What a Tummy Tuck Can and Can’t Do
Are you bothered by excess skin and fat on your abdomen that cannot be corrected with diet and exercise alone? Or perhaps you have a protruding belly that is caused by weakened or separated abdominal muscles. If this sounds like you, you may be a great candidate for a tummy tuck procedure. Read on to learn more about this procedure option and what it can and cannot achieve.
A Tummy Tuck Can Create a Flat Abdomen
A tummy tuck procedure, also called an abdominoplasty, is an effective way to eliminate excess fat around the abdomen using liposuction, as well as repair and suture weakened or separated abdominal muscles. This can be especially beneficial for women who have just experienced pregnancy or childbirth.
This procedure can help you achieve a slimmer version of your body profile, for a boost in confidence and a jump-start to a healthier lifestyle.
An Abdominoplasty Can’t Prevent Weight Gain
Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck will be at a stable weight, as weight gain after the procedure can greatly diminish results. While excess fat is removed around the belly during treatment, it cannot prevent future weight gain. Because of this, you will have to live a healthy and active lifestyle with no future plans for pregnancy to maintain results.
It is also important to note that a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. Its main goal is to remove excess skin, tighten the abdominal wall, and eliminate small pockets of stubborn fat.
A Tummy Tuck Can Remove Excess Skin
Individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or pregnancy are often left with saggy, lax abdominal skin. If exercise is not enough to treat your skin laxity, a tummy tuck is a great surgical skin-tightening solution. This procedure can either focus on the lower abdomen (mini tummy tuck) or on the entire abdominal area (full tummy tuck).
A Tummy Tuck Can’t Eliminate All Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are often caused by rapid weight fluctuation and are commonly found around the abdomen, hips, and thighs. While some skin is removed during a tummy tuck, this procedure should not be considered a complete stretch mark treatment or solution. However, the stretch marks below the belly button will be surgically removed in a tummy tuck. If you are bothered by stretch marks in other areas, it is recommended that you discuss other options to remove stretch marks with your plastic surgeon.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are considering tummy tuck surgery and would like to discuss your candidacy, please contact Dr. Delgado today to schedule a consultation appointment. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Delgado offers outstanding results for patients in Novato, San Francisco, and beyond.
