A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a procedure that can define or restore a shapelier abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the abdominal muscles. It is a particularly popular surgery among moms looking to restore their pre-pregnancy bodies as well as individuals who have lost significant amounts of weight and are struggling with sagging skin remaining in the abdominal area. However, tummy tuck surgery is not right for everyone. The following factors can help you determine if you’re ready for a tummy tuck.
You are prepared for the recovery process.
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that has a significant recovery period. You may need to take a few weeks off work to rest and recover. That’s because the abdominal muscles are tightened after excess skin and fat is removed. A numbing agent will help with pain management in the first 72 hours following the procedure, but it can take up to six weeks for you to feel ready to get back to a normal routine as your muscles heal.
You are close to your target weight.
Though abdominoplasty will remove some excess fat, it is not designed as a weight loss procedure. Therefore, you should be within 5-10 pounds of your target weight prior to surgery. You should also be in generally good health and be a non-smoker to ensure a successful surgical recovery.
You are not planning to have children.
Having children can cause trauma to the abdominal muscles and leave you with a stubborn pocket of fat and sagging skin well beyond your pregnancy. A tummy tuck can address these concerns, but you should wait until you are no longer planning to have any more children to have the surgery. Otherwise, the results may be lost during subsequent pregnancies.
Dr. Maloney is a Harvard-trained plastic surgeon in Tucson who can help you decide if a tummy tuck is the right procedure for your goals. To schedule your personalized consultation at Maloney Plastic Surgery, visit us online or call (520) 298-2330.
