An Alternative to Tummy Tucks

One Woman's Experience With Tummy Tucks: Before and After Account

We all envision ourselves in our youth - cute and thin! No matter what happens to our body in the years to come, this youthful image is our frame of reference.

I worked in a mental health facility during my 40’s and 50’s and conversations often focused on whether or not I was pregnant! My body was entering menopause, and it was playing tricks on me (hormonal instability). Whenever I saw myself in a full-length mirror, I felt as if I was at the fun house, except it was not fun and I was not laughing. I would often refer to myself as “a beached whale” or a “stuffed sausage” in order to make light of my situation, all the while yearning to have my youthful figure back.

As luck would have it, my circumstances would change. When waking up from anesthesia while undergoing tests to determine the possible need for a hysterectomy, I thought I heard a man and a woman discussing tight abdominal muscles, tight skin, etc. A nurse popped her head in at that very moment to see if I needed anything. I told her about the obscure conversation, and she explained that a plastic surgeon was describing tummy tucks (before and after) to the patient in the next cubicle. In my hazy dreamlike state, I knew I had to speak to that doctor. At the nurse’s request, he came in, introduced himself as “Dr. Fischer”, and suggested I call his office for a consultation. I knew he had me at hello.

I soon made the appointment that would change my life forever. I met with the reputable Dr Fisher, a board-certified plastic surgeon. Since I am an RN, he related the extensive medical details of the proposed surgery, including the tummy tuck before and after procedures. He answered all my questions and his explanations were so explicit that I felt a layperson would have had little trouble understanding the specifics of the surgery. I knew it was for me – my decision was made.

Medically Speaking
The medical term for tummy tuck (see more on tummy tucks) is abdominoplasty. The actual surgery involves a hip-to-hip incision, curved toward the pubis to make a bikini cut that will be hidden beneath any type of panty or swimsuit. The chosen incision site is intentional as it is the area with the least amount of fat and allows good access to the abdominal muscles. The surgeon then pulls the excess abdominal skin and fat down to the pubis like a window shade, cuts off the excess skin and fat, and then sutures the bikini incision. The doctor must suture the abdominal muscles tightly in order to produce a flat abdomen.

In my case, it was surgery on Wednesday and hospital release on Saturday, but it differs for everyone. Yes, I had a complete abdominal hysterectomy by a surgical gynecologist who worked in conjunction with my plastic surgeon. Every measure was taken so that I would not be in pain, but I have to admit I was uncomfortable; however, no severe pain. Most of the discomfort was due to the new tight abs, which I had not had since the birth of my sons, nearly 30 years prior. It felt like bands of steel were wrapped across my mid-section.

Facts and Tips on Tummy Tucks - Before and After

• An abdominoplasty can be performed on a man or woman
• Make sure you choose a reputable, board certified plastic surgeon

Ask to see before and after pictures of tummy tuck patients

• Be sure to ask as many questions as you need to before making a decision
• You must lose the required weight prior to surgery
• Swelling due to the surgery persists for many months; results are not immediate.
• Complications include infection, excessive blood loss, and unsatisfactory results.
• Many who have undergone gastric bypass or excessive weight loss are potential candidates for abdominoplasty.

This type of surgery is very costly and rarely covered by medical insurance. It may be slightly less expensive if done in conjunction with other abdominal surgery because hospital time, anesthesia, blood work, etc. is shared, but you will nevertheless have to pay for the extra time in the operating suite, additional anesthesia, as well as other related tummy tuck expenses.

Remember that no matter how much dieting and exercise you do, you cannot repair overstretched abdominal muscles. This is usually truer for women.

The New Me!
After my results were noticeable to the world, I emerged from larvae to butterfly. Because my extra large abdomen was gone, I felt much better about myself, socially and physically. I started to walk and ride a bike, I wore more youthful clothing, and I felt I had more energy. There is a significant difference in my tummy tuck before and after photos. I now refer to my new look as “Body by Fischer.”

Special Guest Author:
Carol C. is a registered nurse with experience in many areas of nursing, and she specializes in mental health and addictions. Her articles allow her the opportunity to share her knowledge and expertise on many health subjects. Exclusive article originally published at http://www.tummy-tucks.com/article_tummy_tucks_before_after.html