Is a Tummy Tuck Right for You?

The abdomen is the core of the human body. How the stomach appears can influence the look of the entire body, so much so that some trainers suggest their clients focus on toning this area first to enjoy the most immediate transformation of their looks. One’s trunk is not only an indicator to his or her fitness level, but it also houses vital organs. According to Harvard Health Publications, extra abdominal fat can have a negative impact on the rest of the body, causing an imbalance in hormone levels and proper functioning through structures like the liver.

Clearly there are more reasons than a dislike of one’s own figure to resort to abdominoplasty surgery, more commonly referred to by the layman as the “tummy tuck.” Aside from ill-fitting clothes, the self-consciousness brought on when donning a bathing suit, and the obvious sign of being overweight, there are health consequences related to an abdomen which harbors extra belly fat.

Men and women alike may be candidates for the surgery which achieves the following:

• Repositions and tightens stomach muscles
• Trims away extra skin
• Liposuctions unwanted fat
• Repositions the navel

There are a number of reasons a person may seek a tummy tuck, the most common of which is postpartum muscle and skin laxity and unevenly distributed fat pockets. Formerly overweight patients who have slimmed down may also find that these same issues are present in their bodies, regardless of gender. Other causes of a change in the look of the abdomen are age and genetics.

Abdominoplasty is a major surgery, and is only performed on patients who are non-smokers and of a healthy weight. Patients are advised that a tummy tuck is not intended to substitute a balanced lifestyle and physical fitness. Though the surgery is performed to create permanent changes in both the underlying structure of the abdomen and its exterior appearance, the results may vary. Individuals who go on to gain a lot of weight, or women who have a child following the surgery may find that their bodies look similar to their pre-surgical state. In such cases, it is advisable that patients wait to undergo a tummy tuck.

Dr. Douglas S. Steinbrech, MD, FACS is a renowned New York City plastic surgeon who focuses his talents on overall body rejuvenation. His specialty is the “mommy makeover.” He is in practice with Dr. Philip Miller, a facial plastic surgeon, at Gotham Plastic Surgery. Contact the doctors by filling out the online contact form.