What you should think about before you have a tummy tuck

In order to have a tummy tuck procedure, you should be at your ideal weight. Before you consider this option you should take a look at your lifestyle. Although many people think that a tummy tuck is a kind of weight loss surgery it is important to realise that the ideal candidate for this type of surgery should already be in relatively good shape prior to the surgery.

Why have a tummy tuck?

Having children is a wonderful experience but it can often have a negative effect on a woman’s figure. For many women, the abdomen fails to return to its normal size after pregnancy or excess weight gain. Many women end up suffering from low self-confidence because despite a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, they struggle to shed that extra weight in the tummy area. It’s in cases like this that a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can provide a long lasting solution. A tummy tuck can drastically tighten the abdominal muscles, as well as sagging, excess skin and accumulated fatty tissue. Not only will the abdomen be firmer and flatter, but the waist will be smaller as well. The amount of improvement depends on the extent of the operation but most people report that they have a much better body image after surgery.

Tummy tucks are becoming one of the most popular reconstructive surgery procedures for women in South Africa. Reconstructive and cosmetic surgery has come a long way over the years with modern techniques and technological development, ensuring that people end up spending a lot less time in the hospital. Having cosmetic surgery is a major decision and the results can have an enormous impact on a person’s life. Today’s highly qualified surgeons use the latest state-ofthe-art facilities to ensure the best results but it is also up to the patient to maintain a healthy lifestyle before and after the surgery in order to see optimal results.

How is the surgery performed?

The Internationally recognised Netcare Rosebank Hospital is a private hospital, offering the latest highest standards in private healthcare. Situated in the heart of Johannesburg, it is a well-established hospital, with world-class, state-of-the-art equipment, and a dedicated team of highly qualified and experienced staff members. The whole team is willing and able to assist patients before and after surgery with any aspect of their treatment, or any other aspect related to their well-being and care. There are several different techniques but the most common procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. The operation usually takes anything from about two to five hours. Most commonly, a horizontal lower abdominal incision is used which can easily be covered underneath a bikini line. A second incision is sometimes performed around the belly button. The abdomen is flattened by removing excess skin and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall.