Shedding the excess fat and loose skin on your midsection can be difficult and hugely frustrating. If you’ve tried several workout routines or gone into different diet plans and nothing seems to work, maybe it’s time for you to consider getting a tummy tuck.

Not sure if a tummy tuck procedure is right for you? Here are some burning questions about tummy tucks, answered.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a type of cosmetic surgery usually performed under general anesthesia. It aims to improve the shape and appearance of the mid-section or abdomen by removing loose skin and excess from it.

There are two types of tummy tuck.

Full tummy tuck

A complete or full tummy tuck is typically done if you want to remove stubborn fat and sagging skin both from the upper and lower abdomen. In a full tummy tuck, the incision goes from hip to hip. Some full tummy tuck surgeries may necessitate creating a new belly button.

Mini tummy tuck

A mini tummy tuck or partial abdominoplasty is performed if the focus is only on your lower abdomen. Unlike in a full tummy tuck, the incision in a mini tummy tuck is smaller. Recovery time is also faster. Patients who undergo a mini tummy tuck can recover in a week, while those who undergo a full tummy tuck may take two months to recover.

Liposuction may be done in combination with a full and a mini tummy tuck to remove fat deposits from the affected areas.

What Are the Advantages of Getting a Tummy Tuck?

Besides the removal of extra fat and baggy skin, getting a tummy tuck offers many benefits. Some of these are:

Flat and toned abdomen

A tummy tuck reconnects and tightens the muscles in the abdomen, giving the mid-section a flatter, more toned appearance. Your waistline will also be slimmer, enabling you to go down a few clothes sizes.

No more stretch marks

Giving birth or losing a significant amount of weight makes not only the skin on the belly areas droopy, but it can also leave stretch marks. A tummy tuck surgery eliminates these unsightly scars, giving your mid-section a smoother and firmer appearance.

Better posture

Excess fat in your abdominal area can weaken muscles in your abdomen and add pressure on your back. Removal of fat from the belly area helps relieve lower back pain, helping correct posture.

SUI relief

SUI or Stress Urinary Incontinence can happen to women who have had multiple pregnancies. Results from a 2014 research say that abdominoplasty helps in reducing SUI.

Ventral hernia improvement

A ventral hernia is the weakening of the abdominal muscles, which causes tissues in the intestines or the abdomen to create a bulge or pouch. The bulge pushes through the abdominal wall, creating a painful sensation when you lift heavy items or perform everyday tasks. A tummy tuck surgery can help correct this condition.

Are You a Good Candidate for Tummy Tuck?

A cosmetic surgeon will evaluate your medical history first to determine if you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck and to prevent complications from happening during and after the procedure. You’re suitable for a tummy tuck if:

  • You are physically fit and within 20 pounds from weight goal
  • You don’t smoke
  • You are 25 to 60 years old
  • You have enough flabby skin to prevent unsightly scarring
  • You have no plans of getting pregnant

Meanwhile, you may not be a good candidate for abdominoplasty if:

  • Your body is intolerant to anesthesia
  • You have a weak immune system
  • You have diabetes, heart disease or are suffering from medical conditions that may make healing difficult
  • You have poor blood circulation and tend to develop blood clots
  • You tend to develop scarring issues such as keloids
  • You are obese
A Tummy Tuck Surgery Can Change Your Life

Undergoing tummy tuck or abdominoplasty doesn’t only help make you feel more confident about the way you look. As mentioned above, you can also enjoy many health benefits from it.

At Palmer Cosmetic Surgery, you can rest assured that a board-certified cosmetic surgeon can help you make the first step to a slimmer, more toned body.

Fill out our online form here to book a free consultation.