What Abdominoplasty Surgery Can & Cannot Do
Tummy tuck surgery has remained one of the most in-demand cosmetic surgery procedures performed in the US for years. This is largely due to its versatility and ability to help a wide variety of patients. During a tummy tuck, excess skin is removed and damaged abdominal muscles are repaired to help improve the appearance of the abdomen. The result is a trimmer, healthier-looking physique. However, it’s important to remember that a tummy tuck cannot be a solution to every aesthetic issue. To help our patients achieve a clearer understanding of what this procedure can help them achieve, our plastic surgeons have outlined a few things that a tummy tuck can and cannot do.
A tummy tuck can help restore a thinner, younger-looking figure for women following pregnancy and childbirth. It’s natural for the abdominal skin to become loose and stretched during pregnancy. This is especially true for women who have been pregnant more than once. Although diet and exercise can help shed fat, there is no way to address these skin concerns without surgery. A tummy tuck surgery can safely remove this excess skin (as well as reposition tissue and remove fat).
A tummy tuck cannot be used to lose a significant amount of weight. Although some fat may be removed during your surgery, the fat and skin that are removed during a tummy tuck will not ultimately weigh very much. This is why we advise our patients to reach their ideal weight before undergoing a tummy tuck. Also keep in mind that a tummy tuck will not prevent future weight gain, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial to help maintain your tummy tuck results over time.
A tummy tuck can help treat diastasis rectus, a condition that occurs when muscles in the abdomen become separated from the abdominal wall. Diastasis recti can occur as a result of weight gain, pregnancy, or natural aging, as well as an injury to the abdomen. A rectus diastasis causes a weakening of the abdominal wall and a sometimes-visible bulge (sometimes known as a “pooch”). A tummy tuck can help by surgically re-tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin and fat from the midsection, leading to a stronger, sturdier core.
Our surgeons have decades of experience performing body contouring procedures like the tummy tuck and providing outstanding, long-lasting aesthetic results. If you think you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck, your next step is consulting with one of our experienced plastic surgeons. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation at one of our Atlanta, Alpharetta, Midtown, Cumming, or Canton area locations, contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery today. You can also follow along with us on Facebook and Twitter for additional plastic surgery tips, news, and much more.
