Here in West Palm Beach, most people wish they had a flatter, firmer tummy. It’s no wonder that abdominoplasty, better known as tummy tuck, is one of the most popular body contouring surgeries. If you have been contemplating tummy tuck, Dr. Ravinder Jarial, a top plastic surgeon, breaks down some of the most important information you should know before making a final decision.
Your Main Cosmetic Issue Should Be Excess Skin
Many people who are unfamiliar with tummy tuck assume that the surgery is some sort of fat reduction procedure. In truth, tummy tuck is primarily concerned with loose skin that commonly develops around the abdomen. Therefore, if you have a “pooch” or “muffin top” of excess skin that adds volume to your midsection rather than actual fat, then you are probably a good candidate for this cosmetic option. Dr. Jarial can eliminate this excess skin so that your remaining skin fits taut around your slimmer contours.
That is not to say that no fat is eliminated with tummy tuck. If you have a significant amount of fat you would like to remove along with the loose skin, you may be a good candidate for combining tummy tuck with liposuction.
Tummy Tuck Creates Scarring
Incisions, and therefore scarring, are a part of any surgical procedure. Because tummy tuck requires a longer incision than most forms of plastic surgery, the scar can be considerable, even factoring in Dr. Jarial’s delicate approach, which helps the incision heal better. Even though the scar will never fade completely, the good news is that Dr. Jarial places the incision just above the pubic region so that clothing — even underwear or a swimsuit — are sufficient to conceal the scar.
Your Results Are Permanent
One of the biggest benefits of tummy tuck is that you can enjoy your results for the rest of your life (although this may require a little bit of effort on your part). The trick for long-lasting results is to maintain a steady weight. If you gain a significant amount of weight later, your skin can stretch once again. Hence, it makes sense to have surgery when you are at a goal weight you feel you can realistically maintain.
The Surgery Requires a Significant Recovery
Although the cosmetic benefits of tummy tuck are numerous, it is only fair for patients to fully understand what to expect during recovery. Following surgery, your mobility is limited. You will need close to two weeks of rest and relaxation before you can return to work (if it is not physically taxing). While walking is always encouraged to keep the blood circulating, you will need to postpone strenuous exercise for about six weeks. Ultimately, most patients agree the recovery is worth the results, but if you are not willing to make these compromises, you may not be a good candidate for this surgery.
Schedule a Consultation
To discuss tummy tuck in more detail and determine if you are a good candidate for tummy tuck (or perhaps an alternate body contouring surgery), please call for a consultation today: (561) 249-0390.
