Posted: June 26, 2017
Abdominoplasty, also called “tummy tuck,” is one of the most popular types of plastic surgery available, especially for new mothers and those who have lost a large amount of weight. Pregnancy and excessive weight gain both stretch the skin, and after the baby is born or the weight is lost, that stretched skin may not snap back into place. Rather, it hangs loose, and can cause embarrassment or self-confidence issues.
Stretched skin and muscle unfortunately cannot be reduced or eliminated through diet and exercise alone. The skin has lost its elasticity, and will continue to droop unless surgically removed. In some cases, particularly in young patients, the skin still retains elasticity after pregnancy and a tummy tuck is not necessary. For others, though, a tummy tuck may be an enticing option.
Who Is An Ideal Tummy Tuck Candidate?
The ideal abdominoplasty candidate will:
- Lead a healthy lifestyle
- Be physically fit
- Have realistic expectations
- Be at a stable weight
It’s very important to realize that a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. If you are trying to shed weight following pregnancy, or if your weight loss journey is not yet complete, it may be a good idea to wait until you are at or near your ideal weight before having an abdominoplasty procedure. At the very least, you will need to be at a stable weight that you can maintain in order to achieve the best results.
Tummy Tuck and Liposuction
Many patients may find that a tummy tuck combined with liposuction will get them closer to their goals. Liposuction is also not a weight loss treatment, but it can help with stubborn pockets of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise.
Having a liposuction procedure together with a tummy tuck can allow for a more sculpted look than is possible with a tummy tuck alone.
In addition, at our office we offer a few different types of tummy tuck procedures for our patients. These include:
- Standard tummy tuck: This procedure removes excess skin and fat around the waistline and tightens the abdominal muscles.
- Mini tummy tuck: A mini tummy tuck is the same as a standard one, except that the muscles may not be tightened and smaller amounts of tissue are removed.
- “Around the World”: This type of abdominoplasty removes loose skin not only from the abdomen, but from the sides and back as well. It is a more comprehensive and intense procedure that may be suitable for people who have lost massive amounts of weight.
If you are interested in a tummy tuck procedure, call North Texas Plastic Surgery today at 972-627-4175 to schedule your consultation. We serve the Dallas, Plano, Southlake, and nearby North Texas areas.