WHAT IS ABDOMINOPLASTY?

Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that is done to remove excess fat from the tummy area while providing a smooth, contoured, and firmer abdominal profile. Everyone desires to get a well-toned, firm tummy. However, there are times when diet and exercise do not help.

You may have noticed yourself looking at the mirror, gripping the pouch of fat in your tummy. It is embarrassing being fat. Let us face it, not being able to fit in that beautiful Versace dress is infuriating. Diet and exercise may not help at all times. That is when abdominoplasty comes into play.

ABDOMINOPLASTY OR TUMMY TUCK AND HEALTH INSURANCE

Any surgery that you seek is expensive. When deciding to get surgery, the question of the expense comes up. You may wonder if your health insurance provider will cover the cost for abdominoplasty or not. In many cases, a tummy tuck is done for cosmetic purposes to get rid of those excessive fat tires. Health insurance providers do not cover up the cost for abdominoplasty if it is being done for cosmetic reasons. If one experiences rashes or skin infections on the flabby tummy, then it becomes a medical reason to get the surgery. You must contact your doctor and get it documented from them as evidence that you need the surgery for medical reasons. If a tummy tuck is for medical reasons, then the health insurance may cover the price.

WHO IS AN ELIGIBLE CANDIDATE FOR TUMMY TUCK SURGERY?

Healthy men and women who are looking forward to getting rid of their fat tummies are eligible for this surgery. Men and women who were once obese and are now left with loose, saggy skin can also use this surgery to remove that excess fat.

WHO IS NOT AN ELIGIBLE CANDIDATE FOR TUMMY TUCK SURGERY?

Any patient who plans to get pregnant should not look for this surgery since it can cause complications during pregnancy. Tummy tuck procedure should always be the last resort for people who are unable to lose weight through diet and exercise.

RISKS OR COMPLICATIONS WITH THE SURGERY OF ABDOMINOPLASTY

There are a number of risks associated with tummy tuck surgery, like any other surgery. It is important to discuss all risks and complications with your surgeon before the surgery. The risks with tummy tuck surgery include:

1. Swelling around the area of treatment
2. Pain
3. Numbness
4. Scarring
5. Accumulation of fluid
6. Internal bleeding beneath the skin
7. Changes in the sensation of the skin

You should quit smoking six weeks before and after the surgery in order to avoid any complications during the healing process. This is because smoking can hamper the recovery period and can cause further complications.

Be open about your expectations and communicate with your doctor. You should also contact your insurance company and enquire if they will cover up any sort of charges. If the surgery is done for cosmetic purposes, the insurance is unlikely to claim any price.