Candidate for tummy tuck

When you’re thinking about body contouring surgery there is a simple, step-wise way to form a good plan. Here’s a simple summary to use when thinking about improving the shape and contour of your body.

The first option is liposuction. Liposuction is good for removing excess fat from anywhere in the body. Whether you have a large pad of excess fat or a small bulge, liposuction can remove the unwanted fat. The problem is that it will not do much for excess skin.

If you have excess skin hanging in the lower abdomen you are probably a better candidate for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). Tummy tucks are great for removing that excess hanging skin and generally tightening loose tummy skin. It also removes the excess fat that comes along with the skin being removed, but only that fat. It will not help remove fat in areas where you’re not removing skin.

Best candidate for tummy tuck

Many patients have a combination of the two problems, which is solved with a combination of the two operations. It’s that simple. If you have hanging skin in the lower tummy and a pad of excess fat in the upper tummy and hips, you will get the best results with a tummy tuck and lipo of the upper tummy and hips.

Of course, every patient is different. You should visit with a few board certified plastic surgeons and get their opinions. Together you can make a good plan and get you on the road to fabulous tummy tuck results. (Adam Rubinstein, MD, Miami Plastic Surgeon)

An abdominoplasty addresses 3 fundmental issues of abdominal prominence-excess skin, excess fat, and laxity of the connective tissue that houses the abdominal muscle. This triad is commonly the byproduct of pregnancy and occasionally of massive weight loss.

The patient must also be a suitable candidate in other ways-good health, reasonable expectations, and an understanding of the collaterals of the operation (eg. a length scar across the lower abdomen).
(Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)

Is a tummy tuck right for me?

Candidate for abdominoplasty

The right candidate for tummy tuck is in generally good health with some skin and fat excess. Patients that have had children generally obtain excellent results. The key is to find a board certified plastic surgeon and allow him to evaluate you. You may need only a mini-tuck, a full abdominoplasty or tummy tuck, or liposuction + tummy tuck = lipoabdominoplasty.

Who would benefit from a tummy tuck

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a procedure which removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the muscles. The best candidates for tummy tuck are typically women who have had multiple pregnancies. As a result of the stretching which occurrs with pregnancy, the muscles of the abdomen separate (known as “diastasis”) and the skin often hangs and loses its elastic quality.

Candidate for tummy tuck operation

By restoring the relationship of the muscles (called “plicating”) and removing this excess skin and fat, the abdomen usually has a dramatic improvement in the way it looks. To find out if a tummy tuck is right for you, schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area. (David Bogue, MD, Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon)

The tummy tuck procedure is suitable for those who have abdominal tissue excess and laxity. This often presents as upper or lower abdominal protuberance. Also, those who have loose abdominal muscles will benefit form this procedure. Many patients after pregnancy or significant weight loss are ideal candidates for this procedure.
(Siamak Agha, MD, PhD, FACS, Orange County Plastic Surgeon)

Candidate for tummy tuck photo

Patients, usually women but sometimes men, benefit from a tummy tuck if they have loose abdominal skin. The below the umbilicus skin is lax and in many patients the skin above the umbilicus is loose as well. In addition, women who have children usually also have “diastasis recti”, which is a separation of the rectus abdominus muscles. This gives a rounded appearance to the abdomen. If you have saggy skin, or split muscles you need a tummy tuck.

During a tummy tuck, the muscles are repaired which gives a flatter abdomen and the excess skin is removed, improving the contour. If the excess skin is confined to below the belly button, you can have an “umbilical float” procedure-no scar around the belly button. If you have lax skin above the belly button, you need full tummy tuck with scar around the belly button. This is the case for most patients. (Tracy Pfeifer, MD, Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)

The other advantage of a tummy tuck is that it allows the surgeon to tighten loose abdominal muscles, which can be particularly important after pregnancy, particularly in thin women.

Candidate for tummy tuck surgery

If the skin tone is good and the muscles in good shape, liposuction can be the answer to localized fat collections. When combined with laser skin tightening, as in Smart Lipo, this can be the best approach for many patients. The bottom line is, be sure to see a cosmetic surgeon how can help guide you through the different options and pick the one that is best for you. (Michael H. Rosenberg, MD, White Plains Plastic Surgeon)

A tummy tuck is great for someone who has loose skin of the abdomen and has weak muscles secondary to either weight loss or pregnancies. (Steven Wallach, MD, Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)

A tummy tuck is right for you if you have lax skin and a weak muscle layer. Liposuction alone is more appropriate if your muscles are tight, you have good skin tone, but just excess fat. In many patients, a combination of the two exists, and the tummy tuck is combined with liposuction to the upper abdomen and flanks.

Photo candidate for tummy tuck

You can get an idea of which tummy tuck surgery is right for you by examining your own abdomen. Loose skin often hangs over the beltline or has lost its elasticity. Check out your muscles by doing a situp and looking for a bulge in the center of your abdomen.

Discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon to find out what approach is best for you. (Jeffrey Horowitz, MD, Bel Air Plastic Surgeon)

You will know when the stomach starts to bother you in cosmetic appearance.

When there is a lot of fat accumulation with good skin tone, then a liposuction may help

After pregnancies and weight gain and weight loss and loss of skin elasticity and pouching of the stomack then you need a Tummy Tuck (Samir Shureih, MD, Baltimore Plastic Surgeon)