Three Things to Consider Before Getting a Tummy Tuck
Loose skin around the stomach can be difficult to deal with. In many cases, no amount of diet or exercise will return the waistline to its former state. Whether it's due to weight loss or pregnancy, loose skin around the belly and abdomen can have a negative impact on your appearance and your self-esteem. The good news is that an abdominoplasty, better known as a tummy tuck, can help. This procedure removes loose skin and tightens the underlying abdominal muscles in order to restore the appearance of your stomach. If you are considering a tummy tuck, here are three things that you should know.
How Much It Costs
With any cosmetic procedure, the cost is a major consideration. The cost of a tummy tuck can vary depending on the cosmetic surgeon and the amount of work that needs to be done. On average you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $8,500 for this procedure. The procedure takes on average around five hours and may require an overnight hospital stay. An overnight hospital stay can increase the overall price of a tummy tuck. In some cases, health insurance will cover some of the costs; but for most people, the entire cost is out of pocket.
How Long It Takes to Recover
While you may be eager to get rid of loose skin and tighten up your abdomen, it's important to remember that a tummy tuck is a major surgery. You will have to take time out from your daily life and work schedule to recover. It will also take time before you are able to exercise and do vigorous activities again. Typically you can return to sedentary activities within two weeks. However, you will want to wait between three and four weeks before you return to your normal routine. Usually, full recovery takes around six weeks.
The Impact on Your Life
Before getting a tummy tuck, it's also important to consider the impact that it will have on your life. Are you able to take off work and afford this procedure? Are there other methods of dealing with your loose skin? Will you be able to handle the pain involved with this surgery? It's important to ask yourself these and other questions before committing to this surgery. While tummy tucks do lead to considerable improvement for most, there are still potential impacts that must be kept in mind when making your decision.
If you are considering a tummy tuck, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First, the cost is an important factor. Tummy tucks typically cost a few thousand dollars and are not often covered by medical insurance. Recovery time varies from person to person but typically takes at least a few weeks. This procedure can also have a major impact on your life and requires that you take off in order to recover.