I have done a lot of research on this and checked out the prices in Europe as well as in the USA and the UK. One of the best deals that I have found, maybe not the cheapest is with Bodies Beautiful in Prague. These guys are really caring and not out to rip you off. They have fixed things for people when things have gone wrong and although they may not be the cheapest they do represent a good saving while doing all that they can to make sure that what you want is what you get with no nasty surprises. Just to give you an indication this is one of their explanatory notes about what a tummy tuck operation involves:
The aim of tummy tuck surgery:
To alter the shape of the abdomen achieved by removing fat and loose skin to achieve greater abdominal definition.
The Treatment:
This procedure should only ever be carried out by a fully qualified surgeon with the appropriate skill and experience.
Types of Tummy Tucks:
The Standard Full Tummy Tuck (Full Abdominoplasty) this represents an excellent solution for anyone with unsightly loose skin around the area of the belly button that has not responded to weight loss attempts or to exercise.
The Mini Tummy Tuck (Mini-Abdominoplasty) – this is a lesser procedure than a full tummy tuck. With this procedure the belly button is not moved and is carried out using a smaller incision resulting in a smaller scar. The ideal client for this procedure is one with lax skin and muscle weakness confined to the area of abdomen below the belly button.
An Extended Tummy Tuck (Extended Abdominoplasty) – is similar to a standard full tummy tuck. With this extended procedure the operation includes excision of skin and fat from the lower back and hip area. The use of this technique and its longer incision allows the plastic surgeon to remove excess skin and bulging areas over the hips and lower back that are not included in a standard abdominoplasty procedure.
A Tummy Tuck with Liposuction – With a tummy tuck only fat from the lower abdomen is removed. If a client has significant fatty deposits in the upper abdomen with loose skin in the lower abdomen, the operating surgeon may advise a tummy tuck with liposuction. Some clients might also be advised to undergo a tummy tuck with the addition of liposuction to the upper abdomen, the waist and the sides (flanks).
Tummy Tuck and stretch marks -A tummy tuck, cannot correct stretch marks It is possible however that these may be removed or the appearance of them improved if they happen to be located on the areas where excess skin is excised, generally in areas that are treated below the belly button.
Obesity and the Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is not the answer to obesity problems. In fact if a patient is obese the skin of the abdomen may not be in good enough condition to heal properly and there will be considerable risk of infection and wound separation.. Weight loss is recommended before considering a tummy tuck.
While it is true that tummy tuck surgery can considerably reduce a protruding abdomen, it should always be realised that in so doing, it does produce a permanent scar, which, according to the extent the surgery required to carry out the abdominoplasty successfully, may extend from one hip to the other.
Commonly the Tummy Tuck procedure (Abdominoplasty) is applied successfully to correct protruding tummies caused by weakened abdominal muscles, either after significant weight gain or pregnancy where pockets of fat remain that have not responded to diet or exercise because of stretching of the skin. As with all major surgery, prior to operation a complete medical history to assess your health and suitability for the procedure will be taken. The plastic surgeon will discuss expectations to ensure that they are realistic and will also determine the type of abdominal surgery required. Patients are required to inform the clinic staff and the plastic surgeon if they smoke and will be required to list any medication being taken.
The Best Candidates for Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are clients of either sex who are in relatively good physical condition but who have fat deposits or loose abdominal skin that cannot be resolved by diet or exercise.
Tummy tuck surgery is of particular benefit to women who, through multiple pregnancies, are experiencing non-recoverable abdominal and skin stretching. In older patients the problem may be a loss of elasticity in the skin, which often occurs with slight weight gain, this can also be improved with a tummy tuck. If significant weight loss is planned then clients will be advised not have surgery until they have reached their desired weight.
Women who plan to add to their family should also postpone surgery, as during surgery the vertical muscles of the abdomen are tightened but can come apart again with another pregnancy. If scarring from previous surgery to the abdomen is present your doctor may not advise a tummy and may warn you that you may run the risk of the scars from surgery being overly prominent.
Tummy tuck will certainly your appearance, and should give a boost to your self-confidence but it will not give you a totally different look. Before you decide to have cosmetic surgery, think carefully about what your expectations are. Are they realistic? You can discuss any of these points candidly with your plastic surgeon.
Tummy Tuck Surgery
Before your tummy tuck surgery, the plastic surgeon will take a skin marker pen and outline the area to be operated on.. Before your surgeon marks you, you should bring to his attention, any special clothing requirements you will have. If you want your scars to be below the line of a bikini or a favourite style of panties, then please let your surgeon know that. It may be a good idea to bring with you, any pieces of clothing to demonstrate the line you need, at marking time.
Surgery for a tummy tuck will normally take 2–3 hours and will be performed under general anaesthesia in an operating theatre. An incision along the bikini line is the most common approach so that underwear will cover the scar. The skin will then be separated from the abdominal wall and raised. This exposes the loose tissue that covers the abdominal muscles. Next fat, and excess skin are removed and the remaining skin replaced by pulling it down over the tummy.
Finally, the tummy tuck surgeon will suture the incision, inserting drains to eliminate fluid build-up. Bandages will be applied. In some cases you may be advised to have additional liposuction to tackle any accumulation of fat in the local area.. A stay of about 3 nights at the clinic is the norm after this procedure.
Post-Operational Course – Tummy Tuck Surgery
This can be clinic dependant, but typically it will follow this format: Three nights at the clinic. On the first postoperative day only tea is permitted. You should rise slowly out of bed without making any sudden movements, and you should get up using the "over side“ method of rising. This means rolling onto one side first before you sit up.
The drain, put in during the operation will usually be removed within 48 hours after the operation and the stitches will be removed approximately 10 days post-operatively.
Specially designed tight underwear will be given to you and will need to be worn for a period of 1–2 months after the operation.
Exercise designed to tax the muscles and any great physical effort is not advised for a period of 2 months if the operation has included removal of the gap between the direct abdominal muscles. The cicatrices will be covered by hypoallergenic plaster and will need to remain covered in this way for a period of 1–3 months after the operation. Any bruising and swelling will fade and eventually resolve a few weeks after the operation. Although the scars from the surgery are permanent, they too will fade significantly over time.
How Will I Feel After the Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Immediately after surgery you will probably feel quiet washed out and sleepy. There will be some discomfort and pain especially in the first few post operative days. Your plastic surgeon will also prescribe antibiotics to prevent potential infection and you will also be given tablets to reduce any swelling.
You might also notice that you feel somewhat unhappy or depressed a few days after surgery. This is a quite normal consequence of stress and of undergoing general anaesthetic, frustration with the healing process, more pain than you had anticipated or the fact that you are a bit homesick, being away from your home and family.
Is the Recovery after Tummy Tuck Surgery Painful?
Our client’s experience is that some pain is present, especially during the first postoperative days. However, when you are discharged you will be prescribe painkillers, which should be sufficient to help with any pain you might have.
Possible Risks and Complications
All specific risks and the suitability of this type of abdominal surgery for any given individual can only be correctly evaluated at the time of consultation. All surgery inherently carries some degree of risk. Sometimes minor complications occur but they rarely have any impact on the outcome of the surgery and major complications with a tummy tuck, are rare. Immediately after the operation, you may find it uncomfortable to stand up straight and it will feel as if your stomach is dragging but this will disappear over time. There may be some numbness in the abdominal area. The scars from this kind of surgery are permanent but will fade and will be completely resolved at the end of a year. There is a small risk that puckering at the edges of the scar may remain.
See what I mean? It is very comprehensive and I have been very impressed with the way that they aproach the whole cosmetic surgery tourism thing.
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