Are you bothered by an overhanging stomach? Sporting an otherwise healthy figure apart from some loose skin from a pregnancy or weight loss? Sometimes non-surgical devices don’t seem to cut it, and you may be left with results that are less than exciting. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) may be an option for you.
Having a flatter, sleeker and firmer stomach can dramatically change your confidence, improving the way you feel about your body. A tummy tuck, personalised to your needs, can help improve your body shape and contour for years to come.
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure, to tighten and reshape the abdominal area, helping to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing and slimmer appearance.
During the procedure, the abdominal muscles are tightened and excess, sagging skin is removed, leaving the stomach flatter and more toned. Tummy tucks are popular for both men and women who have undergone dramatic changes in their body shape through weight loss or pregnancy.
Undergoing a tummy tuck is a very personal decision and patients who choose to have the procedure may do so for a variety of reasons. As no two patients are the same, your surgeon will recommend the best procedure to meet your individual concerns and to achieve a natural-looking result.
Who is a good candidate?
Good candidates for a tummy tuck will be at or near their ideal body weight, a non-smoker and in good health.
A tummy tuck can help address many issues that you don’t like about your stomach shape in order to achieve a firmer, flatter abdomen. Whether you have lost a dramatic amount of weight through diet and exercise and now have loose excess skin that overhangs, or have stretched abdominal muscles and skin after a pregnancy, a tummy tuck may be for you.
What can I expect after surgery?
While there have been hundreds of thousands of tummy tucks performed all over the world, an abdominoplasty is still major surgery and, just like any other surgery, has potential risks and complications. Always ensure your surgeon educates you about the pros and cons, and that you’re fully aware of the procedure.
A tummy tuck involves surgery on the abdominal muscles, so expect a fair bit of downtime. In most cases you will be left with a small scar – but a lot of patients view this as a small price to pay for a flatter, tauter tummy.
Depending on your job, you may be ready to return to work after 2-4 weeks. If you have younger children, it is usually advised that you have some help due to limits on lifting and straining, however your surgeon will set instructions for you to follow closely.
You can expect to be sore and somewhat uncomfortable for the first week or so and spend the first few days resting at home. However, you may be encouraged to get up and walk around the house to maintain healthy circulation.
The results? Firmer and tighter abdominal muscles, and reduced excess skin. Future pregnancies and weight gain may negatively effect your results, so it’s suggested if you’re planning on having more children or if you are still working on reaching your goal weight, it’s best to put a tummy tuck off until you have achieved these milestones.
A tummy tuck can be a life-changing procedure, helping you enjoy a slimmer, more streamlined figure that looks and feels better. With a healthy lifestyle, these results can be maintained for years to come.
