The Trim Tummy: 3 Tips for Getting the Best Results from Your Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty, or a “tummy tuck”, is designed to make your stomach flatter, firmer and slimmer. There are a range of tummy tucks, including the full tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck.

To get the best out of your tummy tack there are three things you can do before and after your procedure.

These include:

1.  Decide which tummy tuck is right for you

It’s best to learn everything you can about full, mini and extended tummy tucks to decide which is right for you. Tummy tucks are varied and one procedure may be more suitable than another for a particular person. For example, a mini tummy tuck is designed to work on the area under the belly button and results in a shorter recovery period due to its small incision.

An extended or full tummy tuck addresses the whole abdomen and involves the repositioning of the belly button before the surgeon closes the incision (this may result in a longer recovery period). It’s a good idea to read blog posts and forums where people who have received such treatments talk about their experiences.

What’s more, your surgeon will be able to help you decide on the treatment that is right for you, but consultations usually come with a fee, so it is good to know as much as possible about abdominoplasty and which one you think is right for you before you head in for a consultation.

2. Ask your surgeon some important questions

Ask your surgeon about the following:

• Anesthesia: Ask your surgeon what kind of anesthesia is used during the procedure, because this may alter your recovery time. The older approach is to use a general anesthesia, however, in today’s terms, many procedures can be completed without anesthesia.

• Incision location: Ask your surgeon the location of the incision. Ideally, it will be under the bikini line. Also, ask them what steps can be taken to reduce scarring post-surgery.

• Before & after pics: It’s a good idea to view before and after pictures from previous abdominoplasty patients. Tell the surgeon what kind of results you are looking to achieve with your own treatment.

• Recovery period: Your doctor will be able to provide you with guidelines on how to rest and get the most out of your recovery period for furture  healthy lifestyle.

• Alternatives: there may be useful alternatives that don’t require surgery – ask your surgeon if any may be appropriate for you.

3. Prep for post-surgery aftercare

It’s important that you are more-than-prepared for heading home after your surgery. The best thing you can do is ask a friend or family member to stay with you for the first night or two after your surgery. They may also be able to help if you have young kids around the house who need help with their lunches, getting to school etc.

Regardless of what role they take, it’s important to have a trusted person there for some form of support. Perhaps you’re already prepped for returning home but just want a friend there to help you through the emotional side of surgery? You will probably just want to chill out and rest post-surgery, so having a friend there to watch a movie, have a laugh and while away the hours with is a great idea after your tummy tuck!