Abdominoplasty: Recovery and Risks By Abigail Aaronson At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is one of the most dramatic, body transforming cosmetic procedures available. It can flatten your stomach, removing fat, excess skin, cellulite, and even stretch marks.

Few procedures will provide as stunning results.

However, tummy tucks are also some of the most intense surgical procedures performed by plastic surgeons and also require a lengthy, uncomfortable recovery period. Before undergoing abdominoplasty, you should carefully consider all potential risks, complications, and the recovery process.

If you are an ideal candidate for this procedure, follow all pre and post op instructions, and choose a well-qualified plastic surgeon, the risk factor of surgery is greatly reduced. The best patients are those who are non-smokers (or able to quit nicotine for at least six months in advance of surgery), are somewhat physically fit, are not prone to keloid scarring, and are unhappy with the appearance of their midsection.

One major complication that all potential tummy tuck patients need be aware of is infection. This can develop immediately following surgery or may take a few days or even weeks to develop. Symptoms include a high fever, sweating, chills, nausea and vomiting, fluid loss, and skin irritation.

If any of these symptoms occur, you should contact your plastic surgeon and general doctor immediately. To minimize infection risk, carefully care for the wound following surgery.

Other risk factors include bleeding, blood clots, poor wound healing, excessive or keloid scarring (raised scars), skin necrosis, extended recovery periods. In order for the plastic surgeon to provide you with the best care possible, it will be necessary to reveal your family medical history and honestly divulge any health problems you have experienced. Your information will be kept anonymous and holding back information could result in developing a severe complication.

Recovery from abdominoplasty will vary by individual, but generally most require two to three weeks of bed rest and abstinence from normal activities such as work and errands. You will require a longer rest period away from more vigorous activities such as exercising.

Initially after surgery, most patients experience some level of discomfort and pain that can be controlled by prescription pain medication. After a few days, over the counter products are generally sufficient to control residual pain and tenderness.

For the first week your abdomen will be very sore and the dressing will have to be changed carefully and regularly. You will likely need a friend or relative to assist you with common tasks such as preparing meals and walking to the bathroom. You will also have drains that allow excess fluid to escape from the area. These will need to be emptied and monitored regularly to ensure proper healing.

Always report any irregularities or worrisome developments after a tummy tuck to a plastic surgeon or doctor immediately. The sooner you catch and treat the problem, the more likely you are to recovery with minimal damage.

Tummy tuck surgery offers great cosmetic improvement, allowing patients to free themselves of camouflaging clothing and show off their new, sleeker tummy. Though it's true, the recovery period can be more extensive than with other cosmetic procedures, abdominoplasty offers a high rate of patient satisfaction to those who understand the risks as well as the benefits going in.

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