Do I Need a Tummy Tuck?

Intro to Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is a major type of cosmetic plastic surgery procedure. The idea behind a tummy tuck is to improve appearance or completely remove a bulge in the lower to middle abdomen for both men and women. During the procedure, excess fat and skin are removed from the abdomen area and the muscles of the abdominal wall are tightened.

Am I a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

The ideal candidates for tummy tuck are those in relatively decent physical shape, but have excess skin or fat in the abdominal area which is resistant to exercise. Women who have had multiple pregnancies and suffer from excess skin in the lower abdomen and loose abdominal muscles are good candidates for this surgery. The skin and muscles have stretched beyond the point where they can naturally return to a normal shape and location. Additionally, people who have lost a lot of weight and have excess skin in the abdominal area can be treated effectively. Older people whose skin is sagging or losing elasticity are also good candidates.

What Kind of Expectations Should I Have for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

The repair and tightening of the abdominal muscles as well as the removal of the excess skin can greatly improve the patients' body contour and appearance. This improved appearance can improve self-confidence and help change the way others interact with you. However, the surgery cannot bring back your youth or create the ideal figure. Moreover, there is no guarantee that other people will treat you differently after surgery.

A tummy tuck does produce a permanent scar, generally speaking across the full width of the midsection. If you are concerned about scarring, or if you already have other abdominal scars, you may not be a good candidate for surgery. When making a decision about a tummy tuck, you should consider these factors to ensure realistic expectations.

Discuss the Possibilities With a Qualified Tummy Tuck Surgeon

It is best to consult a qualified tummy tuck surgeon in order to make a decision about the tummy tuck procedure. These surgeons generally have before-and-after photos that you can view to see the results of other patients and to learn more about your expected outcomes. Moreover, the plastic surgeon can discuss the details of the surgical procedure, the type of anesthetic that will be used, the extent of skin removal and muscle repair during surgery, and the recovery period that is expected .

Who Should Postpone a Tummy Tuck?

Women who are considering additional pregnancies should postpone the surgery until after their final pregnancy. The vertical abdominal muscles, or rectal muscles, which are repaired during the tummy tuck procedure, can separate again during pregnancy. Those people who intend to lose a large amount of weight should also postpone surgery until after the weight loss.

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