Who Can Benefit from a Tummy Tuck?

The medical name for a tummy tuck is abdominoplasty, a procedure to remove excess skin and some fat from your abdomen and tighten your abdominal muscles. The procedure is best for people who are at a stable weight, healthy overall, and don’t like the appearance of their abdomen.

Dr. Stephen Chen is a highly-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon who has counseled many people seeking a tummy tuck. He specializes in cosmetic surgery and has deep knowledge regarding who is most likely to benefit from this procedure. 

This post describes some circumstances that often result in a very positive outcome after a tummy tuck. Some of them may surprise you. 

Lost weight

Diet and exercise are crucial for good health, but they don’t always give you the cosmetic results you expect. One of the most common reasons people want to have a tummy tuck is that they’ve lost a significant amount of weight. In many cases, the weight loss doesn’t deliver exactly the look the person was hoping it would. 

You may have extra skin, sometimes called “apron belly.” A tummy tuck can remove that skin and get you closer to the ideal you have in mind. 

One important caveat is that you should be at a stable weight when you get your tummy tuck. 

Diastasis recti 

You have abdominal muscles on each side of your body and are separated by a band of connective tissue called the linea alba. During pregnancy, the linea alba can be overstretched, and your abdominal muscles separate. This is called diastasis recti, or abdominal separation.

Diastasis recti can cause numerous problems. You may have a noticeable belly pooch, your belly might feel extra soft, and you might feel pain — in your pelvis or hips, lower back, or during sex. Diastasis recti can cause you to have poor posture, experience urinary leaking, constipation, or feel weak in your abs. 

Dr. Chen can correct diastasis recti during a tummy tuck, which can correct your symptoms. You may have better posture, less (or no) urinary leakage, and less back pain.

A boost in self-confidence

Ultimately, the people who benefit the most from a tummy tuck are those who are unhappy with the appearance of their abdomen. If you’ve dialed in your nutrition, exercise regularly, and are not happy with the results, you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck. 

You can expect your clothing to fit better, have a smoother profile, and have a sleeker, more contoured appearance. If that sounds like the benefit you’re looking for, schedule an appointment with Dr. Chen today.