When should you consider a tummy tuck?

If you’re bothered by an abdomen that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise, you may have been thinking about talking to a plastic surgeon about getting a tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty. This surgery flattens the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening abdominal muscles. Since it’s major surgery, here are some things to know about the procedure and whether you’re a candidate.

• You’ve tried several diet and exercise programs to lose weight, but you’re still dealing with an abdominal pooch that won’t go away.
• Your abdominal muscles and skin are stretched and sagging after pregnancy. If you plan on getting pregnant again, you should consider postponing a tummy tuck until you’re done having children as future pregnancies can separate the abdominal muscles and undo the work done during surgery.
• You’ve lost a significant amount of weight and have loose, excess skin hanging around your belly like an apron.
• If you are planning to lose weight, you may want to wait to have surgery. A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure.
• You’ve always been in good shape but you still have a belly that sticks out.

Different types of tummy tuck

A full tummy tuck involves one long incision made across the lower abdomen and a second incision made around the belly button. Skin and muscle from the chest down to the pubic area are tightened and the belly button is repositioned. Liposuction may be used to enhance the result.

A mini tummy tuck leaves a smaller scar and doesn’t require relocation of the belly button. This surgery is only for patients who need the skin of the lower abdomen tightened. Liposuction may be done as well.

Another technique is an endoscopic-assisted tummy tuck. This minimally invasive procedure consists of a tiny camera inserted through small incisions. It is best for patients who have fairly tight abdominal skin but excess fat in the abdomen and weak lower abdominal muscles.

If you’re interested in learning more about tummy tuck and which procedure may be best for you, call (203) 453-6635 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Price.