As one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures, hundreds of thousands of patients around the world undergo a tummy tuck every year to smooth their abdomen and achieve a slimmer waistline. It’s easy to see why tummy tuck surgery is so popular in Philadelphia and elsewhere — the procedure can be exceptionally effective at safely providing patients with a flatter, more attractive mid-section. When patients come to see Dr. David Bottger, our Philadelphia board-certified plastic surgeon, one of the most essential questions they ask is whether abdominoplasty is enough to obtain the abdominal improvements they desire. It’s important to understand a procedure’s benefits and limitations before moving forward, so our team has offered insight into the factors that contribute to an ideal tummy tuck candidate:
Timing
- Post-Pregnancy: Women who have undergone one or many pregnancies may find that their abdominal muscles have been stretched and weakened, and excess skin has developed. Tummy tuck surgery can help restore a firmer, more toned abdominal contour, but it’s important to not have future plans for children to avoid re-stretching the internal muscles.
- Post-Weight Loss: Those who have achieved major weight loss, either through exercise or bariatric surgery, may be left with loose, sagging skin around the abdomen. A tummy tuck can be the last step in a patient’s weight loss journey to remove excess skin and provide a more sculpted appearance.
Aesthetic Concerns
- Aging and Skin Elasticity: As you age, the skin loses its elasticity and the midsection may sag or develop wrinkles. Tummy tucks can address these issues, creating a smoother and more youthful silhouette.
- Separated Internal Muscles: Particularly after pregnancy and weight loss, the abdominal muscles tend to weaken and separate over time. No amount of dieting and exercise can repair these muscles, but abdominoplasty is highly effective in bringing stretched musculature back together.
- Stubborn Fat: Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to carry excess fat in the tummy, and natural solutions alone may not be sufficient to achieve the desired results. In such cases, a tummy tuck can help reshape the abdomen.
General Health and Lifestyle
- No Unmanaged Medical Conditions: Patients thinking about a tummy tuck should not have any underlying medical conditions that could increase the risks associated with surgery. It is also important that candidates have realistic expectations and a commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle post-surgery.
- Non-Smokers: Smoking can interfere with the body’s ability to heal and increase the risk of complications. We recommend that candidates for a tummy tuck are non-smokers or committed to not smoking for several weeks before and after the surgery.
- Stable Weight: Candidates should be at a stable weight before undergoing a tummy tuck. Significant fluctuations in weight can impact the results of the surgery.
We understand you likely still have questions about the procedure and choosing the best tummy tuck surgeon for your needs. There are a number of variations on the tummy tuck procedure, and we’ll help you find the choice that’s right for you. Contact our Philadelphia office today.