Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a safe, effective procedure offered at Northstate Plastic Surgery Associates in Chico, CA. This versatile procedure can be used to address a wide range of medical and cosmetic concerns, and it can benefit both women and men alike. Today, we are taking a closer look at this procedure, including who usually qualifies and what results can be expected.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck? 

If your weight is stable and you are in good overall health, you should be considered a good candidate for a tummy tuck. You should be able to maintain your weight after surgery because significant weight fluctuations can affect your results. Additionally, you should have realistic expectations about the results of surgery and be able to refrain from alcohol and tobacco consumption for two weeks before and after surgery.

Furthermore, to be considered a good candidate for this procedure, you must be able to follow other preparation and recovery rules. Moreover, you should have concerns about your core that can be treated by this procedure effectively.

What Contraindications Are There for This Procedure? 

There are many contraindications for abdominoplasty, including pregnancy and nursing. You also will not be able to undergo this procedure if you suffer from poorly controlled diabetes or have severe skin laxity. Furthermore, you may not be considered a good candidate for this procedure if you suffer from a medical condition that affects blood clotting or need to take daily medications that affect blood clotting.

Moreover, this procedure may not be ideal for you depending on your surgical history, your history of allergic reactions, and your history of keloid scarring. Obesity is another contraindication for this procedure. If you suffer from obesity, this procedure may not be safe for you and you may not be able to achieve desirable results.

What Cosmetic Concerns Can This Procedure Correct? 

The cosmetic concerns that this procedure can correct depend on the scope of the procedure. If you opt for a partial abdominoplasty, excess skin can be removed from your lower abdomen, and loose skin can be tightened. Additionally, a small amount of excess fat can be excised. If you opt for a complete abdominoplasty, we can enhance the appearance of your lower and upper abdomen.

What Medical Concerns Can This Procedure Correct? 

If medical concerns need to be addressed, you need a full tummy tuck. We can tighten your pelvic floor muscles during this procedure to treat stress urinary incontinence. We can also treat ventral hernias and strengthen the abdominal muscles, reducing the likelihood of future ventral hernias. Furthermore, we can treat diastasis recti by sewing the abdominal walls together if they were separated due to weight gain or pregnancy.

How Should I Prepare? 

There are many important preparation guidelines besides not smoking or drinking alcohol. For example, you should stop taking any drugs or supplements that affect your blood, such as NSAIDs, vitamin E supplements, and anticoagulants. You also should stay hydrated and well-nourished in the days leading up to your procedure. Furthermore, you need to take steps to prepare for your recovery process.

What Can I Do To Prepare for My Recovery Period? 

The most important preparation step to take to ensure a smooth recovery is to arrange for a ride home after surgery. Before your procedure, we will administer an anesthetic to keep you comfortable and calm, but you will not be able to drive for 24 hours after receiving the anesthetic. Also, if possible, you should arrange for someone to stay home with you for at least the first three days post-op to care for you and allow you to rest and heal.

Moreover, you should strongly consider cooking and refrigerating or freezing several nutritious meals that can be reheated easily. Additionally, you should get all of your prescriptions filled and prepare a recovery room on the ground floor of your home. You should be able to rest comfortably in this room and keep yourself entertained.

What Aftercare Guidelines Will I Need To Follow? 

After surgery, you should keep your incision sites clean and dry. You should also mitigate the risk of a bacterial infection by taking a full course of antibiotics exactly as prescribed. It is also a good idea to wear a prescription-strength compression garment to help facilitate a speedy recovery by promoting circulation in the area. We will give you more information on aftercare during your pre-surgical consultations.

Another important recovery step to take is to avoid strenuous physical activity, including lifting heavy objects, swimming, and bending over at the waist for six to eight weeks post-op. At the same time, it is important to get gentle exercise whenever you feel up to it.

The Bottom Line

You should qualify for a tummy tuck if you are fairly healthy and have concerns about the appearance or functionality of your abdominal region. However, you must be able to adhere to all required preparation and aftercare guidelines. To learn more about this safe, effective procedure, schedule an initial consultation with us today at Northstate Plastic Surgery Associates in Chico, CA.