A tummy tuck is a popular name for the surgical procedure formally known as abdominoplasty. This procedure involves tightening abdominal muscles and removing loose skin to create a flattering stomach. It may also involve the removal of excess fat from the area to further enhance your results. A tummy tuck is often recommended for women who have finished childbearing and would like to improve their figure. It is also a good option for men and women who have had massive weight loss or simply a flabby abdomen that has not improved with diet and exercise.
It is not uncommon for anyone to have a tummy tuck if they feel their protruding abdomen is unattractive and embarrassing when they wear a bathing suit or revealing clothing. With a large midsection, self-confidence can be reduced, which could create a chronic negative or depressed personality. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the majority of people who undergo abdominoplasty experience improved self-esteem after the procedure.
A tummy tuck will result in a flat tummy and a more youthful-looking body. However, we recommend that you maintain a healthy weight and finish having children before undergoing this procedure to get the best results from it. You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you have worked hard to reduce the size of your abdomen to no effect. You may have lost weight, but your abdomen still sags and protrudes to the point that it is visible through clothing. If you would like to consider having this procedure, you should not smoke. If you do, you should use this as a good excuse to quit at least six weeks before the date of your surgery.
Your weight should be stable. Those who are at or near their ideal weight will benefit most from this procedure. In some cases, it would be recommended to lose weight before having the surgery, but some fat pockets around the abdomen can be removed with liposuction. During a consultation with our surgeon, your overall health and medical records will be examined. You can discuss your expectations and learn more about the procedure. If you are in good overall health and have realistic expectations, you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck.
There are several options for a tummy tuck, including a full abdominoplasty, which is the most common, a mini abdominoplasty, which is popular for people who are already in good shape and a high lateral tension abdominoplasty, which may extend up to the hips.
After pregnancy or major weight loss, the abdomen muscles and skin may become slack and loose. An abdominoplasty is often called a tummy tuck because it corrects the bulging skin and muscles to give you a flatter, firmer abdomen. Our plastic surgeon provides this procedure with care and expertise at Town and Country Plastic Surgeons. If you are in the Houston area and interested in finding out if a tummy tuck is right for you, contact us today to schedule your consultation!