by Sheldon Lincenberg, MD
This article appeared on Feb. 4, 2019 on BEST SELF ATLANTA https://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/the-world-of-tummy-tucks/. The photo is one of my tummy tuck patients -- she is the mother of three boys.
We all know an attractive belly when we see one. It has the appearance of youth. The features suggest the fitness and trimness of a body that has not suffered the agonies of age, weight gain, pregnancy or surgery. When those do occur, a tummy tuck can make the belly attractive again by tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin which results in a tighter abdominal wall and a smaller waistline. In the case of weight gain, Tummy Tuck is not an alternative to weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. Instead, the Tummy Tuck takes away the excess skin that remains once the patient has lost the extra pounds they gained, just as in pregnancy.
When is the right time for a Tummy Tuck?
The best time for a Tummy Tuck is after a woman has finished having a family and/or is at a stable weight. Since the goal of a Tummy Tuck is to create smooth contours and young skin, it is best for the patient to be at a stable weight and within 15 pounds of their ideal weight. If more than 15 pounds are lost after surgery, there may be some loose skin again.
What is a Designer Tummy Tuck?
As a plastic surgeon, I specialize in designing the right operation for each tummy. A traditional tummy tuck modifies all the layers of tissue – the skin, the fat and the muscle. But with techniques such as liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction and endoscopy, I can take a truly customized approach to abdominal contouring. Some women (such as women in good physical condition who have had children) don’t need a full Tummy Tuck. Smaller procedures can be done to optimize the appearance for these patients.
Can a Tummy Tuck be combined with other procedures?
Yes. A tummy tuck is often combined with breast procedures like breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, or breast lift and augmentation. Liposuction is also commonly performed at the same time. Some patients will opt to have liposuction performed and use that fat to augment other areas of the body or face.