Is a tummy tuck right for me?
Tummy tucks are cosmetic procedures which are able to improve the appearance of the stomach through surgery, by removing excess fat and skin. There are a number of reasons why you might be interested in having a private tummy tuck – from the changes to your body caused by pregnancy, to ageing, and your natural body type. But is a tummy tuck right for you?
In this blog, we explain exactly what a tummy tuck is and how it works, before discussing whether you might be suitable for the procedure, and the implications of the surgery. Read on!
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is also known as an abdominoplasty. It is a surgical procedure which serves to flatten the stomach via the removal of surplus fat and skin. It can also tighten the muscles in the abdominal wall. While it may be undertaken for cosmetic purposes, a tummy tuck is a major surgery which you should give due consideration before deciding to go ahead with.
It should be noted that a tummy tuck is different from liposuction. These two cosmetic procedures are sometimes undergone together.
Am I suitable for a tummy tuck?
In general, tummy tucks are suitable for both men and women, so long as they are in good health. If you are a woman who has had several pregnancies, you can find that a tummy tuck is effective in tightening your stomach muscles and reducing the volume of abdominal skin. If you have had a C-section (Cesarean delivery), the scar from a tummy tuck can sometimes be incorporated into the scar from a C-section.
If you are a man or woman who has undergone significant weight changes – specifically people who were once obese and still have loose skin or excess fat around their stomach – a tummy tuck can also be a suitable option. It should be noted that a tummy tuck will not remove stretch marks which are outside the abdominal region.
Who is not suitable for a tummy tuck?
If you are a woman who is planning a pregnancy, it can be better to have a tummy tuck after you have had children. This is due to the separation of muscles which can be caused by pregnancy. It is important to understand that a tummy tuck should not be seen as a weight loss solution. If you are planning to lose a significant amount of weight, a tummy tuck is not the answer, and should not be viewed as a weight loss method.
Recovery from a tummy tuck
You should consider that the scars from a tummy tuck can change the appearance of your stomach. After a tummy tuck, you will be bandaged and your surgeon will provide you with instruction on self care in the days following the procedure. You will have to avoid any strenuous physical activity for six weeks or more, and it might be necessary to take a few weeks off work in order to aid recovery.
Tummy tucks are certainly not for everyone, but for those who want to counter-balance changes to the appearance of their body, they can be an effective cosmetic option. We offer procedures for a tummy tuck Bristol-wide. Contact us today or call us on 0117 910 2400 to find out more
