How To Tell If You're The Best Candidate For A Tummy Tuck Procedure

When people talk about tummy tuck surgery, you could almost be forgiven for thinking it's some sort of miracle operation that will change you overnight with no obvious after effects. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Undergoing a tummy tuck procedure is a major surgical procedure, and a great deal of thought should go into the decision to go ahead.
For starters, are you the best candidate for having a tummy tuck? This isn't some sort of rapid weight loss surgery - in fact, it's mostly suitable for people with an excess of skin in the abdominal region. This has usually been caused by multiple pregnancies or the loss of a great deal of weight. When the abdominal muscles have been repeatedly or extensively stretched, they may struggle to regain their elasticity, leading to sagging skin and an unsightly abdomen. The procedure can also help improve the skin's appearance where the patient has excessive sub-navel stretch marks.
Any candidate for a tummy tuck needs to be in good physical health. It's also important to realize that you will be left with permanent scarring after the operation, and you also have to accept all the usual risks involved in undergoing a general anesthetic. An abdominoplasty requires months of recovery time, as well as careful preparation prior to the operation, and good post-operative care.
If you're planning further pregnancies, or intending to lose a significant amount of weight, then a tummy tuck isn't a good idea. You are better off postponing the surgery, or else you risk having the vertical abdominal muscles separate, which requires more surgery to repair. If you've already had some type of abdominal surgery, your surgeon may advise against a tummy tuck, or you may find that the new scars are a great deal more visible than you expected.
You also need to think about how a tummy tuck will affect your life in general. Yes, your general state of health needs to be good in order to have the surgery, but you need to allow time to prepare for the operation, as well as being able to take life easy for many months afterwards. This can be particularly difficult if you have dependents, or your job requires you to be very active. After the operation you will most likely find yourself physically unable to care for others, and may find your energy levels are substantially lower than normal.'
If you have strong abdominal muscles and good health, then your recovery time will be on the shorter end of the scale, but some patients take as many as eight months to get completely back to normal. During this time they may be unable to drive or lift any heavy objects. If you know you can't afford to be restricted for such a long period, then perhaps you should consider waiting to have a tummy tuck until your circumstances will allow you an extended recovery period. Make sure you have discussed the operation with family and friends, as you may find yourself needing their support in the months to come.
Although abdominoplasty can improve the appearance of your abdomen, it's important to realize this isn't a miracle operation. It may help to improve your self-confidence, but you still need to be realistic about the results of the surgery. Make sure you've discussed the operation fully with your surgeon, and also discussed the expected outcomes, so that you're not left believing that a tummy tuck will achieve things that are impossible.
For more information and resources on preparing for a tummy tuck try visiting http://www.guide-to-tummy-tucks.com, a website that specializes in providing tips, advice and helpful information on tummy tuck procedures to include the mini tummy tuck.
By Tim Gorman