck has been widely performed and can be accomplished safely with few complications. For those who want a bikini-ready body, this procedure may be just the remedy for Mother Nature's damages. - 30516

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