A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure which helps you to get a flat tummy. It is best for people who work out regularly and eat healthy foods but still cannot achieve the flat abs which they want because of genetics or other reasons which are ultimately unrelated to either their health or their lifestyles. It is fairly common not to be able to get a flat stomach without the aid of surgery, which makes this a popular procedure. What should you expect during the surgical process?

Firstly you’ll have a tummy tuck consultation. During your consultation, you will discuss your goals with your surgeon, who will explain more details of the process. A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, usually takes 1-5 hours. A partial abdominoplasty only takes 1-2 hours. During a full tummy tuck, there will be an incision made between your hips and another around your navel to detach the skin around it. The skin will then be lifted away from the abdominal wall. At this point the muscle fascia wall underneath will be tightened up using a system of sutures. Sometimes liposuction is combined with a tummy tuck at this point, but only in the safest possible way. Some types of liposuction should never be combined with a tummy tuck. You’ll learn more about that as you research the tummy tuck procedure.

Once the surgery is near completion, the surgical team will apply dressings and a compression garment to keep the area clean, infection-free, and protected. If there is any excess fluid released during the surgery it will be drained at this point. After your tummy tuck, you will probably want to take a little time off to recover since some bruising and discomfort is normal after a tummy tuck. One to four weeks is normal for the initial phase of the recovery, and then another 3-6 months for things to normalize completely. After six months, your scars will continue to fade and eventually should be minimal or nonexistent. At that point, the full effect of your tummy tuck should be evident in your flat abs. Enjoy your new look!