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Am I An Ideal Tummy Tuck Candidate?

Many of our patients at Art Plastic Surgery visit our practice for help obtaining a slimmer, more toned figure. A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is specifically intended for patients who are already at or near their ideal body weight and need a little extra assistance getting rid of excess skin and isolated pockets of fat in the stomach region. In addition, patients must be in relatively good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcome of their procedure.

A good number of our tummy tuck patients are women who want to regain their pre-pregnancy figure and are struggling with that last bit of stubborn fat and/or loose skin around the abdomen. Many of these women are ideal candidates for a tummy tuck and even choose to combine the body contouring procedure with a breast lift or breast augmentation to complete a “mommy makeover.” Our male patients have also benefited greatly from abdominoplasty. As we naturally age, our bodies tend to retain more inelastic tissue and fat around the abdomen compared to our younger years. In spite of regular diet and rigorous exercise, many of our male patients still have stubborn areas of concern that simply won’t go away, and a tummy tuck can often help them achieve a flatter, more defined abdomen.

Regardless of gender and/or the specific cause of redundant skin and fat, tummy tuck surgery can often be an excellent option for individuals seeking to:

  • Get rid of excess skin and fat in and around the abdominal region
  • Reduce the appearance of abdominal stretch marks
  • Smooth and firm the lower stomach and abdomen
  • Sculpt the waistline for a more toned and contoured aesthetic
  • Achieve a better fit in certain swimsuit and/or clothing varieties

During the abdominoplasty procedure, an incision is made above the pubic area, usually extending from hip to hip. The bellybutton is then typically freed from surrounding tissue, and excess skin is removed. The remaining skin is redraped and pulled taut for a flatter, firmer look. In many instances, liposuction is also employed in conjunction with the procedure to extract stubborn fat buildups from the region for an enhanced appearance.

Due to the surgical nature of abdominoplasty, patients must have a sufficient amount of time available for recovery following the procedure to be considered a good candidate. Most individuals will need to rest for approximately one to two weeks before non-strenuous work and/or daily routines can be resumed, and any activities that place excess strain on the abdominal region should be avoided for a minimum of six weeks.

Ultimately, every patient is unique, and candidacy for tummy tuck surgery will need to be determined on an individual basis. As a result, we encourage anyone interested in this popular body sculpting procedure to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has the skill and expertise necessary to properly identify ideal candidates, as well as to formulate and execute an appropriate treatment plan for their specific needs and goals.

Contact Art Plastic Surgery

To learn more about the tummy tuck procedure, please contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Luis A. Zapiach or Dr. John T. Cozzone.

Editor’s note: The original version of this post was published on October 24, 2014.

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