Am I A Good Candidate For A Tummy Tuck?

Is A Tummy Tuck Right For Me?

As with any cosmetic surgical procedure, it is important to understand what to expect from surgery and recovery, and to have realistic expectations about the possible results. Another key piece that should inform your decision to opt for tummy tuck surgery is your own suitability for this surgical procedure.

To learn more about abdominoplasty surgery, read Abdominoplasty Myths: The Truth About Tummy Tucks.
To understand the healing process after a tummy tuck, read A Plastic Surgeon's Guide To Recovering After Abdominoplasty.

Tummy tuck surgery is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries. It is a safe and effective way to correct excess skin and fat in your midsection that does not respond to diet and exercise. There are also non-aesthetic benefits to abdominoplasty like a reduction of stress urinary incontinence. But this procedure is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some indications that a tummy tuck could be right for you:

1. You Are In Good Health And Committed To A Healthy Lifestyle: Despite being safe and low-risk, abdominoplasty is still a major surgical procedure. It requires general anaesthetic and several weeks for recovery. The ideal tummy tuck candidate will be a non-smoker, free from any underlying conditions that could increase the risk of complications such as autoimmune or bleeding disorders, not considered obese, and not on medications or supplements that could interfere with surgery or recovery. The ideal tummy tuck candidate will also be committed to a healthy lifestyle for the long term to keep your tummy flat. This includes healthy eating, exercise, avoiding tobacco use and limiting alcohol use, maintaining a healthy weight, and proper skin care.
2. You Have Sufficient Loose Skin: Although you may think that anyone considering tummy tuck surgery has excessive loose skin in their abdomen, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, even though pockets of fat may make it appear as if you have excess skin, there may not be enough to achieve a natural result without your abdomen appearing pulled or stretched. If your skin has good elasticity, liposuction may be a more suitable cosmetic procedure for you. Or if you only have excess skin on your lower abdomen, below your belly button, a mini tummy tuck might be a better option.
3. You Are NOT Planning To Be Pregnant Or To Lose More Weight: When you are opting for tummy tuck surgery, it is ideal to be within 10 pounds of your desired weight and to maintain a stable weight for at least 6 months. Dramatic weight loss or gain could negatively impact the results of your abdominoplasty. There is no risk to you or your baby if you become pregnant after a tummy tuck, but the significant weight gain and stretching skin, as well as the risk of torn abdominal muscles, will likely undo the results of your surgery. For these reasons it is recommended that you wait until you are done having children and until you reach your goal weight before considering a tummy tuck.

Beautiful And Lasting Tummy Tuck Results With An Edmonton Plastic Surgeon

One of the most important factors to being an ideal candidate for tummy tuck surgery is to have reasonable expectations about the results of your surgery. Know that Tummy tuck surgery will result in some apparent scarring. The removal of pockets of fat during abdominoplasty means that those cells are gone permanently and the excess skin that is removed will reveal a smoother, tighter waistline. But if you do not take care of your health and work to maintain the results of your tummy tuck surgery, subsequent weight gain could result in stretched-out skin and new fat deposits. The results of your tummy tuck may not be immediately apparent; it could take up to a year before you will see your final silhouette. But if you are in good health and your plastic surgeon approved you for tummy tuck surgery, beautiful and lasting results will have you looking good, and feeling even better.

If you are considering tummy tuck surgery to smooth and contour your midsection and to repair weakened or damaged abdominal muscles, the team at Alberta Plastic Surgery can guide you in exploring your options for tummy tuck surgery. Book your complimentary consultation today.

Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified and top surgeon in Edmonton, Alberta, and is highly skilled in cosmetic plastic surgery and other non-surgical rejuvenating cosmetic procedures. Dr. Ladak is a fully qualified Fellow of the Royal Canadian College of Physicians and Surgeons and his team is committed to providing patients with the facts and education to make the most informed decisions about their appearance and health. To explore all of your options to help you feel and look your best, visit Alberta Plastic Surgery in Edmonton by booking your complimentary consultation. Call us at (780) 407-6691 or fill out the form below.

FAQ

Q: Are there benefits to combining liposuction and a tummy tuck?
A: In order to achieve optimal contouring results, your plastic surgeon may recommend combining liposuction and plastic surgery. Learn more about The Benefits Of Combining Liposuction With Plastic Surgery here.

Q: How much weight should I lose before having a tummy tuck?
A: It is ideal to be within 10 pounds of your desired goal weight and to maintain a stable weight for at least 6 months to achieve optimal results from a tummy tuck procedure. Abdominoplasty should not be considered a weight loss solution. To read more about this and other common myths read The Truth About Tummy Tucks.

Q: How long until I will be able to exercise after my tummy tuck surgery?
A: You may be anxious to put on the leggings and the sports bra and hit the gym with your new physique, but don’t rush your recovery. Returning to vigorous exercise too soon after surgery could jeopardize your results. To learn more about a safe return to your workouts, read Exercising After Abdominoplasty.