The abdomen is a common problem area that both men and women often struggle to sculpt and tone. If the abdominal area is problematic for you, a tummy tuck may offer a solution. Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck creates a flatter and firmer abdomen and more attractive body figure.
Here, Dr. David Pratt, a talented and experienced plastic surgeon serving Seattle and the surrounding area, reveals three signs that you could benefit from tummy tuck.
You have loose abdominal skin.
The primary goal of tummy tuck is to remove loose, excess skin that no longer “snaps back” and hangs off the abdomen. A common cosmetic problem, loose skin cannot be effectively treated with diet and exercise. In fact, substantial weight loss or weight fluctuations can often worsen the appearance of loose skin. The most effective way to treat excess abdominal skin is with tummy tuck. During the procedure, loose, stretched-out skin is removed while the remaining skin is carefully re-draped over the abdomen for a smoother and sleeker appearance.
If you have loose abdominal skin as a result of weight loss, pregnancy, genetics or the natural aging process, tummy tuck may help.
You have pockets of abdominal fat that do not respond to diet and exercise.
Do you do countless crunches or other exercises and eat healthily only to still see fat remain on your stomach? This is normal as most of us struggle with “trouble areas,” or small, isolated fat deposits that are seemingly resistant to weight loss efforts. When diet and exercise fails, tummy tuck can succeed! When combined with liposuction, tummy tuck can eliminate surplus fat to create a flatter and firmer abdomen. Liposuction can also be used on the sides of the stomach to create a narrower waist.
You may be an ideal candidate for tummy tuck with liposuction if you are at or near a healthy weight but still see small pockets of unwanted fat in your abdominal area. If you are planning on losing a large amount of weight, it is recommended that you do so before undergoing tummy tuck. Once your weight has stabilized, tummy tuck can put the “finishing touches” on your slimmer abdomen.
Your abdomen bulges out when you are not consciously holding it in.
Weight fluctuations, including those that occur during pregnancy, can cause the abdominal muscles to stretch or weaken. Not only can this lead to a protruding abdominal pooch, but it also weakens the core, which in turn can put stress on the back, leading to poor posture and back pain.
During tummy tuck, the separated abdominal muscles are sutured together. In addition to creating a flatter appearance, this process can also create a stronger core, relieving back pain related to poor posture.
Learn More about Tummy Tuck
The key to successful tummy tuck results is to work with a board-certified and experienced plastic surgeon, like Dr. Pratt. Schedule your personal consultation by contacting Pratt Plastic Surgery. Call (425) 285-2112 or fill out our online contact form today.
