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Should I Get a Tummy Tuck?

Posted in Body Plastic Surgery

The first “rule” of getting plastic surgery is that you should never do it to please someone else. Plastic surgery is for your benefit, to help you achieve the body and beauty ideals that you have in mind for yourself. Still, even if no one is pressuring you to do it, you may have trouble taking the leap. While only you can decide whether you should get a tummy tuck, here are some of the reasons you may want to undergo this procedure.

Before and After Photos for Tummy Tuck Surgery

Has Your Abdomen Become Significantly Less Toned Over Time?

Pregnancy, weight loss, and aging are the chief causes of aesthetic abdominal issues. Men and women alike may struggle with loose skin, weakened muscles, and subcutaneous abdominal fat. If your abdomen has developed these features over time, a tummy tuck could help you recapture your youthfully slender and toned waistline.

Do You Have Loose, Stretched Abdominal Skin?

Loose, stretched skin on the abdomen is common after pregnancy and even after moderate to major weight loss. The tummy tuck procedure can remove excess skin and pull the remaining skin taut so that the stomach is no longer bulging and ridged but feels firm and smooth. While liposuction can help patients who have excess abdominal fat, only a tummy tuck can correct loose, hanging skin.

Are Your Core Muscles Weak or Separated?

Weight gain and pregnancy can cause the stomach muscles to separate. For many patients, the muscles are unable to recover and remain loose and weak, causing the stomach to appear perpetually distended. Abdominoplasty with rectus plication tightens the core muscles so that the stomach wall is once again firm and flat, with natural contours. If you have struggled unsuccessfully to achieve a firm abdominal contour with dieting, crunches, and other exercises, a tummy tuck can tighten your abdominal muscles and flatten your waistline.

Do You Have Stubborn Fat On Your Abdomen?

Stubborn abdominal fat can affect individuals in many circumstances and is not by itself a reason to undergo tummy tuck surgery. Liposuction and other fat removal procedures can accomplish the desired results without manipulating the skin or muscles. However, if you have stubborn fat accompanied by loose skin and weak stomach muscles, a tummy tuck may be an excellent choice for you. This procedure can correct all three issues and produce a smoother, firmer, and flatter tummy.

The choice to undergo tummy tuck surgery is deeply personal. To discuss your situation with an expert plastic surgeon, come in for a personal consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Benjamin Schlechter. He will offer recommendations based on years of experience for the best treatment for your aesthetic goals and anatomic needs. To request your appointment, please call (847) 393-4770 or complete our online contact form today.