Who Is An Ideal Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

A major aesthetic concern among many men and women is excess abdominal skin and fat that does respond to even strenuous diet and exercise. Factors such as excessive weight loss, pregnancy or genetics are usually the underlying reasons for the issue. Fortunately, tummy tuck surgery can provide the solution. This cosmetic surgical procedure removes excess fat and sagging skin in the abdominal area to result in a toned, more youthful appearance.

If you’re wondering whether you’re an ideal candidate for tummy tuck, understanding the criteria for candidacy is the first step toward a more confident you.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

If you are looking for a procedure that helps to restore strength and stability in the abdominal and pelvic region post-birth along with a flatter, firmer abdominal shape then tummy tuck could be the ideal option. Besides providing aesthetic benefits, a tummy tuck can also provide medical benefits such as improving back pain and urinary incontinence, the two most common physical complaints by women after labor and delivery. The procedure can also reduce the risks of medical conditions such as diabetes, fungal infections, heart and liver disease, and even heart attack. However, not all men and women meet the tummy tuck eligibility criteria.

Here are the key aspects that determine your candidacy for the procedure:

• Have a healthy, stable body weight: Tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss procedure. If you are considering this plastic surgery treatment, you should lose weight to reach a healthy BMI, and make sure that your new weight is stable.
• Have loose skin in the abdominal area: Having a significant amount of excess skin around the abdominal area will allow the plastic surgeon to create a fairly large incision to perform the procedure. Not having excess skin can cause tension in the scar leading to a “stretched look”. The surgeon will assess your skin’s elasticity, muscle laxity, degree of stretch marks and type of belly fat to determine whether a tummy tuck is right for you.
• Are in overall good health: Candidates must be in good physical shape to tolerate the procedure. Even though a tummy tuck is a low-risk procedure, it is not recommended for patients who have serious underlying health issues. Health problems can affect the healing process.
• Lax abdominal muscles after delivery: Women who have undergone one or more pregnancies are good candidates for this procedure. For some, pregnancy may lead to muscle weakness or loose skin in the abdominal area. It is usually not possible for the muscles and skin to return to their pre-pregnancy condition with just diet and exercise. For these reasons, a tummy tuck is often part of a mommy makeover, a combination procedure designed to help mothers regain their pre-pregnancy body contour. It is important to wait till you decide to stop having children to undergo a tummy tuck. Pregnancy can separate the repaired muscles and re-stretch the skin around your belly, meaning you will have to undergo another procedure to restore the results of your first tummy tuck. This is why many women consider tummy tuck after weight loss or pregnancy.
• Major weight loss: People who have undergone massive weight loss through bariatric surgery are suitable for tummy tuck. This body contouring procedure can reduce the excess skin and fat left behind after dramatic weight loss. If you’re unsure who qualifies for a tummy tuck procedure, it’s best to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who can assess your individual goals and physical condition.

Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures: Which One Is Right for You?

There are different types of tummy tucks. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will recommend the best option best for you based on an assessment of your skin, tissue, and other factors.

• A complete tummy tuck addresses the entire midsection. This procedure requires two incisions – one in the lower abdomen from one hip to the other, and a second one made around the navel. Excess fat and skin are removed from both the upper and lower abdomen and the muscles are tightened to provide a firmer, flatter abdomen. This type of tummy tuck is recommended to address post-pregnancy body changes, and for women who have experienced major weight loss and are unhappy with how their bodies have changed due to genetics or aging (www.plasticsurgery.org).
• A mini tummy tuck is recommended for women who want to correct physical changes after pregnancy and tighten muscles to correct a slightly protruding tummy. This procedure is recommended when only a small amount of abdominal skin needs to be removed, and there is no substantial protruding of the abdominal muscle wall.
• A high lateral tension tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin and also provides a visibly improved contour. The procedure tightens the abdominal muscles and skin as well as the skin that lies just below the breasts on the upper abdomen.
• A liposuction-only abdominoplasty procedure is recommended for younger patients with elastic skin and moderate fat deposits. Performed using FDA approved, minimally-invasive advanced liposuction devices such as BodyTite and VASER lipo, this procedure offers all the benefits of a traditional abdominoplasty but with greater efficiency and less downtime. If the candidate has good abdominal muscle tone, they can expect to achieve remarkable results.
• A Brazilian tummy tuck in NYC trims the abdominal area and also rejuvenates the inner thighs with minimal scars. The scars remain inconspicuous since the incisions are generally made on the bikini line.

To determine if you are a good candidate for tummy tuck procedure, schedule a consultation in an AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery practice that has plastic surgeons who are experts in performing the procedure. The outcome of your tummy tuck depends on the surgeon’s expertise and various other considerations. After clearing you for the treatment, a reliable plastic surgeon will evaluate your anatomical considerations and recommend the type of tummy tuck that will best meet your goals.