Tummy tuck operations have been increasing in popularity. They have shown the highest rate of increase over the past 3 years (over 60 %) compared to other plastic surgery procedures. Women and men who have loose abdominal skin and fat that is concentrated in the abdomen can benefit from tummy tuck. A tummy tuck can achieve quite dramatic effects. Patients love their slimmer, trimmer figures and flatter abdomens after having a tummy tuck.

A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure, so expect to be out of action for a while. A tummy tuck also known as an abdominoplasty medically falls under the category of major invasive surgery. You need to consider before you have the operation whether or not you are willing to take the risk.

A tummy tuck involves surgically removing excess skin and fat from the middle and lower part of the abdomen. The remaining skin is then pulled tight, and sometimes tightening the abdominal muscles. The intention of a tummy tuck is to remove and then tighten loose flesh that may be the result of rapid weight loss or pregnancy. A tummy tuck is not intended to be the primary means for removing fat. If you are not tolerant to pain then you may not be happy to hear that the pain and soreness from a tummy tuck can last as long as a year after the operation.

A tummy tuck can be performed at the same time as other cosmetic surgery procedures or other general surgeries, such as hysterectomy. A tummy tuck can be performed alone, but often it is done in conjunction with liposuction. Liposuction is used primarily to remove the excess fat deposits. The tummy tuck then tightens and tones the remaining skin in that area.When you are dieting, a tummy tuck, unlike liposuction, should be performed when you reach your ideal or desired weight.

Many people initially are not aware that a tummy tuck generally leaves a significant scar. A tummy tuck scar can run horizontally across the entire width of your body from hip to hip, depending on how much skin you lose. As well, depending on the procedure, a tummy tuck scar can run vertically anywhere from your pelvic area to the chest area, although this is not common. A tummy tuck scar is permanent. The severity of the scars can depend on how much skin was removed, how well your body heals, how well your body scars, the skill of the individual surgeon, and what technique was used.

Before consulting with tummy tuck surgeons, you should be absolutely clear about what you want to get out of the surgery. Talk honestly with the tummy tuck MD's and voice your goals. He or she will be able to tell you if it's a realistic goal and if you need to shift your expectations. Tummy tuck surgeons can also advise you as to what other alternatives are available for you to achieve your goals.

What should you look for in tummy tuck surgeons? The first thing to make sure of is that the surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. To be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the surgeon must meet stringent requirements. First, they must have graduated from an accredited medical school. They must hold a license to practice medicine in their state of residence. They must successfully complete a minimum of three years of training in general surgery in a residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

To check the credentials of a tummy tuck surgeon, you can call the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Many libraries also carry The Official ABMS Directory of Board-Certified Medical Specialists.