An abdominoplasty is often an ideal option for individuals who have been through pregnancy or significant weight loss.
If you are considering cosmetic surgery to improve the contours of your body, one of the procedures you may be considering is a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck involves the removal of excess fat and skin from the abdominal area, resulting in a flatter, more toned stomach. But, how do you know if you are a suitable candidate for the treatment? Read on to find out more about the procedure, who can benefit from it, and what to expect from the recovery process…
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that is performed to achieve a tighter, smoother-looking abdominal area. During the surgery, your surgeon will remove excess skin and fat and tighten the underlying connective tissue. The remaining skin is repositioned to achieve a smoother, more toned contour.
Who is a suitable candidate?
There are a few reasons one may choose to undergo a tummy tuck procedure. The treatment is particularly well-suited for women who have been through pregnancy and are struggling with stretched skin as a result. A tummy tuck can help to remove excess skin that is resistant to diet and exercise and can also repair any separation of the stomach muscles that may have occurred.
The tummy tuck procedure is also very popular among individuals who have lost a considerable amount of weight. Significant weight loss often results in stretched and sagging skin — during the abdominoplasty process, this excess skin is removed, and the stomach muscles are repaired and tightened.
If you are considering a tummy tuck, it is important to know that you should be at a stable and healthy body weight before going ahead with the surgery. Your surgeon may advise against the treatment if you have a chronic condition like diabetes; if you have a BMI of 30 or more; or if you are considering a pregnancy in the future.
What is the recovery like?
After your surgery, you can expect to experience some pain and swelling. Your surgeon will prescribe some medications to ease any discomfort that you feel. You will need to wear a compression garment for around six weeks following surgery — this will support your abdomen and prevent the build-up of excess fluid.
It is important that you avoid strenuous activity for around six weeks after your tummy tuck procedure. Be sure to attend all your follow-up appointments and raise any concerns that you have with your surgeon throughout your recovery period.
Once you have healed completely, you can expect a slimmer, more toned appearance. It is advisable that you maintain a stable and healthy body weight to enjoy the results of your surgery in the long term.
How can we help?
Dr Sophie Ricketts offers a range of cosmetic procedures designed to improve the contour of the body. If you would like to remove excess skin and fat in the abdominal area and tighten the stomach muscles for a firmer, flatter abdomen, you might consider a tummy tuck.
If you would like to find out more about abdominoplasty and what the treatment involves, please have a look here.
Dr Sophie Ricketts also offers a range of other cosmetic procedures, including treatments for the face, nose, breasts and body. To see the full list of available services, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation with Dr Sophie Ricketts, please don’t hesitate to get in touch here. Dr Ricketts offers both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery and uses contemporary techniques. She loves to help each of her patients achieve the best version of themselves and works with a dedicated team of support staff and nurses to provide compassionate care.
