Three Things To Understand When Thinking About Tummy Tuck Surgery
Posted on: 17 May 2016
A tummy tuck, or more technically called an abdominoplasty, is becoming a popular elective surgery. Looking better with a flat stomach is an obvious cosmetic benefit, but there are many things you need to understand about a tummy tuck before you rush into this surgery. The following are three things you need to be aware of.
This surgery is not for weight loss
A tummy tuck should not be confused with liposuction. The latter is aimed at those who are having a difficult time losing weight in certain areas of the body. It is done by removing fat from the body. A tummy tuck is for women who have gone through a pregnancy or someone who has lost a lot of weight rapidly, to name only two common examples. The main purpose of the tummy tuck is to remove extra skin from the abdominal area and provide a tighter, flatter appearance to the stomach.
Your health insurance is unlikely to pay for it
This type of surgery can be recommended by your doctor for reasons other than cosmetic. In a situation such as this, your health insurance may cover the procedure. However, if it is simply a case of tightening your sagging skin, it will usually be considered an elective surgery, so you will have to pay the entire cost of the procedure. Naturally, insurance coverage will vary, but do not assume your insurance will cover this. Find out what is covered ahead of time, so you will know how much your out of pocket cost will be.
Recovery time may be longer than you think
Although this is a cosmetic surgery, it is a major operation. Most people need three weeks off from work, and another two weeks on top of that to engage in all of their normal daily activities. Naturally, there will be discomfort while your body heals. The effects of the surgery during the healing process will vary from one patient to another, so you need to understand the full range of possibilities. In short, you do not want to take a tummy tuck surgery lightly.
If you have been told that you might be a candidate for this surgery or have assumed you are because of excess skin in the abdominal area, the main thing to remember is that you should not rush into getting a tummy tuck. Although this procedure is growing in popularity, it is not for everybody, and there are risks involved. Speak to your primary care physician first.
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