Tummy Tuck Candidacy

• Genetics
• Pregnancy/childbirth
• Weight gain/loss
• Disease/medical conditions
• Age
• Menopause
• Stress
• Metabolism
• Exercise
• Dietary habits

It is a myth that a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty cosmetic surgery will be the “magic answer” to help anyone achieve a toned, contoured abdominal area. While this procedure can produce excellent results for some, it is definitely not right for everyone.

A respectable cosmetic surgeon will fully evaluate the potential patient before recommending a tummy tuck procedure. The surgeon should consider:

• How much abdominal fat the person has
• How tight the person’s stomach muscles are
• The person’s skin elasticity, thickness, etc.
• The person’s overall health and medical history

What type of person is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

When considering tummy tuck candidates, cosmetic surgeons are looking for people who have good overall health, both physically and mentally. The ideal candidates will also have excess fat and/or skin in the abdominal area that is resistant to proper diet and exercise regimens.

Women who have experienced one or more pregnancies may have weak, separated or stretched abdominal muscles that leave their abdominal areas with excess fat or flab. Unsightly stretch marks can also be eliminated as an added benefit of a tummy tuck procedure.

Significant weight loss, while fantastic for the mental and physical well-being of the person, can leave behind large amounts of sagging skin. A tummy tuck procedure can help eliminate this excess skin and/or fat.

Who should avoid or postpone a tummy tuck?

Most cosmetic surgeons will turn down potential tummy tuck patients if those individuals are turning to the surgery as a weight loss solution. People who are generally unhealthy or who have an unfavorable medical history are not candidates for this surgery. Getting a tummy tuck does not guarantee that abdominal fat will not return. Tummy tuck patients must make smart choices regarding diet, exercise and personal habits for the rest of their lives to avoid regaining fat in this area.

The effects of pregnancy on a woman’s body can cause the abdominal muscles to become weak and separated. Women should postpone tummy tuck surgery until they are finished with pregnancies so the results of the surgery will not be compromised. Similarly, if a person plans to lose large amounts of weight, he should wait until the goal weight has been achieved before undergoing tummy tuck surgery.

What about expectations?

People who make the decision to have a tummy tuck need to have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of their surgery, such as:

• This is a serious surgery with potential risks and complications
• There will be an incision scar along the bikini line
• A tummy tuck will change the contour of your body, but it will not magically solve your problems