Abdominoplasty
Maybe you’re lucky. Maybe you don’t have a tummy that protrudes a bit more with each passing year. If you’re not one of the lucky ones though, you might consider abdominoplasty, otherwise known as a tummy tuck.
It’s a surgical procedure. So that means there are the risks associated with it. The thing to do is figure out whether in your case the benefits outweigh the risks. The benefits are considerable.
But first, a little description. Abdominoplasty is the reduction of excess skin and fat from the abdomen and the tightening of muscles of the abdominal wall. Depending upon the needs of the patient and the methods of the surgeon, a tummy tuck can vary in scope. Some doctors combine abdominoplasty with liposuction, for example, while others to not.
Why have a tummy tuck? It reduces the normal sagging that is part of the aging process. For women, childbearing can especially accelerate this sagging. A tummy tuck can get your tummy closer to a youthful, flat state. For many, this provides not only a physical lift, but a mental lift as well. The results can be dramatic.
This procedure is especially appropriate for middle-aged women and men who are in good health and who have tried diet and exercise but have not been able to reduce the fat deposits and loose skin around the abdomen. If you’re in the process of losing weight, it’s better to wait until you’ve reached your goal to have the procedure. It can be the icing on the cake to your new physique.
It’s important to read as much as you can about the procedure before you make a decision to go ahead. Are you willing to risk side effects and even death (extremely rare) to look better? Many of us are. If so, the selection of a surgeon is critical to your successful outcome. Interview several and ask for references. You need a surgeon who makes you feel comfortable, answers your questions-someone you have confidence in. And there’s no substitute for talking with other people who’ve had the procedure.
Financially, you’re probably going to have to foot the bill yourself. For most, it is an elective procedure not covered by health insurance policies. It’s always good to check though because your doctor and insurance company may deem it necessary if, for example, your overall weight threatened your health and you had stomach reduction surgery, and now your body needs some toning and tucking due the results of the procedure. It’s worth a try. But first, be sure you’ve given diet and exercise a good try before you decide to try abdominoplasty.
(c) 2006 - Abdominoplasty
