Having a tummy tuck is a very personal decision to make, and it’s important to get all the information you need to make the right choice for you.
To help you on your journey, we’ve compiled this guide to getting a tummy tuck in Ireland so you can find out all the information you need before deciding if a tummy tuck is the right decision for you.
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) is a procedure that repairs the abdominal wall. It removes unwanted areas of excess skin from your belly area, tightens the muscles and makes the waist smaller. It helps reshape the body into a more proportional and smoother silhouette.
Abdominal bulges, stretch marks, and excess skin can occur after pregnancy, weight loss, or even appear with ageing. In many cases, no amount of exercise or diet will be able to fix these changes, which is why a lot of people opt for the tummy tuck.
What does a tummy tuck do?
Tummy tuck surgery removes any excess skin and fat from the middle and lower areas of the stomach. It then tightens the abdominal muscles underneath to help give people their desired shape.
What are the different types of tummy tucks?
There are four different types of abdominoplasty available:
- Full tummy tuck
- Mini tummy tuck
- Fleur-De-Lis tummy tuck
- Reverse abdominoplasty.
How to know which tummy tuck option is for you
If your loose skin is limited to the area just below your belly button, then you might only require a simple procedure such as a partial abdominoplasty (also known as the mini tummy tuck).
On the other hand, you might benefit more from a partial or complete abdominoplasty, which can be done alongside liposuction. To find out more about liposuction, check out our recent blog on liposuction.
Is a tummy tuck suitable for me?
Most patients who consider getting a tummy tuck are unhappy with their body’s appearance. They might feel unattractive, be self-conscious, or struggle to do daily tasks if they have an excessive amount of loose skin around their stomach.
Tummy tuck procedures are designed to remove any excess fat and tighten the loose skin and muscles of the abdomen. This helps improve the shape of the tummy area. The procedure is also used to remove stretch marks in the lower area of the tummy.
This surgery isn’t advised for women planning on having children in the future, due to the changes pregnancy has on a woman’s body undoing the results of the surgery. It’s also not a suitable treatment for obesity.
Candidates usually have to be in good health and be somewhat fit to be accepted for the surgery.
The best tummy tuck candidates will have:
- Excess skin around the abdomen
- Excess fat on the abdomen and flanks
- A weak or bulging abdomen
- Diastasis recti (this is a midline separation of abdominal muscles)
What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?
If you’re in good health but are unhappy with how your stomach looks, a tummy tuck might be the perfect solution for you.
A lot of people think that tummy tucks are for people who want to lose a bit of weight, but this isn’t true. The best results from tummy tucks are seen on people who have already lost weight and need the excess skin tightened up or removed.
Tummy tucks are life-changing operations and help people feel more comfortable with their own bodies. A tummy tuck creates a beautifully-smooth stomach and defined waistline.
What is the recovery process after a tummy tuck like?
For the first few days after your surgery, your abdomen will probably be a bit swollen. You’ll most likely feel a bit of pain and discomfort when you move around, but this can be solved with some pain medication.
Depending on how extensive your surgery is, you might be released within a few hours or you might have to stay in the clinic overnight.
How quickly you recover can be heavily influenced by your physical fitness. If you’re in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles then your recovery will be quicker.
Some people even return to work after only a couple of weeks. Other people might take longer to recover and this is completely okay and normal.
You should listen to your body and only do what you think you can. It’s important not to strain yourself after any surgery and this will help give you a successful recovery.
When can I go back to the gym after my tummy tuck surgery?
Light exercise (like a short 10/15 minute walk) can be done 10-12 days after your surgery, but you can’t do any hardcore training till at least five weeks post-op.
How long do tummy tuck scars take to heal?
Your scars might take anywhere between nine months to a year before they begin to lighten in colour. They’ll never disappear completely, but they won’t show under most clothing, including bathing suits.
What is tummy tuck aftercare like?
Aftercare is an important part of any surgery, even cosmetic procedures. Good aftercare is the key to a stress-free and healthy recovery.
Cosmetic surgery aftercare is a crucial part of your recovery process, and the success of your surgery will depend on how you look after yourself in the weeks following your surgery. It’s important that you take on all the advice given to you by your surgeon to ensure a speedy and full recovery.
Usually, you’ll receive an aftercare plan from your healthcare provider that is individually tailored to your needs and requirements. This will help you recover in the quickest possible way.
If you’re thinking of getting a tummy tuck in Ireland, tummy tuck Our expert team can answer any questions you might have and discuss the best solution for your needs.
