READY FOR A CONSULTATION?
Before a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, there are several steps you should take. This process begins before you even schedule your first consultation. If you are interested in a tummy tuck, here are some ways to prepare.
Understanding Tummy Tucks
Before your procedure, you should understand what a tummy tuck is and your options for the procedure. A tummy tuck is performed to remove excess fat and skin from the abdominal area while tightening muscles, which can become damaged and separated for a variety of reasons.
Full Tummy Tucks
A full tummy tuck or standard abdominoplasty is completed by making an incision around the navel in addition to an incision low across the abdomen from hip to hip. Most patients choose this option if they have loose skin and excess fat after pregnancy or losing a large amount of weight.
Mini Tummy Tucks
A mini tummy tuck is chosen when patients have less severe loose skin and want to improve the appearance of the lower belly. This option is ideal from patients with a small bulge or stretch marks below the navel. Typically, a small incision around the belly button is the only incision required to complete this procedure.
Extended Tummy Tucks
An extended tummy tuck is an option for addressing loose skin and excess fat in the flanks and hips as well as the abdomen. To complete this procedure, incisions are extended further around the body to remove excess skin and sculpt the desired body contour.
Learn the Risks of Tummy Tucks
Before your tummy tuck, it is important to understand the risks and how you can best avoid them. Like all surgeries, there are some risks including bleeding, infection, prolonged swelling, or numbness. In most cases, carefully following your surgeon’s advice during your recovery period will help you avoid any complications. You should also disclose any health conditions during your consultation to ensure that the procedure is safe for you.
Determining Your Candidacy and Choosing a Plastic Surgeon
The typical abdominoplasty candidate has poor abdominal tone, damaged or separated muscles, a protruding belly, and loose or sagging skin. It is important to remember that abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss surgery, so you should be at a healthy and stable weight before the procedure. Patients should also ideally be non-smokers.
To determine whether you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck, you must schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon. This is also your opportunity to decide whether they are the best plastic surgeon for you. Review before-and-after photos, online testimonials, and your surgeon’s credentials before your appointment. During your consultation, you can determine whether you are comfortable with the surgeon you have chosen and ask questions about their background and experience.
Preparing for the Recovery Period
Before your tummy tuck procedure, there are some steps you should take to prepare for the recovery period. Dr. Newman may ask you to complete a medical evaluation or lab testing to confirm that you are healthy enough for the surgery. If you smoke, you should stop before your surgery date, as smoking can slow your healing process. You should also adjust medications if necessary and purchase any necessary supplies, including comfortable clothing and easy-to-prepare meals.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about abdominoplasty, schedule a consultation with Dr. Newman in St. Petersburg, FL. Call (727) 228-0622 or contact us online to set up your appointment.
