After years of dieting and exercising, you may still be frustrated with the way your abdominal area looks. The frustration is even worse when you have loose skin or fat deposits that won’t budge no matter what you do.
The good news is that a tummy tuck can help you safely and efficiently get rid of excess skin and fat. Although you will lose a little bit of weight once that extra skin and fat are gone, a tummy tuck isn’t really a weight loss procedure. Instead, it’s a body contouring surgery that tightens your midsection, defines your waist, and highlights the hard work you’ve already done on your body. Here’s what you need to know about the procedure.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tightens the underlying muscles for a flatter and smoother tummy. This is often done after significant weight loss or pregnancy because these events can cause the skin and muscles in the abdominal area to stretch and sag.
Why Would I Need a Tummy Tuck?
There are several reasons you might consider getting a tummy tuck:
- Excess skin. If you’ve lost significant weight or had a baby, you may have sagging, surplus skin.
- Abdominal muscle separation. Pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and aging can cause your abdominal muscles to separate, leading to a bulging appearance in the abdominal area.
- Stubborn fat pockets. Despite your best efforts to diet and exercise, you may have stubborn pockets of fat that simply won’t go away.
- Post-bariatric surgery. If you’ve had weight loss surgery, a tummy tuck removes your excess skin and provides a smoother, more toned appearance.
A tummy tuck can be a good option for those who have reached their ideal weight and have maintained it for some time but still have concerns about the appearance of their abdominal area.
How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
During the procedure, the surgeon makes a horizontal incision in the lower abdomen, removes the excess skin and fat, and tightens the abdominal muscles. The remaining skin is then pulled taut and sutured closed, leaving the patient with a flatter and more toned-looking stomach.
It’s important to note that a tummy tuck is a significant surgery and should only be performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon.
Does a Tummy Tuck Help You Lose Weight?
As I mentioned, a tummy tuck isn’t designed as a weight loss procedure. In fact, a tummy tuck is typically performed after a person has reached their ideal weight and has maintained it for some time. That said, tummy tuck surgery can result in a weight loss of about 4 pounds of excess skin and fat. You can see how much fitter and trimmer my patients look after a tummy tuck in the photos below and in my photo gallery:
Does a Tummy Tuck Motivate You To Stay Fit?
Many patients report that tummy tuck surgery has helped them be more motivated to stick with a healthy diet or even jump-start a more intensive exercise regimen. There may be several reasons for this:
- Exercise may feel more comfortable than before your surgery.
- You want to maintain your flat new tummy.
- It’s motivating to look great in your clothes.
- Feeling self-confident helps you be more disciplined about your self-care.
How Long Do the Results of a Tummy Tuck Last?
The length of time your results last will depend on several factors, including your age, genetics, lifestyle, and whether you’ve had any significant changes in your weight or had another pregnancy.
While the removal of excess skin and fat is permanent, a tummy tuck is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. You’ll need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to avoid gaining weight and putting stress on the abdominal area, which can cause the skin and muscles to stretch and sag again.
Additionally, aging can affect the results of a tummy tuck. Over time, the skin may lose some of its elasticity, and the muscles in the abdominal area may weaken, leading to a recurrence of the sagging appearance.
However, with proper care and maintenance, the results of a tummy tuck can last for many years, and you can enjoy a smoother, flatter, and more toned-looking stomach. It’s important to discuss the expected longevity of your results with your surgeon during the consultation process.
Request a Consultation
If you’re interested in speaking with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon about a tummy tuck or a mommy makeover with a tummy tuck, call my Burbank office today at (818) 500-0823 or request a consultation.
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