Age and life takes it tool on our bodies whether it is the natural aging process, genetics, pregnancy, or gaining and losing weight.
The result of these life experiences is often flabby, droopy, or unsightly bodies.
This can lead to poor self image, low-self esteem, and even emotional distress such as depression.
Modern science, through cosmetic surgery, has found away to alleviate these concerns.
One area of the body that is hit hard by these life events is the abdomen leading to spare tires, muffin tops, or just flabby stomachs.
Through abdominoplasty, you can have these imperfections corrected.
There are two methods that are used for this procedure, mini-abdominoplasty (or liposuction) and a standard tummy tuck.
Because of the nature of the abdominoplasty it is performed either at a hospital or an out-patient surgery center.
Prior to your surgery, you should confirm that the facility, where you are to have the procedure, is licensed and certified.
Knowing this will help you ensure that your procedure is being performed by a competent surgeon.
Since a tummy tuck is major surgery, you will be put under general anesthesia for the duration of the procedure.
It is important to inform your surgeon and the anesthesiologist regarding any type of medication you are currently taking.
This can have an adverse effect on the type or amount of medication they give you.
It is also important to know that the consistent use of tobacco products prior to surgery can lead to lung and chest problems during the procedure.
Also, alcohol and the use of illegal substance can affect the response you have to the anesthesia and pain medications.
Even some natural herbal substances can cause side effects with sedation and anesthesia.
These include garlic, ginseng, goldenseal, kava, licorice, nettle, ephedra, Valerian root, and St.
John's Wort.
Each of these herbs act differently, but some of the effects include headaches, anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, excess bleeding, decreased heart rate, respiratory problems, and fevers.
Although this list seems daunting, most surgeries are successful and do not have complications.
It is best to disclose all types of herbs and medications you are taking before hand to reduce any potential for complications.
After the abdominoplasty you may experience common reactions from the medications.
It is estimated that 30% of patients who undergo general anesthesia have some type of stomach or intestinal upset after the procedure.
Most reactions are nausea and vomiting.
Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be required to stay the night (even in an out-patient surgery, but this is unlikely).
Since these types of procedures are traumatic for your body (cutting, pulling, suturing, and tugging) your body may respond by swelling.
This is common when minor blood vessels are damaged.
The swelling will go away, but the results of the tummy tuck may take days, weeks, or even several months.
During this recovery phase, it is important to watch out for any type of complications such as bruising, bleeding, excessive pain (especially new pain) in the region, and even pockets of blood (or an hematoma).
However, there may be some procedures that require drainage.
You surgeon and nurse will teach you what is normal and what is not.
However, if anything unusual happens, it is best to contact your physician.