It’s natural for our bodies to fluctuate throughout the years. Things like excess weight gain or loss and pregnancy can really stretch our bodies to the limit, and we may not be happy with the end results.
Diet and exercise can only go so far too. You might still be dissatisfied with how your stomach looks, so abdominoplasty (or a tummy tuck) could be just what you need.
You might be considering getting a tummy tuck in Mexico to save money, and that’s a fantastic idea. But don’t go into things blindly, or else you’ll be disappointed. Here are seven things you should consider beforehand.
7 Considerations Before Getting a Tummy Tuck in Mexico
1. The Surgeon’s Qualifications and Experience
You should absolutely choose a surgeon who’s board-certified, as you’ll get someone who’s skilled at what they do.
In Mexico, the certifying body is the Mexican Council of Plastic Surgery (CMCPER), so look for this acronym next to the surgeon’s name. Additional certifications that indicate you’re making a good choice include those from the Mexican Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AMCPER) and the International Society of Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).
Of course, the surgeon should also have years of experience with tummy tucks. Read patient reviews so you can check not only how good their skills are, but also how well they run their medical practice.
2. You Need to Be at a Stable Weight
To understand why you need to be at a stable weight for this procedure, you have to first answer the question, “What is a tummy tuck?” This is a surgical procedure that removes extra skin and fat from the abdomen, and it tightens the muscles there too. The outcome is a flatter, firmer stomach and a more toned midsection.
As you can see, these are amazing results that focus on reconstructing the abdominal tissue. If you gain or lose a significant amount of weight after your surgery, then it can undo the work done.
It’s important that you’re at your target weight before taking on the surgery, as it is not an instant fix for a person that is simply overweight. There’s some leeway (around 10-15 pounds) if you’re not quite there yet. You can combine you tummy tuck with some liposuction, but again, there is a limit of how much fat can be taken from your body during this procedure and the best results will come if your body is already at it’s best.
In addition, you should be in relatively good health. If you have any health conditions, you must be currently treated for them.
Lastly, you should reconsider this procedure if you want to have children later on. Any future pregnancies can also compromise the results of the flat tummy that you gain from the surgery.
3. You Can Combine Procedures
Are there other things you’d like to go under the knife for? Then it’s certainly possible to combine the procedures so you only have to go through recovery once.
For example, you can have liposuction done on your stomach before the tummy tuck for optimal tightness. Or you can get a complete package of cosmetic procedures done with a mommy makeover.
Also, you can get a mini tummy tuck or an extended tummy tuck. The former targets only the lower abdomen with a smaller incision, making it ideal for those with less excess skin and fat below the belly button. The latter includes the flanks (the love handles) so you get more comprehensive contouring.
It’s best to address your concerns with your plastic surgeon during the initial consultation to determine which procedures will give you your ideal body.
4. You’ll Initially Have Surgical Drains
After your surgery, blood and other fluids will come out of the wounds. To prevent buildup in your body, your surgeon will place surgical drains to collect these things.
In general, expect to have them for five to 10 days; the exact length will depend on the amount of fluid output. There are special care instructions for these drains, so on top of recovery, you’ll be responsible for emptying the drains. There are other limitations on what you can do as well, such as bathing.
Once the fluid output slows down, the drains can be removed. You’ll then have to wear special compression garments afterward to help you heal more.
5. You’ll Need Major Downtime
Typically, you’ll only need one night in the hospital and then you’ll spend the rest of your recovery in a luxurious hotel room. You’ll have very limited movement for the first 48 hours, so you’ll spend most of your time resting. However, it’s still good to have light and short walks.
Afterward, you’ll have better mobility, but by no means will you be at 100%. You’ll have major downtime of 2-3 weeks. After that, it’s another 1-4 weeks of no heavy lifting or strenuous activities.
If you have a busy home life and/or a family to take care of, then you’ll have to make arrangements to have outside help.
6. You’ll Have a Permanent Scar
It’s amazing what doctors and surgeons can achieve with modern technology. But the reality is that scarring still happens with surgery, and tummy tucks are no exception.
The scar will run from hip to hip. However, there’s some positive news.
Skilled surgeons will make a lower incision so that even when you’re in your underwear or bikini, the scar won’t be visible. Plus, the scar will fade as the years go by, so it won’t be as noticeable.
7. Complete Healing Can Take a While
Earlier, we explained that you’ll have major downtime right after your procedure. But even after you’re cleared to resume normal everyday activities, it’s very likely that your body is still repairing itself inside. After all, you’ve been through major surgery.
Residual swelling past the 6-month mark is normal, as is numbness on your incision line. It can take up to a year to completely heal and see the final results, so if you’re wondering about a tummy tuck before and after, you won’t see your true transformation for a while.
Schedule a Tummy Tuck in Mexico
If you want to regain confidence regarding your midsection, then a tummy tuck in Mexico may be just what you need. Not only are there many qualified, experienced, and skilled surgeons, but the prices are much more affordable too.
Now that you know what to expect from the procedure, you’re less likely to be shocked or disappointed with how the experience goes. And if you still have questions or concerns, don’t be afraid to bring them up with your surgeon.
Get in touch with us today if you’re interested in getting a tummy tuck. Dr. Valdez has performed over 2,000 successful surgeries and can get you stunning results.