Talk About Tummy Tucks: Are You a Good Candidate?
In the year 2014, the tummy tuck procedure was the sixth most common form of cosmetic surgery performed. There were 117,158 tummy tuck procedures documented by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Since 2000, the tummy tuck procedure has increased in popularity by 87%. As awareness increases about the availability and safety of the tummy tuck procedures, more men and women are considering this option. With the increase of TV shows documenting the weight loss of obese individuals, an aspect that these reality shows tend to leave out is the results of the contestants weight loss—plenty of loose skin and tissue.
Massive weight loss or weakened muscles and loosened skin following pregnancy are the most common reasons that individuals seek the abdominoplasty surgery. Let’s take a look at these top two reasons in more depth.
Massive weight loss:
Individuals that have successfully been able to rid themselves of excess weight are often disappointed by the results that their work has produced. While they may be incredibly fit, having stripped their body of its excess fat and developed keenly toned muscles, the rest of the world may still not be able to see it.
Excess skin and fatty bulges that refuse to diminish despite weight loss in other areas plague those men and women that have put so much energy in getting back to a healthy body. Excess skin can create ‘curtains’ and drooping tissue, giving the appearance of being overweight or aged well beyond the actual years of the individual.
The abdominoplasty surgery is able to remove these excess pieces of tissue and fat, allowing the skin to show the newly gained contours of the body beneath. Liposuction of the hips or areas that are not responding to dieting and exercise may also be performed at this time.
Having a tummy tuck following the achievement of massive weight loss has been for so many individuals the crossing of the final goal line. Everything that they’ve worked for can finally be seen, as their skin and tummy is tightened to show off their new contours.
REALITY CHECK:
The tummy tuck surgery is not the correct option for those individuals that are still significantly overweight. Instead, these men and women should focus on losing additional weight so that they can be prepared for their tummy tuck surgery.
Additionally, those who struggle with weight gain must realize that the tummy tuck surgery will be affected by future weight gain. It is not a means of preventing weight gain or achieving weight loss.
Pregnancy:
Children are one of life’s greatest gifts to many women. And while the end result of their long pregnancy is worth it, the toll that pregnancy takes on their bodies can be great.
Women that have had multiple children will often face great difficulties in being able to restore their body to a trim waistline. In most cases, this is simply because the muscles and skin have been stretched to such a great extent that they have lost their elasticity. These moms find that no matter how much exercise they engage in, no matter how carefully they eat, the post-baby pooch just won’t seem to go away.
The simple way to resolve this is through a tummy tuck procedure. No amount of exercise or dieting can repair stretched skin and muscle, but by neatly removing the skin and surgically tightening the muscles the trim tummy can be revealed.
Too many mothers experience insecurity about their post-baby bodies, and they are uncomfortable and self-conscious wearing snug clothing and swimwear. You moms are superwomen and we want to help you feel like it.
REALITY CHECK:
Women that are hoping to have additional children in the future will not be a good candidate for the tummy tuck. Pregnancy can cause the sutured muscles to separate.
Also, the tummy tuck procedure should not be performed until quite some time after childbirth. Mothers will continue to lose baby-weight and naturally have their muscles and skin retract for a number of months following delivery. It is normal for this to take some time.
Choosing the Tummy Tuck surgery:
We understand that surgery can seem daunting for many women. It is a extensive surgery, with deep sutures, anesthesia, and a several week recovery. (For more about the tummy tuck surgery procedures and recovery times, read our free downloadable eBook.)
The reality is, however, when working with an experienced surgeon like Dr. Bryan McIntosh, the abdominoplasty surgery is exceptionally safe and surprisingly affordable. Most clinics, such as ours, offer patient financing programs to help budget for the surgery.
It’s our goal to help you get to the place that you’ve been working so hard to reach. We want to join your team. You worked for this, and you deserve it.