Is a Tummy Tuck for Me?

The best candidates for tummy tuck are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. It is also of benefit for people who have lost a good deal of weight, either through diet and exercise or as the result of weight-loss or bariatric surgery.

If you have stretch marks, a tummy tuck may be of great help to you. When stretch marks are present, the skin is usually stretched beyond its ability to tighten again. In this case, liposuction will result in hanging skin and a tummy tuck is the best option. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.

Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery, your doctor may recommend against a tummy tuck or may caution you that scars could be unusually prominent.

Abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

For more information about Los Angeles Tummy Tuck contact this Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon at 310-550-6300 or email us.