Despite the advantages of procedures such as tummy tuck and body contouring, there are many things to take into consideration before going under the knife, Desert News reports. For starters, some people may be concerned about the cost of a tummy tuck, because it may not be covered by insurance . While some companies may cover the procedure after gastric bypass surgery, that is not always the case.

In addition to the price, prospective patients should be wary of unqualified surgeons. Anybody considering a tummy tuck should make a point to check the credentials of their surgeon before meeting with them.

"Unfortunately what it comes down to is that cosmetic surgery is a huge market. There's a large demand for it and there are a lot of people willing to spend money on it and therefore there are people looking to capitalize on that," one Utah plastic surgeon told the newspaper.

Tummy tucks remain one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries, according to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In 2009, there were more than 115,000 such surgeries performed in the U.S.

According to the American Society for Plastic Surgeons, many individuals want their plastic surgeon to be board certified. This ensures the surgeon has been practicing for at least five years and they have been performing cosmetic surgery for at least two years. It also offers some peace of mind that the surgeon only conducts procedures in accredited offices and regularly fulfills medical education requirements regularly.

Finally, patients should ask to see before and after photos of the people their surgeon has conducted a tummy tuck on previously. Plus, a consultation is a good time for prospective patient to get to know the surgeon a bit, and make sure he or she is the right person for the job.

Tony Moore got a wake up call when his dad died when he was just 50. Moore weighed around 350 pounds at the time and knew he had to change. After dieting had no impact, he turned to adjustable gastric band surgery and lost 20 inches of his waist and nearly half his body weight.

Despite his success, the excess skin remained a problem, and that's where plastic surgery came in. He had a mini tummy tuck two years ago, but is planning more once he can cover the cost of the procedure.

"I'm raising funds for skin removal surgery," Moore told the newspaper. "I plan to have a 360 abdominoplasty."

Having a tummy tuck is not the end of the road, however. Patients should know that after recovery, they need to keep up a healthy lifestyle to maintain their newly svelte physique.

A tummy tuck procedure is a surgery in which the surgeon removes extra saggy skin that has developed because of rapid weight loss or pregnancy. It also helps to tighten the muscles around the abdominal wall to show off a smooth and flat stomach. However, the procedure itself can be quite extensive and requires a few weeks recovery time. This new method may reduce this time spent waiting for the scars to heal.

"Collection of fluid, also known as seroma, is one of, if not the most frustrating problem that plagues abdominoplasty," said a Texas-based plastic surgeon and the study's author. "Our technique sews the tissue back together, closing the space, and leaving no room for fluid to accumulate. More importantly, progressive tension sutures (PTS) hold tissue together with abdominal movement during the healing process. The need for drains is eliminated, which speeds recovery, decreases cost and improves scarring."

This would also make the recovery process much easier for the patient, and allow them to get back to their everyday lives more quickly.

"A woman can move around upright without fear of disrupting the surgical area. She doesn't have to resort to extended bed rest and limited movement, as many surgeons advise to avoid these problems," the plastic surgeon added.

Tummy tucks are increasing in popularity as of late. The surge of  "Mommy Makeovers" is one of the reasons why this procedure has seen such a spike. Women are trying to get their pre-pregnancy bodies back with a tummy tuck, liposuction and often a breast lift or augmentation, and more moms are going under the knife.

According to the American Society for Plastic Surgeons, before an individual goes opts for cosmetic surgery, they need to be fully prepared for what the tummy tuck recovery and the procedure entails. This way, they have a better chance of receiving the results they set out for. As long as the patient communicates their needs with their surgeon as well as educates themselves about the procedure, he or she can work toward their desired result.

Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

The first question you'll need to ask is whether or not a tummy tuck is right for you. Most people who are considering a tummy tuck have either lost a significant amount of weight, or recently undergone liposuction. A tummy tuck can help reduce the sagging skin left behind after weight loss. If you're looking for a slimmer shape, you may need to discuss other procedures.

In addition, your surgeon will most likely ask you questions about your physical health to see if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Like all surgeries, it's best if the patient is in good physical shape, doesn't smoke and maintains a healthy lifestyle.

What will I need to do to prepare for surgery?

If you are indeed a good candidate for the surgery, then you'll want to ask questions about preparing for the surgery. Your doctor will likely ask you to quit smoking well before the procedure as well as during your recovery time. He or she will also ask about any medications you may be taking and will let you know if you need to adjust them in order to prepare to go under the knife.

Tummy tuck costs may also come up during this part of the conversation. Many patients find they need to set aside money to cover the expense of the surgery. Your doctor can let you know how much you can expect to pay, and what, if any, payment plans are available.

What kind of results can I expect?

Of course, this is the big question that is at the forefront of many potential patients' minds. Knowing what you will look like after surgery is essential to being confident and happy with results. Unrealistic expectations will only lead to disappointment down the line, so be sure to ask to see tummy tuck photos from patients who have undergone the procedure with your surgeon. Your doctor can also likely describe what kind of results you can expect for your specific body type.  

The publication claims Simpson has become frustrated with losing the weight she gained during pregnancy, and is mulling over all her options to help her shed the pounds. She has reportedly considered everything from a tummy tuck procedure to liposuction to assist her along the way.

While the rumors are not confirmed, if Simpson was to go under the knife post pregnancy, she certainly would not be alone as mommy makeovers have become more popular. The procedure often includes multiple surgeries, such as a breast lift and tummy tuck, and surgeons have noticed an increase in recent years. In fact, the number of tummy tucks rose 85 percent from 2000 to 2010.

"I have experienced firsthand the changes that pregnancy can create in even a physically fit and slender body, and intimately understand both the joy of being blessed with children but at the same time longing for a pre-pregnancy form [or the fullness that came during breast feeding]," said one San Francisco-based plastic surgeon.

While the pre-surgery consultation is always an important part of the plastic surgery process, it is especially crucial for mommy makeovers. Since every patient comes in with a different situation, it is necessary for surgeons to tailor the treatment to each individual woman, and determining a specific plan will help patients enjoy better results.

The study, published in the August issue of the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, looked at 301 patients who had liposuction either alone or together with a tummy tuck procedure. Looking at patients before surgery and three months after treatment, the team found no evidence of fat regrowth in treated areas or a transfer to untreated areas as the original study suggested.

"Previous studies have evaluated small numbers of patients and used imprecise measuring techniques, limiting their power to reliably detect changes," said the study's author. "Our study included a sufficient number of patients and used precise measurements, making the conclusions highly reliable. Patients can be reassured that their improvements will last and they need not worry about putting weight back on disproportionately."

Still, the results do not mask the importance of exercising after liposuction or tummy tuck surgery. After the recovery period is over, patients should make a point to stay physically fit so that they can maintain their results for years after the procedure. Even with liposuction, it's possible for patients to put back on weight if they return to an unhealthy lifestyle.

Given the results of liposuction, it's no wonder it has been among the top five most performed procedures every year since 1992. That trend continued in 2011, when 205,000 patients had the surgery, placing behind only nose reshaping and breast augmentation in terms of popularity.

As with most plastic surgeries, one of the bigger risks has to do with infections of the surgical wounds. Many patients do not properly care for the incisions made by the surgeon during their recovery, and this can lead to harmful bacteria infiltrating the body and causing the patient to become sick.

Your plastic surgeon should provide you with instructions on how to clean the incisions made during a tummy tuck, and may also provide you with drains used to remove fluid from the area. In general, try to avoid exposing the incisions to water until your tummy tuck recovery is complete. Regularly changing the dressings on the incisions is also critical when it comes to preventing infection.

It's important that you are completely honest with your doctor about your full medical history prior to tummy tuck surgery, including whether or not you are a smoker. Various medical factors can inhibit the body's ability to heal over time, and this will affect your tummy tuck recovery period. If your surgeon does not know your complete medical history, he or she may assume you will recover more quickly than you actually do.

Blood clots are another reason to be completely open with your surgeon. Blood clots are naturally formed by the body in reaction to cuts, even if that cut is due to surgery. Some medications, such as birth control pills, can increase the risk of a harmful type of blood clot forming, however. It's important your surgeon knows about this ahead of time so they can prescribe any necessary medications to counteract these effects.

One of the biggest myths is that plastic surgery will instantly boost a person's self-esteem. Even though this is true in many cases, plastic surgery should not be used as emotional therapy. It is important for the patient to have a good mindset before going under the knife.

Another common myth includes plastic surgery is only for women. An increasing number of men are opting for various procedures – from Botox to liposuction – to improve their appearance.

"Meeting with a qualified physician is the best way to find the answers to any questions you may have," said a Staten Island breast augmentation specialist. "During the consultation, the physician will be able to tell you which procedure is right for you as well as whether or not the surgery will produce the results you are looking for."

After consulting with the plastic surgeon, it is important for the patient to be informed about the recovery process. According to the American Society for Plastic Surgeons, this can also ensure the patient receives their desired results.

The mother of four is constantly compared to her castmates on the hit reality show, many of whom are former models and have had plastic surgery like tummy tucks and breast augmentation. According to the news source, Richards constantly felt insecure about her own body after giving birth to four children.

It got to the point that Richards refused to put on a two-piece bathing suit for one episode at the beach, preferring to cover up even as her castmates showed off their bodies. An unidentified friend of the reality star told the news source that eventually Richards had enough.

"Don't get me wrong. Kyle was by no means overweight, she eats healthily and she works out, but she just has certain areas of her body, like most women, that she isn't happy about. So she decided to get a little help," the source told the news outlet. "The doctor sculpted and toned her perfectly and she was completely thrilled with the results. It wasn't a dramatic difference, but the overall change is amazing. She looks and feels better than she ever has. She only lost about 15-20 pounds in total, but it was all from the right places, the trouble spots that she couldn't get rid of through exercise or diet alone."

Women who want similar results may want to consider an abdominoplasty. While this procedure isn't as drastic as liposuction, the surgeon sculpts the area around the abdomen to achieve the flatter, tighter look many women desire.