Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.Tummy Tuck, When Should You Consider It ? If you’re a woman who plans to get pregnant, then you may want to postpone a tummy tuck. until you’re done having children. During surgery, your vertical muscles are tightened, and future pregnancies can separate those muscles.

How to Prepare for Tummy Tuck Surgery

The first step is to choose a surgeon and see him or her for a consultation. At that meeting, you’ll talk about your goals and the following options:

If you smoke, your doctor will ask that you quit smoking from at least two weeks, before the surgery until two weeks after the surgery. It is not enough to just cut down on smoking. You must stop completely since smoking makes complications more likely and slows healing.

Complete abdominoplasty. The surgeon will cut your abdomen from hipbone to hipbone and then contour the skin, tissue, and muscle as needed. The surgery will involve moving your belly button, and you may need drainage tubes under your skin for a few days.

Partial or mini abdominoplasty. Mini-abdominoplasties are often done on people whose fat deposits are located below the navel. During this procedure, the surgeon most likely will not move your belly button, and the procedure may only take up to two hours, depending on your case.

Your doctor will discuss how long it will be before you can return to your normal level of activity. and work following liposuction. After surgery, you and your caregiver will receive detailed instructions about your postsurgical care. The cost of a tummy tuck varies from doctor to doctor, from one geographic area to another, and with the techniques involved. Because abdominoplasty is elective surgery, insurance does not cover these costs. Many surgeons offer financing plans to make the procedure more affordable..