Tummy Tuck Surgery Is Rapidly Evolving

Tummy tuck surgery is also commonly referred to as abdominoplasty. It is an elective cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess fat and skin from the midsection and is commonly performed after child-bearing or massive weight loss. Weak abdominal muscles that have been separated due to pregnancy or previous obesity are tightened, flattening the abdomen. Many men and women desire a flat abdomen or even work out regularly to achieve the elusive “six-pack”. However, genetics prevents most of us from reaching this goal even with strict dietary choices and a vigorous exercise regimen.

Men and women that make good tummy tuck candidates include individuals that are in good overall health and do not have serious diseases or disorders such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, or bleeding or clotting disorders. Cigarette smokers do not make good tummy tuck candidates because cigarette smoke constricts blood vessels and prevents oxygen from reaching the incision sites. This can delay healing and even cause separation of the wound edges resulting in infection or ugly scarring. Other patients that do not make good tummy tuck candidates are women that plan to have more children in the future and men or women that anticipate future weight fluctuations.

It is important to keep in mind that even though tummy tuck surgery results are relatively permanent, all of that money and hard work can be easily undone with a series of poor choices when it comes to diet and exercise. In short, even though fat tissue is removed, it can come back. As such, it is important to maintain those healthy lifestyle choices and treat your body right. This type of procedure is an investment in your future.

As with all invasive surgeries, tummy tuck procedures carry a set of risks and potential side effects. Many of these risks can be reduced by choosing a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience to perform the operation. His or her expertise will go a long way to preventing or minimizing risks such as excessive scarring, asymmetry, infection, hematoma, seroma, bleeding, clot formation, or nerve damage. To ensure you are happy with the outcome of your tummy tuck surgery after the operation and for years to come, take the time to find a surgeon you trust. It will be well worth your time and money.