Even if you get everything right with your diet and exercise regimen, you may find that your abdomen is the most difficult part of your body to tone. Things like significant weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or the aging process can lead to sagging skin and muscles in the abdominal area. It can be very frustrating to realize that no amount of core exercises or green smoothies can help you achieve the results that you desire.
What is a tummy tuck?
Medically known as an abdominoplasty, the tummy tuck procedure is an effective technique for eliminating stubborn abdominal fat and excess skin, allowing you to confidently wear a swimsuit with your new, slimmer physique.
In addition to removing loose and excess skin and fat, a tummy tuck can tighten your abdominal wall muscles. As a result, you will have a tighter, flatter, and more youthful, toned look. Although a tummy tuck procedure can remove some accumulated fat, it should not be considered a weight-loss procedure.
Tummy Tuck Candidates
The best candidates for a tummy tuck procedure are those who are:
- Already near their target weight but need some toning
- Dealing with a lack of tone in their stomach area as they grow older
- Frustrated with the appearance of their abdominal area after childbirth
To make a good candidate for a tummy tuck, you should be near a stable weight and not plan on having any more children. It is also important that you understand what the procedure can and cannot do so that you have realistic expectations regarding your results.
Abdominoplasty FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the tummy tuck procedure:
How long does it take to perform a tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck procedures typically take anywhere from two to four hours to complete.
How long will it take for me to recover from my tummy tuck?
Although each individual is somewhat different, individuals can generally resume normal activities within two or three weeks. If your job involves strenuous physical activity, you may need additional time off.
How long will my tummy tuck last?
The results of a tummy tuck are considered to be permanent, in the sense that removed fat and skin cells will not grow back. The internal sutures placed by your surgeon for abdominal muscle repair should also indefinitely remain in place.
Lifestyle choices after your tummy tuck can affect your results. For example, if you gain a significant amount of weight, the remaining fat cells in the area of treatment can grow larger. Post-procedure weight fluctuations can cause your skin to begin sagging. And if you become pregnant after your tummy tuck, the longevity of your results can be shortened.
Maintaining Your Results
After your successful tummy tuck procedure performed at Queen City Plastic Surgery of Charlotte, the best way to maintain your results is to lead an active, healthy lifestyle, including:
- Regularly exercise: If you were not exercising regularly before, now is a great time to start, to benefit your overall health and extend your tummy tuck results.
- Eat a nutritious diet: Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and stick mainly to eating lean protein like chicken and turkey.
- Avoid getting pregnant: Few things can wreck the results of a tummy tuck more than a post-procedure pregnancy. This is why most patients are advised to postpone getting a tummy tuck until they are done having children.
Although the results of your tummy tuck can last for several years, it is important to understand that your body will continue to change and age with the passage of time. Your skin elasticity and body weight can change, potentially affecting the appearance of your abdomen.
If you begin noticing undesirable changes, you may want to enhance the results of your tummy tuck with a body contouring procedure to help you age more gracefully. Please contact Queen City Plastic Surgery at 704-372-5685 today to schedule your convenient consultation in Charlotte with our board-certified plastic surgeon and Charlotte Top Doc Dr. Enam Haque.