Tummy Tuck: Am I a Good Candidate? | The Plastic Surgery Center of Maryland

Tummy Tuck: Am I a Good Candidate?

Body contouring procedures are some of the most opted for cosmetic surgeries done each year. There are a variety of options to choose from to contour your body. If you have excess fat on the abdomen with loose skin, a tummy tuck is probably the surgery you want to choose. However, it is important to make sure that you can safely and realistically benefit from a tummy tuck procedure. By speaking with a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Lawrence Rosenberg, he can let you know if the tummy tuck is a suitable option for you.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, medically referred to as abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while repairing any weakened muscles to achieve a flatter, well-toned stomach. This is a popular treatment option for women who have undergone pregnancy or anyone who has undergone massive weight loss. If you have been trying to tone up your stomach through diet and exercise but to no gain, this surgery can be beneficial.

What is the Recovery Like?

In order to be considered a candidate for a tummy tuck, you need to be realistic and prepared about the recovery time. This is a complex surgery and you will need to rest for a while afterward. You will be fitted with a compression garment to wear during the recovery which will help with swelling, blood circulation, and overall healing. It is important that you take ample time off work and/or school to rest. Most patients take up to two weeks off to recover. Any strenuous activities should be halted until cleared by Dr. Rosenberg; this can take up to eight weeks.

How Do I Know That I Am a Good Candidate?

Along with being able to realistically prepare for and undergo the recovery period, there are other factors that play into being a candidate for a tummy tuck procedure.

Excess Loose Skin On the Abdomen

The tummy tuck can remove pockets of fat from the abdomen, but this procedure was designed to remove excess skin on the abdomen. To perform this procedure, you will need to have enough excess skin to withstand the incision. If there is not enough skin, then this can lead to tension in the scar which causes a stretched appearance.

Overall Good Health

Tummy tucks are low-risk, safe, effective procedures but you should not undergo this surgery with underlying health issues. To be sedated with anesthesia, you must have a healthy heart and lungs. Plus, any autoimmune disorders could lead to serious problems in the recovery process.

Not Planning on Becoming Pregnant

The tummy tuck surgery is major, and the results are dramatic. You should be done having children prior to getting the tummy tuck as any future pregnancies can reverse the results.

Not Planning On Losing a Significant Amount of Weight

This surgery is not a weight-loss procedure. You should be close to your ideal weight prior to getting this surgery and able to sustain it. If you lose more than 30 pounds after the tummy tuck, it can lead to more excess skin and sagging muscles in the stomach.

You Have Realistic Expectations

Tummy tuck surgeries offer dramatic results that can have a remarkable impact on your self-confidence. It is important to be aware of what you will face with recovery time and what results to expect. Plus, in order to best maintain the results from your tummy tuck, you should be committed to living an active and healthy lifestyle.

Talk With Dr. Rosenberg

If you fit all of the above criteria, then the tummy tuck is most likely right for you. To get started on your tummy tuck journey, meet with Dr. Rosenberg at The Plastic Surgery Center of Maryland. Schedule a consultation by phone or by filling out our online form.

Published by

Lawrence Rosenberg, MD

Dr. Lawrence Rosenberg is a founding member of The Plastic Surgery Center of Maryland. He began his plastic surgery practice in Baltimore after completing 13 years of extensive postgraduate training. Today, he is a distinguished surgeon, expertly performing breast augmentations, breast lifts, liposuctions, tummy tucks, facelifts, facial rejuvenation, and more for patients in the Maryland area and beyond. View all posts by Lawrence Rosenberg, MD

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