A tummy tuck, commonly known as abdominoplasty, is a customizable cosmetic surgical procedure to enhance the shape and appearance of the abdomen. It’s among the most commonly performed procedures globally due to its effectiveness in getting rid of loose skin and fat on the abdominal area and repairing abdominal muscles.
Various tummy tuck options help individuals get firmer and flat abdominal shapes. However, the operation isn’t appropriate for everyone.
Read more to find out if you’re an appropriate tummy tuck candidate.
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You’re a Non-Smoker or Plan on Quitting
Due to the risks associated with smoking, persons seeking tummy tuck surgery must be tobacco-free approximately six weeks before and after the procedure. That’s because smoking disrupts blood flow and lowers oxygen delivery to your body tissues, which may complicate wound healing post-op.
Most surgeons perform urine tests to ascertain the levels of tobacco or nicotine in your body. They will often not risk performing its surgery if you’re an active smoker.
You’re in Good Overall Health
Though abdominoplasty is a fairly low-risk procedure, you should be in good overall health to go under the knife. The surgery involves sedation under general anesthesia, and that’s why your lungs and heart need to be functioning well to avoid any complications. Additionally, it would be best if you weren’t suffering from any autoimmune or connective tissues disorders for a faster and more comfortable recovery, and your body mass index shouldn’t be more than 40.
Still not sure if you are healthy for its procedure? Don’t worry. A specialist can review your medical history, conduct thorough tests to assess your current health, and determine if the procedure is a go during your initial consultation.
You Have Skin and Muscle Laxity Around the Abdomen
Do you have loose or excess skin that has lost its elasticity or muscle weakness around your midsection abdominal area? Some common culprits include childbearing, weight gain, genetic factors, aging, and hormonal fluctuations.
Depending on your goal and your surgeon’s opinion, you may be eligible for either of the available tummy tuck options, including a full tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, or liposuction.
A full tummy tuck includes a hip-to-hip incision and removal and tightening of the loose abdominal skin. On the other hand, a mini tummy tuck targets the skin below your navel, while liposuction is a body sculpting procedure.
You Don’t Plan on Getting Pregnant in the Future
The most appropriate candidate for a tummy tuck is the one who’s either finished giving birth or isn’t planning to bear children in the future. Well, that goes for female candidates. Although there are no known medical risks to you or your unborn baby if you get pregnant, every pregnancy is unique. Some could come with the risk of weight gain, others tearing of abdominal walls, and others bring about loose or excess skin around the abdominal area.
All these risks associated with pregnancy will reverse the great results of your procedure. If you get pregnant after a tummy tuck, ensure that you inform your surgeon immediately for follow-up care to get you back in shape after delivery.
