Also known as a “tummy tuck", abdominoplasty is the most effective cosmetic surgery for achieving a flat, taut stomach.
Is a Tummy Tuck Right For You?
Every person and tummy tuck is unique. The only way to know if you’re a good candidate for abdominoplasty is to schedule a consultation with a reputable surgeon. Ideal candidates are at or close to a healthy weight but struggle with loose skin and perhaps stubborn pockets of fat. Patients should be non-smokers and generally healthy. Tummy tucks can often address the following issues:
- Saggy skin in the belly area
- Loss of abdominal muscle tone
- Fat deposits around the belly that don’t budge with diet and exercise
- Stretched-out belly skin after childbirth or weight loss
Women who plan to have biological children in the future might be advised to postpone their tummy tuck until after childbirth. There’s a risk of muscles tightened during a tummy tuck becoming separated in pregnancy.
Patients who plan to lose a lot of weight should also wait. However, those who are severely overweight are usually not a good candidate for tummy tucks to begin with. These patients might be better served with a traditional weight loss strategy or weight loss surgery.
