Recent studies have shown that people of all ages and backgrounds struggle with their appearance, and this can undermine their natural self-confidence and happiness. One commonly mentioned issue is the shape of their bodies, which includes the abdominal area. If you are suffering from excess skin or stubborn pockets of fat in your belly region, we at Christopher Tiner M.D. Cosmetic Surgery in Pasadena, CA could help you by performing a tummy tuck.
This procedure, also called abdominoplasty, can help to smooth the skin, remove stretch marks, and get rid of excess skin – in short, it resolves issues that can’t be fixed through diet and exercise alone. But who is eligible for the treatment, and how can you gain access to it? In today’s post, we will explore these two questions and help you figure out whether this is a viable option for you.
Is a Tummy Tuck Right for Me?
Before you consider this option, it’s important to know that it is not a weight-loss strategy. If you are overweight and would like help with this, you can speak to Dr. Tiner about some options. However, he is unlikely to recommend abdominoplasty until you have significantly reduced your weight and are close to your ideal body shape. Then, the procedure facilitates that last step, which allows you to achieve the flat belly you’ve dreamed of.
If you’re worried about the effects of aging on your abdominal tissue, you might also be a good candidate for this kind of treatment. In addition to winkling, surgery can also address stretch marks and skin folds caused by pregnancy or other life events. As long as you are currently in good health and don’t have any conditions that preclude this kind of intervention, you should be eligible to participate in abdominoplasty.
You Are Unhappy with the Appearance of Your Abdomen
The patients who undergo this procedure are usually unhappy with the way their belly looks. There could be several reasons for this, such as a history of obesity, a previous pregnancy, the natural aging process, a medical condition, or a medication that has affected the shape of the abdomen. Loose skin, extra fat, and stretch marks can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance, and these problems may also limit the clothes you can wear.
To find out whether you should opt for abdominoplasty, you should get in touch with Dr. Tiner as soon as possible. He will ask questions about the issues you have and what you would like your belly to look like. Then, he can go through the various options with you, so you can get a better picture of whether this surgery is the best solution. If you’re eligible, you could achieve the perfect body shape within a few short weeks.
You Are Close to Your Target Weight
As mentioned, your doctor won’t approve you for surgery if you’re still very far from your target weight. This treatment is meant to enhance the natural results you have already achieved. If you have an abdominoplasty and subsequently lose or gain a lot of weight, the effects of the surgery could be reversed. In fact, you might have to come back to the clinic and have it done again, as your stomach could lose its smooth and beautiful shape.
To prevent this from happening, Dr. Tiner will speak to you about your goals and what your optimal weight is. He will be happy to help you achieve it through more holistic methods. Then, you can enjoy the full benefits of surgery without worrying that the results will be ruined by further fluctuations in your weight.
You Have Skin Issues Due to Aging
Aging takes a toll on all of us, and this can sometimes be particularly noticeable in the abdominal area. Some women and men develop wrinkling and sagging skin, even if they are not particularly overweight. If this describes your situation, you may be a great candidate for surgery. Dr. Tiner could smooth out your wrinkles and remove any stretch marks.
You Are in Good Health
It’s important to remember that surgery is not a good fit for everyone, especially those people who have preexisting medical conditions. If you have a severe problem such as cancer or circulatory disease, it might not be safe to perform abdominoplasty. In such a case, you should still come to the clinic and speak to us, as we might be able to offer you some noninvasive alternatives.
Bring your full medical history to the clinic when you come for your first appointment. That way, we can evaluate whether you’re a good candidate, and we can make sure you are not taking any medications that could make surgery unsafe. You might have to temporarily stop any drugs or supplements that could act as blood thinners. Also remember that you can’t have a tummy tuck in the weeks after your pregnancy, and it’s best to wait for several months.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Now you know whether you might be a great candidate for abdominoplasty, you might wonder what exactly happens during your appointment. The nature of your surgery will depend on whether you are having a mini-abdominoplasty or a full one. During the first type, excess fat and skin below the belly button is removed, but during the second, the whole belly is targeted. It is therefore a more invasive procedure and will take longer.
In fact, a comprehensive treatment could take up to five hours, whereas you might be in and out of the operating theater in two hours if you’ve opted for a mini-abdominoplasty. Regardless, it’s likely that you will be placed under a general anesthetic and have to stay at the clinic overnight.
Recovery and Results
A few days after your surgery, you will be able to go home. Remember that you shouldn’t be alone for the first 24 hours after you are released from the hospital, so make arrangements beforehand. Your recovery time will be between 4-6 weeks, and you will need to stay home and avoid strenuous exercise during this time.
Around six weeks after your surgery, you will be able to enjoy the final results of the procedure. Your belly will be smooth and wrinkle-free. You’ll return to the clinic to see Dr. Tiner for your follow-up appointment, and you can discuss your progress at that time. Most people report that the results of their treatment last for several decades or even their entire life, particularly if they maintain a healthy lifestyle afterwards.
Achieve a Smooth and Flat Belly Now
The tummy tuck is a great way for you to regain your smooth, flat belly. It is particularly effective for people who have used diet and exercise to lose weight and are now very close to reaching their target. Some skin folds and fat cells are almost impossible to get rid of, and abdominoplasty can help to bring out the true shape of your body, which you have worked so hard for.
Another group of people who can benefit are those experiencing wrinkling or loose skin due to aging. No matter what the issue is, you should come to the clinic and speak to Christopher Tiner. He can assess your current situation, then let you know what your options are. Call us today at Christopher Tiner M.D. Cosmetic Surgery in Pasadena, CA and book your initial consultation with a specialist.
