Tummy Tuck – A Permanent Solution?

Often, women who have experienced pregnancy or, more commonly, multiple pregnancies, find that returning to their pre-baby body shape through natural means is difficult. Although a healthy diet and regular exercise can aid in weight loss and achieve a more slender appearance, loss of elasticity in the abdominal muscles cannot be repaired naturally. Additionally, stretched out skin in the midsection typically remains loose and is unable to retract. This is when many women opt to visit my practice to undergo tummy tuck surgery (“abdominoplasty”).

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that entails separating the skin from the underlying muscles in order to tighten them and provide patients with a slender, more toned midsection. In addition, excess skin is trimmed away and removed. Although tummy tuck surgery can provide long-lasting results, they are not permanent. Women who become pregnant after undergoing a tummy tuck risk re-stretching the abdominal muscles and skin. When this happens, a secondary procedure may be needed to help regain a more slender contour.

During your initial consultation, we will discuss your desired results and if you are planning on becoming pregnant in the future. If you are still considering having more children, I will advise you to wait until after childbirth in order to ensure more long-lasting results.

Many patients opt to combine liposuction surgery with a tummy tuck procedure to further enhance their body contouring results. Although fat deposits are permanently removed during the liposuction procedure, it is important to follow a healthy diet and regular exercise routine to maintain your results.

By maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise routine, you will be able to enjoy longer lasting results after tummy tuck surgery, especially when combined with liposuction. You must be aware that even though the target area no longer has the fat cells present, other areas that are untreated may continue to gain weight if a diet and exercise plan is not followed.

If you are interested in learning more about your options with tummy tuck surgery, please feel free to contact my plastic surgery office by calling (480) 890-0600 or by filling out the contact form. As a board certified plastic surgeon, I am dedicated to helping you achieve your body contouring goals.