If you are new to plastic surgery and just starting to investigate a tummy tuck, you should definitely keep reading. A tummy tuck sounds pretty straight forward concerning what it will do to improve your body, but there are certain things it can’t do.
Abdominoplasty
The medical name for a tummy tuck is abdominoplasty. It is a plastic surgery for people who wish to eliminate any fat and excess skin in their stomach both the upper and lower part of their tummy. It strengthens muscles and gives you a flat sculpted abdomen like the one you have dreamed about.
If you are a person who has struggled to lose the excess flab and skin in their stomach through exercise and dieting with absolutely no improvement, a tummy tuck might be for you.
This surgery is a major part of a mommy makeover for obvious reasons. After childbirth, your stomach area is one of the hardest to bring back to pre-baby shape.
Best Candidates for a Tummy Tuck
The #1 thing a tummy tuck will do for you is boost your body image. That’s a great start!
Next, this surgery helps someone who has already lost a significant amount of weight, but is left with loose skin in their abdominal area.
If you had a C-section and don’t plan to have more children, this is a great option to get your body back in shape.
If you are maintaining a stable weight, this surgery will enhance and tone your abdominal area.
When a Tummy Tuck Isn’t Right
A medical professional will most likely discourage you from having a tummy tuck due to some specific circumstances like the following:
- You plan to lose a significant amount of weight
- You may get pregnant in the future
- If you have a chronic disease like diabetes or heart disease
- If you body mass is above 30
- If you smoke
- If you have significant scar tissue in that area
Discuss these and other topics with a plastic surgeon to review risk factors.
A smoker may be approved if you do not smoke for a specific time period before and after the surgery.
What a Tummy Tuck Can’t Do
It is not weight loss surgery!
As already mentioned, you must be at a stable weight and not planning to go on a diet after the surgery, and most importantly, it is NOT going to help you lose weight.
Another caution is that a tummy tuck will not prevent you from gaining weight afterward. You must continue to eat healthy and exercise.
If you are craving what a tummy tuck can do for you, and understand what it can’t, it might be time to investigate further at a consultation at our office in Chelmsford.
Contact New England Plastic Surgery Center at (978) 942-4835 to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Loreen Ali, MD and find out if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck. You can also request an appointment through our secure online form.