Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that tones your abdomen. The surgeon removes excess fat from the abdomen. The professional also stitches tissues surrounding the area to give your tummy a toned appearance.

A tummy tuck is prescribed for those with deposits of fat around the belly. It also strengthens the abdominal wall. But are you an ideal candidate for the process?

Points to remember before going for tummy tuck surgery

Know that there are different types of abdominoplasty. This is something you should know even before you venture in this direction. They generally fall into three categories:

The traditional: This is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a tummy tuck surgery. The process repairs the muscles that stretched due to pregnancy or unexpected fluctuations in body weight. Your surgeon also removes excess skin as part of the procedure. Your surgeon may combine it with liposuction upon demand.

Mini: This removes the excess skin around your navel and the deposits of fat in the area.

The extended: An extended tummy tuck surgery is meant for those who are grappling with the effects of excessive weight loss. The surgeon removes the excess skin, fat and tissues from your tummy. Muscles on your back, thighs, and hip are repaired to give your body a toned look.

A few things you should know about abdominoplasty before going for one:

It is not a weight loss surgery

A tummy tuck is not meant for those looking for ways to shed unwanted pounds. It is prescribed for people with normal body weight. It just removes the excess skin and fat from the area. The benefit of this surgery lasts as long as you follow a healthy lifestyle.

The scars of the surgery depend on the type of procedure you choose

The scar after your surgery will differ based on the tummy tuck you require. For a traditional procedure, it will be from hip to hip. And your doctor may try to hide it under the bikini line.

If you go for a mini tummy tuck, the scar will be minimal. And it would go on its own. And if you are going for it after an unexpected and huge difference in body weight, you may need extended abdominoplasty. And the scars will be slightly longer. It will also take time to heal.

A tummy tuck surgery is not an inexpensive thing

Abdominoplasty is not as inexpensive as you may like to believe. As per the statistics of 2005, patients spent an average of $5,891 for tummy tuck surgeries. Since this is a cosmetic procedure, your insurance policy will not cover it. Certain insurers may cover part of it. But you need to take care of the pre-op and post-op prescriptions and other medical supplies for it.

Don’t expect dramatic results

Abdominoplasty is like any other surgery. It requires time to heal. Your body will need at least 14 days for it to repair completely. You may experience swelling, tiredness and soreness in the affected area for a while. This does not have to be a cause of concern. The discomforts will go on their own within a few days. Your surgeon and his team will do everything possible to make your recovery as fast as possible. You will receive compression garments and other items for the purpose. You are advised to avoid putting too much pressure on the affected area.

You should build a meaningful relationship with your plastic surgeon

The decision to go for a plastic surgery is a major step in life. And its success depends on an understanding between the patient and the surgeon. You may have your own preservations about the surgery.

Go for a plastic surgeon with whom you feel comfortable. The person should be qualified enough to perform the procedure. He should have at least a few years of experience in the field. And he should be someone who respects your preferences. The person should make you feel at home. And you should get a realistic perspective of the entire process.

You will need someone to be with you

The surgeon removes excess fat and tightens the muscles in the area to give you a toned stomach. The body needs time to recover. And your surgeon will require you to restrict your mobility. Let someone be with you at least for a few weeks, until you completely recover. The person should be able to care for your children, prepare meals and get everything else you need. See to it that the person is able to understand your limitations and act accordingly. You may ask your help to read your surgeon's guidelines on recovery. Order a few packs of meals for the week to make things easier for the person who volunteers to be with you.

Tummy tuck surgery requires certain adjustments

Every surgery requires certain adjustments to make the procedure smooth and fast. Abdominoplasty is not an exception. Be prepared to do the following before going for it:

• Quit smoking
• Discontinue certain medications as per your surgeon’s recommendations
• Undergo certain medical examinations

Be aware of the complications

Know that tummy tuck surgery carries certain complications. Scarring, discoloration of your skin, swelling, soreness, accumulation of fluids, bleeding and numbness are a few to mention. You will receive medications from taking care of all this. Abide by your surgeon's guidelines.

Know that tummy tuck surgery does not replace a balanced meal plan. Lasting results depend on your cooperation with your body. Stay safe from crash dieting or any other meal programs designed for rapid weight loss. Monitor your health consistently and report any inconsistency. Don’t hesitate to call upon your doctor in the instance of pain or inflammation that refuses to yield to medication.

Tummy tuck surgery may not be a weight loss procedure. But it is the smart way to get rid of those unwanted deposits of fat in your stomach.