Is a Tummy Tuck for You?
Regardless of your diet or the amount you exercise, for some of us, the dreaded tummy ‘spare tyre’ also unflatteringly called, ‘muffin top’ can be a stubborn and depressing problem for both women and men.
There are a variety of reasons why a tummy can be persistently loose. A pregnancy, or substantial weight loss, as well as other medical and genetic reasons can make it impossible to reduce excess skin and fat in the abdominal area. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) in conjunction with liposculpting can be an effective procedure that removes persistent and unwanted excess skin and fat.
The Yummy Mummy Makeover – With a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is popular with both men and women, but it is mothers who are the largest cohort enjoying the benefits of this procedure. Multiple pregnancies can result in the separation of the rectus (abdominal) muscles and this can cause a weakening of your core, creating an unattractive tummy bulge.
Specialist plastic surgeons have significant experience in addressing this issue for mothers effectively. Often the Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure is also accompanied with liposculpting, resulting in the best possible outcomes. It is recommended mothers plan for their tummy tuck surgery only when they know they won’t be having any more of those beautiful babies.
What are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty Procedure?
The reasons to have a tummy tuck – and the benefits of this procedure, vary widely. An abdominoplasty tightens muscles that may have become loose or split following pregnancy, the procedure can also remove excess skin from the abdomen for those that have lost substantial weight. It is important to realise that a tummy tuck is not a substitute to a healthy diet and exercise, but it can be a wonderful supplement for those that find this region of the body difficult to improve without surgical support.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Benefits Can Include:
- The appearance of the abdomen to create a firmer, flatter and smoother profile.
Improvement to both the shape and the tone of the tummy area. - The restoration of any weakened or separated muscles.
- Alleviation of any associated pain with separated muscles.
- Improved stress incontinence caused by weak core-strength due to muscle separation.
- Improvement of irritated skin and any skin infections caused by excess skin.
- Possible reduction of some stretch marks (in the treated areas).
- Reduction of lower backache caused by weakened core-strength due to muscle separation*.
*A recently published multicentre Australian studyhas suggested possible benefits of improvement of stress incontinence and lower backache in post-pregnancy abdominoplasty.
What Does the Tummy Tuck Procedure (Abdominoplasty) Involve?
The abdominoplasty procedure involves an incision at the lower abdomen. many surgeons also perform liposculpture during abdominoplasty procedures to further contour the tummy and the hip area, creating the best possible ‘sculptured’ results, while also reducing the length of the scar.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
It is important to know that we are all different and that includes how we recover from any surgery. Your surgeonwill discuss your surgical options and recovery times at your initial consultation to give you a clearer idea of how long your recovery may take.
As a rough guide, you can return to work and light exercise after three weeks, and to your normal life after six to eight weeks (but still avoiding anything strenuous effecting the abdominal wall). Again, fuller and more personalised details regarding this procedure will be explained to you by your surgeon during your initial consultation.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Tips Include:
- Prepare yourself, get excited and go into surgery in your best possible health – while maintaining a healthy weight prior to surgery.
- Follow all the directions given to you by your surgeon for your best recovery.
- Prepare in advance your transport, medication and any help required at home.
- Take all medications as directed by your surgeon
- Manage your expectations. Everyone is different but expect some discomfort. Know that the more you look after yourself in the pre-surgery and recovery period, the sooner you will be out and about, enjoying the results of your Tummy Tuck procedure.
Further Reading about an Australian Tummy Tuck
- Recovery after Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty
- Abdominoplasty Surgery – Tummy Tuck Sydney
- Real Patient Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty Before and After Gallery by Dr Carmen Munteanu
- Perth Plastic Surgeon|Tummy Tuck Abdominoplasty – Dr Guy Watts
- What Does a Torn Stomach Muscle Feel Like | GCPS – Dr Mark Doyle