Getting a trim figure is not easy for many people, especially after pregnancy and childbirth. They may work out on a regular basis and maintain a healthy diet but still find it hard to get in shape after the many changes that occur during and after the pregnancy. While you may not be obese, there might be layers of skin and fat on your abdomen, along with stretch marks and muscle separation, that are making you feel unhappy with its appearance.
For these reasons, many patients choose body-sculpting procedures like the tummy tuck. The tummy tuck is one of the ways through which excess fat and skin can be removed from the abdomen, giving the stomach a flat, toned appearance.
A TUMMY TUCK AFTER PREGNANCY
The tummy tuck is not only for those who are overweight. It is often preferred by women as a corrective procedure after pregnancy. Pregnancy can cause muscle separation, loss of tone, and development of stubborn fat and loose skin, as well as stretch marks, and many of these changes are hard to correct through diet and exercise.
The skin is also stretched during the pregnancy, and this can make it difficult for the skin to regain its elasticity and firmness after the pregnancy. As a result, the abdomen may appear flabby regardless of the person’s exercise and diet efforts.
A TONED ABDOMEN
If you feel self-conscious about your abdomen and you’ve tried other methods to tone up without satisfactory results, a tummy tuck can be a good solution. This method offers multiple benefits.
It not only removes excess fat but also excess skin, and this helps deal with a flabby stomach appearance. It can re-approximate the underlying muscles that have been separated (diastasis) and can also remove stretch marks that may result from the skin getting stretched beyond capacity and the underlying layers of fat being disturbed. All these elements combined help redefine the abdomen for a more toned look.
IDEAL CANDIDATES FOR A TUMMY TUCK
Not every patient is the right candidate for a tummy tuck. Some patients are more suitable for a liposuction procedure, where the excess fat is removed using a suction cannula. This procedure is recommended when the patient’s muscle and skin tone are firm but there is excess fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction may be performed in combination with a tummy tuck.
Patients will improve their results if they commit to a long-term weight-management plan. The results of the surgery last only as long as the patient’s weight stays under control. Therefore, even after surgery, the patient will benefit by making healthy lifestyle choices in order to maintain their best shape.
The procedure is not recommended for those who are very overweight. If you are obese, you may be advised to first lose weight with exercise and a nutritious but low-calorie diet. This can lower your risk profile for surgery and improve the overall result.
SCHEDULE AN INFORMATIVE CONSULTATION
Speak with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. R. Emerick Salas regarding the tummy tuck procedure to find out more about preparation, recovery, and results. To get started, contact us and set up your consultation.
