Ask Dr. Elliott: Good Candidates for a Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck surgery is consistently one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures year in and year out. This procedure is used to provide patients with a flatter, trimmer abdominal area by repairing the abdominal muscle, removing loose skin, and excess fat, and repositioning tissue from the area. However, being such a consistently popular procedure doesn’t mean that a tummy tuck is necessarily the right body contouring option for every prospective patient. This is why I wanted to answer a few questions about what makes someone a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery.
Question #1: How can a tummy tuck help women after pregnancy?
Undergoing a tummy tuck after pregnancy has become quite commonplace. It’s normal for women to experience stretched abdominal skin after a full pregnancy. Additionally, many women experience separated or damaged muscles in the abdomen that mimics the appearance of a pooch as a result of their pregnancy. A tummy tuck can help remove this stretched, loose skin and repair this muscle damage to provide aesthetic and medical relief.
Question #2: Can a tummy tuck help people who experience excess skin on their sides and back as well?
I perform different methods of tummy tuck surgery that each have their own unique benefits to patients. This includes the mini tummy tuck, as well as my extended tummy tuck, which can be highly beneficial for patients who seek more extensive body contouring. During the procedure, I make a horizontal incision to help address the sides, waist (or flanks), as well as the side of the lower back, in addition to the abdominal rejuvenation of the traditional tummy tuck.
Question #3: What should my weight be before undergoing a tummy tuck?
I often advise my patients to reach or get close to their ideal body weight before undergoing a tummy tuck. Like any other body contouring surgery, a tummy tuck will not provide significant weight loss for patients and this result should not be expected. Reaching a goal weight and maintaining it is important, as weight fluctuation can affect the results of a tummy tuck and even lead some patients to require additional revision procedures down the road.
I have been performing tummy tuck procedures on both men and women for many years and am always so happy to see how satisfied my patients are with their results. For more information or if you would like to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Don’t forget to follow along with me on Facebook for additional plastic surgery tips, news, and much more.