|
Abdominoplasty or The Tummy Tuck |
PDF
|
| Print |
|
E-mail
|
Abdomens come in many different shapes and sizes. They are affected by
many environmental factors such as gravity, age, and pregnancies which all
take their toll on their appearance. Our perception of normal is
influenced by television and magazines. Selecting the right surgeon is
very important as not all surgeons offer identical tummy tuck or
abdominoplasty methods. We have three-dimensional bodies. Excess sagging
tissue often extends from the front, the sides and the back of the body.
Surgery can treat these problems by sculpting some areas and leaving
certain parts alone.
Tummy tucks can be very rewarding as long as
the patient understands the risk and potential complications. It is
essential that a patient is aware about the risks involved with all
surgical procedures. Your chosen surgeon should be willing to discuss and
review all abdominoplasty risks with you. Prior to surgery, your surgeon
should perform a thorough medical examination of his or her patient in
order to identify whether that patient poses an increased risk for
complications. Prior to surgery, anesthesia will be administered.
Anesthesia in itself carries risks during and following the tummy tuck
surgery. Surgery also carries a risk of infection and blood clots. Blood
clots and normally be avoided by making sure the patient begins moving as
soon as possible following the abdominoplasty. Conditions such as poor
healing might require another surgery and it is recommended that you
discuss this with the surgeon before the abdominoplasty commences. The
variety of tummy tuck surgery a patient will receive depends upon the
quantity of fat deposits found in their abdominal area. Fat quantity will
also determine which surgery will be the most effective. During your
initial consultation you will learn the benefits of the tummy tuck. The
surgeon should conduct a full evaluation of the patient's health and
lifestyle to determine whether a tummy tuck will be the best choice. A
patient should be prepared to disclose their entire medical history as
well as their expectations. In return, the surgeon will be able to explain
whether a patient's expectations are reasonable. This is very important
because the more information a patient provides their surgeon, the more
likely they are to be happy with their results. Being up front with your
surgeon is also important in relation to the risks that can influence the
outcome of the surgery as well as the increased risk of complications.
During
the consultation the surgeon will discuss not only aspects of the surgical
procedure but also the financial aspects of the operation. As the surgery
may not be a procedure covered by insurance, finances need to be taken
into consideration when deciding on the appropriateness of the surgery.
The patient will be given individual instructions based upon their
particular conditions in order to prepare them for their tummy tuck. In
preparation, a patient will be given dietary guidelines along with other
necessary lifestyle changes. These changes may only be temporary but it is
essential to follow the instructions to ensure the success of your surgery
and to avoid the risk of complications during and after the procedure.
|