In the past decade or so, the abdominoplasty (otherwise known as the tummy tuck) has increased in popularity with men and women wishing to improve their midsections. In fact, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), tummy tuck procedures have increased 360% in the past 16 years.
The tummy tuck can tighten loose, sagging skin on the belly. This area is often a source of frustration for many people who have reached a target weight after diet and exercise, but who were unable to improve the appearance of the abdomen in the process. If this describes you, here’s a look at what the procedure can—and can’t—do for you.
A tummy tuck can:
- Tone and tighten the midsection. Sagging skin and a protruding abdomen affects many people, including men and women who have experienced major weight loss or women who have had multiple pregnancies. A tummy tuck can remove excess skin and tighten loose muscles, restoring a svelte look to the abdomen. The improvements from a tummy tuck are seen by both women and men, resulting in a dramatically improved silhouette.
- Remove a muffin top. The “muffin top” is a roll of flesh that spills over a waistband, the way the top of a muffin extends beyond its paper casing. The changes from a tummy tuck can often help to reduce a muffin top, particularly if your area of concern is on the front of your body. Liposuction is often used in conjunction with a tummy tuck to more reduce the muffin top effect.
- Accentuate the waist. For women who have always wanted a more defined waist, the tummy tuck might be an ideal solution. A tummy tuck can reduce the thickness around the waist as it removes excess skin and restores muscle tone, creating a body with more curves.
Now for what a tummy tuck can’t do:
- Substitute for diet and exercise. A tummy tuck is not a replacement for a healthy diet and an exercise program. It’s not a weight loss solution per se, although recent studies indicate that tummy tucks can help lead to some degree of weight loss.
- Remove stretch marks. Tummy tucks are not guaranteed to resolve the stretch marks that result from childbirth or extreme weight loss. The location of the stretch marks is the key to whether there will be any improvement after a tummy tuck. If stretch marks are located in the area of the abdomen where excess skin is excised (generally below the belly button), the number of stretch marks may be reduced.
Are you curious about what a tummy tuck can do for you? For many people, it can make a profound difference in the appearance of their abdomens. Depending on the issues present, liposuction can also be used to sculpt the midsection for a comprehensive result. Visit me for a consultation and we can discuss how a tummy tuck can improve your appearance, making you look and feel better.