How to Get a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is a procedure known by plastic surgeons as abdominoplasty. During a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are removed from the abdominal area. It can dramatically reduce the size of a stomach. A tummy tuck is recommended for people that are unable to lose the fat in their stomach through diet and exercise.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Set up an initial consultation with a plastic surgeon. Let the surgeon know that you are interested in getting a tummy tuck and allow them to evaluate if you are a good candidate for the surgery.
2. Find out the risks of the surgery. Infection and blood clots are complications that can arise following a tummy tuck surgery. Following all instructions will reduce the risk of these occurring.
3. Follow pre-operative instructions provided by your surgeon. Most surgeons request that you stop smoking and limit your sun exposure. Your doctor may also recommend that you discontinue taking certain medications.
4. Be put under anesthesia. Most tummy tuck surgeries involve the patient being put under general anesthesia. A local anesthetic can be used, but it is rare.
5. Expect the surgery to take several hours. If there is a large amount of fat and skin that needs to be removed, the surgery can take up to five hours to complete. An incision is made and the excess fat is removed by the surgeon.
6. Perform the recommended aftercare instructions. Your doctor should let you know how to take care of your dressings and sutures. You'll also be given a prescription for pain medication.

Tips & Warnings

• You need to take off from work two to three weeks in order to recover from a tummy tuck.
• You will have a permanent scar on your abdomen following tummy tuck surgery.