10 Things to Consider Before Plastic Surgery

The most common type of plastic surgery performed for weight loss issues is the ‘tummy tuck’. The procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal area to create a smaller tighter abdomen. A full tummy tuck does involve some risk and some after-affects that you should take into consideration before deciding to undergo this type of surgery.

1. Anesthesia – The use of anesthesia always is accompanied by some risk. There is the risk of a reaction to the anesthetic itself and there is the risk of improper administration by fallible human beings.
2. Costs – Cosmetic surgery is seldom covered by insurance. The costs of performing this type of surgery may require quite a large investment of funds.
3. Excess scarring – Even with ‘plastic surgery’ there are scars. With the large incisions required for this type of surgery, the scars can be much larger than a expected. Scar tissue can create various after-affects in your body.
4. Permanent numbness – One of the possible results of this type of surgery is the development of areas of permanent numbness in your abdomen as a result of the incisions and scarring.
5. Infection – This is another common risk involved with surgery. Despite the sterile environment maintained by surgery staff and hospitals, infections do still occasionally occur. This creates a health risk for the patient, as well as extra expense for the treatment of the infection.
6. Heavy bleeding/clots – This type of surgery also carries the risk of extra bleeding and the formation of blood clots. Either of these issues can become a life-threatening situation, if not monitored carefully.
7. Pain and swelling – This is not a ‘maybe’, but a definite part of the healing process for these types of procedures. You will have a lot of swelling in your abdominal area and there will be pain from the incisions. Specific instructions for your aftercare and the use of pain medications will be provided by your attending physician.
8. Results will be months away – According to eHealthMD.com, some patients may not see the desired results of a flat abdomen for as long as 3 to 6 months after surgery. This is definitely not a quick, easy fix.
9. Limits on physical activity – Since a person uses their abdominal muscles for many different physical activities, recovery involves restrictions to physical activities and lifting for several weeks after the surgery.
10. Affected by weight changes – The flat stomach gained through a tummy tuck can be lost by simply gaining weight, or even losing weight, in some cases.

The choice to undergo abdominal surgery for cosmetic reasons should not be made lightly, and always with the careful guidance of a trusted physician. The process involves surgical risks and a very long healing process. As you will find stated on most reputable health sites: it is not a replacement for a healthy diet and exercise.

Taken From NonDiet