Reviewing Reasons Patients Should and Should Not Get An Abdominoplasty

All patients are unique and have their reasons for an abdominoplasty, more commonly called a tummy tuck. By understanding the patient's motivation for surgery, surgeons can tailor treatment to the patient's individual needs and goals.

This article will discuss some of the most common tummy tuck motives and some reasons why patients should not get the treatment.

Restoring the Abdomen To Its Pre-Pregnancy State

Pregnancy stretches the abdominal muscles and skin, sometimes to the point of no return. Many women find that after childbirth, due to damaged abdominal muscles and sagging skin folds, it is virtually impossible to regain the tight appearance of the abdomen with diet and exercise alone.

A tummy tuck involves:

1. Tightening stretched or damaged abdominal muscles.
2. Removing excess skin.
3. Pulling the remaining skin back over the abdomen to smooth the region.

This comprehensive approach aims to restore the pre-pregnancy shape and contour of the stomach. Another reason mothers get an abdominoplasty is that some have found that the procedure improves stress urinary incontinence and back pain symptoms.

Improving Weight Loss Results

Another common motivation for undergoing tummy tuck surgery is alleviating the effects of significant weight fluctuations. This procedure is not only for recent mothers; anyone who has lost significant amounts of weight likely has loose skin that can be addressed cosmetically.

Gaining weight and then losing it can cause the stomach muscles to stretch, creating folds of flabby skin on the front of the belly. For many people who have lost weight through diet and exercise or bariatric surgery, this loose skin hides the results they have worked hard to enjoy. A tummy tuck offers a "final trim," in which excess skin is removed, and tissue tightened to provide a slim look to the abdomen.

To Improve Self-Esteem

A tummy tuck can do more than flatten the abdomen and narrow the waist; it can also significantly improve self-esteem and self-confidence. 

Of course, plastic surgery alone should not be considered the end-all step to achieving newfound confidence. Patients should understand the risks involved, be prepared to work to maintain their results, and have realistic expectations regarding what a tummy tuck can achieve. 

Reasons Not To Get an Abdominoplasty

A tummy tuck is not for everyone. In some cases, surgeons become aware of a patient's true motives and have to explain that a tummy tuck is not a suitable option.

For example, some candidates opt for a tummy tuck because they think it will help them lose weight. The tummy tuck is not a practical way to lose weight; the procedure shapes and tightens the abdomen but does not remove weight or fat. 

Some patients consider the tummy tuck to make someone else happy, such as a partner or a family member. In these cases, we would like the candidate to re-evaluate their motives. A tummy tuck is a complex surgery, and patients should be sure of their decision to undergo the procedure.

AirSculpt® Procedures Offer Fat Removal and Skin Tightening 

Elite Body Sculpture is the exclusive provider of AirSculpt® procedure, developed to deliver patients with beautifully aesthetic results.

The AirSculpt® Tiny Tuck™ is a fully awake variant of the tummy tuck that tightens the skin below the belly button, all without drains or general anesthesia. Mothers with a C-Section or those looking to target loose skin from an overhanging muffin top make perfect candidates for this treatment. 

Opting for the AirSculpt® Tiny Tuck™ is an ideal option for patients who want to completely change the appearance of their midsection with utmost precision and quality. Patients can seamlessly combine their procedure with AirSculpt® fat removal, whether it be the stomach or any other region of the body.

AirSculpt® patients remain fully alert under local anesthetic and enjoy the ability to talk with their surgeon. Downtime lasts 48 hours on average, and leakage is minimal compared with a full tummy tuck. 

To start working with the next generation of body sculpting, call our AirSculpt® body contouring office in London to schedule your consultation.