Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Right for Me?

Posted January 14, 2017 in Plastic Surgery Advice, Tummy Tuck

The decision to undergo tummy tuck surgery is entirely personal. No two people are in the same situation, which means that no one else can decide whether you should undergo this procedure. Tummy tuck surgery could be right for you if you have sagging skin, weakened muscles, and stubborn fat in your abdomen.

Answer the Following Questions

Knowing which questions to ask can help you determine whether you should undergo tummy tuck surgery. Your answers to the following questions will guide you in your decision-making process:

1. Do you have a perpetual stomach pooch because of weakened abdominal muscles?

• Yes: Tummy tuck surgery is the only body contouring procedure that directly targets weakened abdominal muscles. This surgery could eliminate your stomach pooch and give you a more toned and firm abdomen.
• No: You may not need tummy tuck surgery but could possibly benefit from another body contouring procedure.

2. Do you have loose, hanging abdominal skin due to pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss?

• Yes: Tummy tuck surgery can trim away your excess skin and attached fat, giving you a flatter, smoother abdomen. This procedure can also eliminate stretch marks from the lower abdomen.
• No: You may not need tummy tuck surgery, but you may benefit from liposuction or another body contouring procedure.

3. Do you have loose abdominal skin and pockets of stomach fat after pregnancy or weight loss?

• Yes: Tummy tuck surgery can tighten loose skin and eliminate stubborn fat left by pregnancy or weight loss. Undergoing this procedure could reveal your newly toned and thinner body contour.
• No: If you have stomach fat but no loose skin, you are a better candidate for liposuction than tummy tuck surgery.

4. Do you wish you could reclaim the flat and firm abdomen you had in your youth?

• Yes: Depending on your needs, tummy tuck surgery or liposuction could rejuvenate your figure and give you the flat and firm abdomen you once had.
• No: Tummy tuck surgery may not be right for you. Consider other plastic surgery procedures and whether they could help you achieve your beauty ideals.

5. Do you want to achieve the toned, tucked tummy you never had?

• Yes: Even for those who have never had a flat or firm abdomen, tummy tuck surgery can help create it and give you the abdominal contour you’ve always wanted but have never been able to achieve on your own. Nonetheless, candidates should maintain realistic expectations. Tummy tuck surgery yields the greatest results for patients who live an active and healthy lifestyle.
• No: Consider the potential results of other plastic surgery procedures that may be better suited for your needs.

6. Have regular exercise and a healthy diet failed to achieve your goals for tightening your abdomen?

• Yes: Tummy tuck surgery or liposuction could help you achieve your goals. Both procedures are designed to complement a healthy lifestyle and can produce excellent results for patients who exercise regularly and eat a nutritious diet.
• No: You do not need to undergo tummy tuck surgery. It is a blessing for you to have been able to achieve these results on your own through your healthy lifestyle.

7. Are you finished having children?

• Yes: It may be a good time to consider tummy tuck surgery if you also have stubborn fat, weak muscles, and sagging skin in your abdomen. Women who have had multiple pregnancies may especially benefit from tummy tuck surgery.
• No: Even if you have loose skin, stubborn fat, and weakened muscles in your abdomen, it is best to put off tummy tuck surgery for now. Once you have finished having children, you will be far more likely to maintain your results from tummy tuck surgery.

8. Are you prepared for major surgery (in good health, able to take time off work for recovery, prepared for the physical scars, finished having children, and have enough financial savings)?

• Yes: You are in a position to undergo tummy tuck surgery. If you answered “yes” to most of the above questions, tummy tuck surgery could be right for you at this time. Schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Boyd to discuss your options and treatment timeline.
• No: Even if you answered “yes” to most of the above questions, you may not feel that you are ready for tummy tuck surgery. It is better to wait until you can answer “yes” to this question in full before pursuing your tummy tuck procedure.

9. Are you currently trying to lose weight?

• Yes: You should not undergo tummy tuck surgery at this time. Tummy tuck surgery is a body contouring procedure, not a weight-loss procedure, and as such it will not help you lose weight. The procedure is recommended for individuals who are already at a stable body weight. If you need weight-loss surgery, speak to your primary care physician or schedule a consultation with a bariatric surgeon.
• No: If you still wish to improve the contour of your abdomen, tummy tuck surgery could be right for you. Consider the other questions listed here to draw conclusions for yourself.

Drawing Conclusions

In summary, tummy tuck surgery could be right for you if your abdomen has weakened muscles, loose skin, and stubborn fat. If you are not a good match for tummy tuck surgery but are still interested in body contouring, you may be able to benefit from liposuction or other body contouring procedures. You and only you can determine whether this major elective surgery is right for you. Dr. Brian Boyd can answer any other questions you may have about tummy tuck surgery to help you determine whether you should undergo this procedure.

 
Dr. Brian Boyd is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience in performing tummy tuck surgery and other body contouring procedures. To learn more, schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Boyd by calling 310.597.4734 or by filling out our online contact form today.