What a Tummy Tuck Can and Can’t Do

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty is a popular plastic surgery procedure that helps both men and women achieve a flatter or more defined abdominal area. Ideal candidates for abdominoplasty tend to have loose muscles, hanging skin, and overall skin laxity in the abdominal area due to significant weight loss, post-pregnancy, or as part of the natural aging process. While the tummy tuck can help you achieve dramatic body contouring results, it is not a miracle procedure all in itself. To make sure you have realistic expectations for your procedure, find out what the tummy tuck can and can’t do.

It Can Remove Excess Skin.

The main concern addressed by the tummy tuck procedure is excess skin preventing you from achieving a flat abdomen. Loose skin is often present when it has been stretched too far, such as from weight gain or pregnancy, and becomes weakened. This can also happen as part of the aging process. As skin loses collagen, it loses its elasticity and can begin to sag. The tummy tuck lifts and tightens the underlying tissue, removing any excess skin that’s present.

It Can’t Remove Significant Stretch Marks.

Because some excess skin is removed during the tummy tuck procedure process, some of your stretch marks will also be removed. However, you shouldn’t expect the tummy tuck to remove a significant amount of your stretch marks above the belly button.

It Can Remove Stubborn Fat.

Along with loose skin and tissue, the tummy tuck can also remove pockets of stubborn fat in your midsection. Liposuction techniques in combination with abdominoplasty break up and remove stubborn fat cells, sculpting your abdomen.

It Can’t Prevent Future Weight Gain.

After your tummy tuck procedure, you’ll likely feel lighter and more comfortable during physical activity without excess tissue weighing you down. However, it’s important to remember that the tummy tuck cannot prevent future weight gain. The procedure is not meant to replace weight loss efforts such as eating a healthy diet and working out. Future weight gain could distort or reverse your results from your tummy tuck, so make sure you’re dedicated to a healthy lifestyle before choosing the tummy tuck.

Schedule a Consultation

If you have any questions about what the tummy tuck can or can’t do and to ensure that the procedure is right for you, schedule your consultation with Dr. Brian S. Coan at our award-winning practice in Cary, NC, CARE Plastic Surgery, or call (919) 484-4884.

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