eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Decide if You Should Get a Tummy Tuck

Member
By Missikae
User-Submitted Article
(0 Ratings)

Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is a surgery performed to remove excess fat and skin. It can also restore stomach muscles that have separated. A plastic surgeon performs the tummy tuck. Deciding to have a tummy tuck can be difficult. There are several things to consider.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Consider your reason for getting a tummy tuck. There are some medical reasons for having an abdominoplasty, such as recurrent skin infections and backaches. Many choose to have a tummy tuck because they do not like the way their stomachs look. If you have had multiple pregnancies, pregnancies with multiples or massive weight loss, you may want a tummy tuck due to excess skin and poor muscle tone. If you plan to lose more weight, you may want to wait to get your tummy tuck until you have reached your goal weight.

  2. Step 2

    Consider the cost of an abdominoplasty. It can range from around $4,000 to over $10,000 depending on your plastic surgeon's fees, the facility fees, and your individual surgery. Tummy tucks are rarely covered by insurance, although if you get skin infections from the excess skin, you may be covered. Check your insurance policy's guidelines. Most plastic surgeons offer some financing options through credit companies. Some of these are no interest for a period of time.

  3. Step 3

    Think about the surgery itself before you decide. It is a major surgical procedure that will leave a large scar. The scar usually runs from hip to hip. Most surgeons can place the scar so it is not visible when wearing clothing. You also need to consider the recovery time. Some patients will be able to return to work in a couple weeks, while others need at least a month to recover.

Tips & Warnings
  • Be sure to thoroughly research your plastic surgeon to be certain he is licensed.
  • Ask to see before and after pictures of surgeries he has completed.
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Health Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. † requires javascript

Live Strong Partner
Livestrong_eHow Health