If you’ve been struggling with stubborn belly fat, loose skin, or weakened abdominal muscles after pregnancy or weight loss, a tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty) might be the solution you’re looking for. This popular body contouring procedure not only flattens and tightens the midsection—it can also help you drop one to three clothing sizes in many cases. So, how many sizes will you drop after a tummy tuck? Let’s break down what the procedure involves, who it’s for, and what kind of results you can realistically expect.
What a tummy tuck does
Pregnancy, aging, and significant fluctuations in weight can all result in stubborn deposits of abdominal fat that are resistant to changes in diet and exercise.
In addition, pregnancy and major weight gain may cause damage to the connective tissue, known as the linea alba, that runs down the center of the rectus abdominis muscle. This condition, known as diastasis recti, can cause a bulge or gap at the center of the stomach, mimicking the look and sensation of fullness after a large meal. In some cases, diastasis recti can also cause additional issues, including back pain, functional instability, hernias, and incontinence.
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and repairs damaged abdominal muscles, resulting in a more toned, flattened stomach.
The procedure
During a tummy tuck, a horizontal incision is made from hip to hip just above the pubic area. In some instances, a second incision is also made around the navel so that it can be repositioned once the skin of the abdomen has been tightened.
A surgeon will then remove fat from the area using liposuction and trim away excess skin at the site of the incision. If the patient has diastasis recti, the surgeon will also repair the damaged abdominal tissue with permanent sutures. Finally, the skin is drawn taut, and the navel is repositioned before the incisions are closed.
Benefits of a tummy tuck
A tummy tuck can be used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and achieve a flatter, more contoured appearance for the abdomen, particularly in patients with drooping skin that cannot be removed through liposuction alone. A successful Tummy Tuck in Atlanta (or elsewhere), done by seasoned professionals, can empower individuals to pursue a more active lifestyle, supported by strengthened core muscles and improved posture. For many patients, these aesthetic benefits may lead to increased confidence and a more positive self-image.
Tummy tucks can also have a number of additional benefits for patients with diastasis recti. By repairing damage to the stomach muscles caused by weight gain or pregnancy, a tummy tuck procedure can allow for improved posture, better core strength, lessened back pain, and a reduced risk of ventral hernias and urinary incontinence. In order to achieve these results, individuals can reach out to professionals who specialize in tummy tuck Boston (or elsewhere).
Can a tummy tuck help with weight loss?
While a tummy tuck procedure can boost self-esteem and confidence by helping to create a slimmer waistline and more a toned core, a tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure.
Patients who have undergone a tummy tuck can expect to lose a few insignificant pounds, but exercise and a healthy diet are key to maintaining results. Significant fluctuations in weight after the procedure is complete may result in additional drooping skin and reduce the benefits achieved by the procedure. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that you be at or near your preferred weight before you consider having a tummy tuck.
How many sizes can you lose after a tummy tuck?
Although the tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure, patients who undergo an abdominoplasty can still expect to see a slight decrease in their clothing size.
On average, patients can expect to drop between one and three sizes following a tummy tuck procedure. However, every patient’s body is different, and the results may vary. Some patients may not see a drop in clothing size, even if the results of the procedure otherwise meet their aesthetic goals.
If you would like to know how many sizes you can expect to drop following a tummy tuck, request a consultation with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. A surgeon who has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery will have the extensive training and experience needed to provide you with a realistic set of expectations for your surgery.
Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
Generally, ideal candidates for a tummy tuck are healthy non-smokers who are close to their preferred weight and do not plan to have more children in the future.
As both weight gain and pregnancy can undo many of the benefits of a tummy tuck, patients who maintain a stable weight and are done having children are likely to see the longest-lasting results. Regular exercise and a balanced, healthy diet can also help to preserve the results of your procedure.
Setting realistic expectations
For many individuals, a tummy tuck can be an important step toward greater confidence and health. Still, it is also important to set the right expectations prior to having an abdominoplasty.
If you have further questions about what to expect following a tummy tuck or want to know if you might be a good candidate for the procedure, request a consultation with an ABPS-certified plastic surgeon. They will be able to guide you through your options and help you understand what results you can expect.
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