A Few Things About Tummy Tuck That You Should Know

by Sarah Morris Consultant

Liposuction and tummy tuck seem to be the rave thing these days.

That doesn’t really come as a wonder.

Liposuction, with more than 250,000 procedures, and tummy tuck, with a little over 130,000 procedures, were both among the top 5 cosmetic surgical procedures in 2018 in the United States.

The reasons for the immense popularity of these procedures is not far to seek.

Tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, shapes your abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the muscles while liposuction sculpts the waist and flanks.

According to a surgeon who performs fat suction surgery in MD, “Tummy tucks remove loose skin while liposuction helps in removing fat pockets around the tummy area. Both these procedures combined can deliver a naturally lean contour overall”.

People love a slim figure that adjusts well to clothing with a smart fit.

“I always had healthy weight”, says a college professor. “But those stubborn fat deposits and skin laxity made my jeans feel tight. A tummy tuck did a marvelous job”.

Even women who lost weight were disappointed to note that their new shape interferes with their ability to wear smaller sizes.

Is cosmetic surgery meant just to enhance your appearance?

Not necessarily, say several medical professionals.

Tummy tuck offers many medical benefits.

A research has revealed that tummy tuck procedures may help in alleviating symptoms of stress urinary continence.

You achieve an improved posture subsequent to reducing the abdominal bulge. Abdominoplasty restores firmness to the tummy region and improves posture.

Tummy tucks preempt weakening of the abdominal muscles, thereby preventing abdominal tissues to push through and cause ventral hernias.

Tummy tuck reduces pregnancy stretch marks, as also C-section scars.

The final outcome is you look better, feel better, and move about performing your daily routine with boosted self-esteem.

Yet, keep in mind that abdominoplasty does have its own share of drawbacks.

It is a major surgery and the recovery period can be long-drawn. A doctor who specializes in both liposuction and tummy tuck says patients must plan for 2 to 3 weeks of downtime at least.

It has its share of complication rates.

The procedure can leave a conspicuous scar extending across the abdomen.

The procedure is fairly expensive and insurance may not cover it.

You may require further surgeries to fine-tune the results.

However, we can safely assume that people are of the opinion that benefits far outweigh the risks.

You can reduce the risk by choosing the right surgeon.

Choose a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

It is important for you to ensure that you are the right candidate for the procedure.

You must be in reasonably good health with a stable weight, and be a non-smoker as well.

As for the durability of the tummy tuck, do not expect a miracle. As long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle the new contours will hold on. But then as you age your midsection will anyway show.