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 the 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 that the tummy tuck procedure addresses is excess skin preventing you from achieving a flat abdominal. 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 be removed along with it. 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 are used to break up and remove your stubborn fat cells, sculpting your abdominal.

It can’t prevent future weight gain

After your tummy tuck procedure, you’ll likely feel more comfortable during physical activity and will feel lighter 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 prior to choosing the tummy tuck.

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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