If your midsection is flabby, and you have failed to tone up your body with exercise and a healthy diet, then a tummy tuck may be right for you. A tummy tuck is a medical procedure that involves removing excess skin and fat, and restoring weak muscles. The tips below will help you learn more about the procedure and aftercare steps.

Speak to a Plastic Surgeon to Get the Lowdown on the Procedure

Meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon to learn more about abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). A tummy tuck is routinely performed as an outpatient procedure. Of course, a surgeon will need to assess your health and current body shape before determining if you can head home soon after the procedure is performed.

If you have a lot of skin and fat that is going to be removed, or if you have had medical complications in the past, you may be required to stay in a hospital overnight so that the surgeon who performs the surgery can monitor your condition afterward and ensure that you are feeling well enough to head home. While consulting with a surgeon, ask questions concerning anesthesia that is used, how you will feel after the procedure is performed, and limitations that you can expect to be faced with immediately after the surgery.

Inquire about Cost, Expected Results, and the Healing Process

Cosmetic procedures are not typically covered by insurance unless they are deemed necessary to preserve an individual's life. Find out how much money you will be charged for a tummy tuck. If the procedure is not something you can currently afford, perhaps you can begin setting money aside for it so that you can have a tummy tuck performed in another year or so.

If you can afford the procedure, however, ask the surgeon about the results that you can expect and the length of time that it may take for your body to heal. The surgeon whom you have met with may provide you with before and after pictures so that you have a realistic idea of what you can expect.

Follow Aftercare Steps and Consult with Your Surgeon 

After your tummy tuck has been performed, your surgeon will give you a list of instructions that will aid in the healing process. You may be prescribed medication that will ease pain and swelling. Follow the doctor's advice and ask for additional information if you do not fully understand the aftercare steps.

Plan on resting for several days and request that a friend or family member help you with household duties. Before heading back to work or participating in strenuous activities, meet with your surgeon so that they can determine if your body has healed enough for you to increase your activity level.