Tummy tucks, known medically as an abdominoplasty, are on the rise in Perth. You’ll no doubt have seen celebrities on the news who’ve opted for this procedure!
A tummy tuck can remove loose skin or fat around your abdomen and help tighten the muscles so you’re left with a slimmer, firmer middle. While an abdominoplasty is a sought-after procedure, it’s important to learn as much as you can before you decide on having any cosmetic surgery. Make an informed decision; here are five things you need to know before you book a tummy tuck.
1. Tummy tucks are not a weight loss tool
Some people confuse a tummy tuck with gastric band surgery. A tummy tuck isn’t a way of losing weight, but it is sometimes used by people who’ve lost a lot of weight and are left with excess skin. Ideally, you should lose any excess weight before your tummy tuck, and leave a gap of six months to ensure your weight is stable. If you’re looking for a tummy tuck in Perth at our Nedlands cosmetic surgery clinic, you should discuss what you’re hoping to achieve from an abdominoplasty with your surgeon. A quick consultation with an expert plastic surgeon can ensure your expectations are realistic.
2. Recovery from Abdominoplasty can take a few weeks
If you are considering having a tummy tuck, it’s important to know what the recovery time will be like. Some things you should know include:
- Recovery time can be up to 6 weeks,
- You might need help around the home for a couple of weeks after discharge from the hospital.
- You may need pain medication for a while afterwards.
- It might take several weeks before you’re back to normal activities.
- You’ll need to wear a supportive binder around your middle for around six weeks.
Having surgery should never be entered into lightly, and tummy tucks have a recovery time comparable to a C-section. If you’re looking at cosmetic surgery in Perth, it’s important to ask lots of questions about the recovery time and to understand you’ll need time off to rest.
3. There are different kinds of tummy tuck
There are different types of tummy tuck, depending on your needs, so it’s important to discuss what one will be right for you. A standard tummy tuck removes loose skin and tightens the muscles underneath, but if you just want to tighten loose skin on your lower abdomen, then a mini tummy tuck might be suitable. There are also extended tummy tucks which cover the lower torso or lower back and flanks (hips).
4. Tummy tucks are not just for women
Tummy tucks are associated with women who’ve gone through pregnancies, but they’re carried out on all sorts of patients. Men who’ve lost weight will often have a tummy tuck to remove loose skin leftover from rapid weight loss, or simply because they have loose muscles in general. Therefore, nobody should feel embarrassed about consulting with a plastic surgeon.
5. You should try to maintain a stable weight afterwards
A tummy tuck should be long-lasting, but to keep the result over time you’ll need to keep your weight stable. That’s why those considering tummy tucks in Perth will need to discuss their weight loss with their doctor, so they can ensure the best results in the long term.
While cosmetic surgery is certainly becoming more popular, it’s important to think carefully about whether surgery is an option for you. By visiting an established, qualified surgeon, you can be sure all your questions are answered and therefore feel more confident in making your decision.