A Healthy Weight For Abdominoplasty
There is not a simple, straightforward answer to this question. Your surgeon will assess you and help you determine if you are a good candidate for abdominoplasty. But there are some general guidelines that will help you understand the role your weight plays in the decision to undergo abdominoplasty and the outcomes of this surgery.
Most surgeons will recommend that you are within 10 pounds of your goal weight or ideal weight before abdominoplasty. This does not mean that you have to be thin or extremely fit. It is a weight that works for you and that you feel good and comfortable at. Your ideal weight is a weight range that you can easily maintain with your regular eating and exercise habits. You should have maintained this ideal weight for at least six months prior to tummy tuck surgery.
Why?
There are a few reasons your plastic surgeon will recommend you are close to your ideal weight and that your weight has remained stable:
- This will help your surgeon deliver the best possible results. Abdominoplasty is not a weight loss solution. And although your surgeon will remove pockets of stubborn fat and excess skin in the abdominal area, this won’t result in significant weight loss. The typical amount of fat and tissue removed is only about 3-5 pounds. The removal of this tissue along with the repair of your abdominal muscles will give you a more streamlined stomach, and you will lose a few inches around your midsection, but your weight will be relatively unchanged.
- Significant weight fluctuations after abdominoplasty will impact your surgical outcomes. Weight gain and weight loss after tummy tuck surgery can stretch out your skin and muscles again and lead to unwanted fat deposits. These changes would require additional surgery to address.
- Pregnancy after abdominoplasty will compromise your results too. The weight gain and physical changes associated with pregnancy can weaken or damage your abdominal muscles, stretch out your skin, and result in pockets of fat in the abdomen. It is recommended that you wait until you have decided you will not have more children before opting for abdominoplasty.
When you are at a healthy and easily maintainable weight prior to abdominoplasty, you can be assured that your results will last for a long time.
For tips on maintaining your new, sculpted silhouette after abdominoplasty, read
Do I Need to Change My Diet After Abdominoplasty?,
Tips To Keep Your Tummy Flat After a Tummy Tuck, and Exercising After Abdominoplasty.
Learn More About Abdominoplasty At Alberta Plastic Surgery
Abdominoplasty can be a transformative cosmetic surgical procedure to reveal a trimmer, tighter midsection. If you have stubborn deposits of fat that will not go away despite your best efforts with diet and exercise, or if you are unhappy with the appearance of your belly after significant weight loss or pregnancy or due to genetics or aging, tummy tuck surgery might be right for you. Whether you are already at a healthy weight or you are on a weight loss journey, book your complimentary consultation with Dr. Ladak and explore your options for abdominoplasty and other effective body contouring treatments.
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: How many scars will I have after abdominoplasty?
A: All abdominoplasty procedures will result in a horizontal scar across your pelvis and depending on the technique your plastic surgeon uses to make sure you achieve the desired results, you may have a scar around your belly button or you could even have a scar that extends down vertically from your navel. Scars are unavoidable, but you can take care to facilitate healing and minimize scarring. Once healed, your abdominoplasty scar will be easily hidden by your underwear or bathing suit.
Q: How long does it take to heal after abdominoplasty?
A: Recovery after tummy tuck surgery is different for everyone and you need to give yourself time to rest and recuperate. But in general, it can take up to six weeks or even longer to fully heal. Most patients can resume all normal activity at about the six-week mark if they have been cleared by their surgeon. Read A Plastic Surgeon's Guide To Recovering After Abdominoplasty for more information.
Q: Why do I still have a belly after my tummy tuck?
A: Abdominal swelling after a tummy tuck is very typical for a cosmetic surgery this extensive. So don’t feel dismayed that your surgery did not work. You can learn more about why your belly is not completely flat after abdominoplasty here.
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