Many people have problems with their mid-section. Even after a healthy lifestyle change that includes diet and exercise; those firm six-pack abdominals remain hidden. For healthy men and women a body contouring procedure may be an option. Body contouring is a concept that refers to a wide range of plastic surgery procedures performed to enhance and improve the shape and tone of the body. Part of this concept is the abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a tummy tuck. The tummy tuck is a fairly common procedure performed on men and women who have undergone major weight loss.
However, many individuals displaying normal body weight sometimes develop a sagging mid-section and the most common causes include pregnancy, aging, and heredity. This surgical procedure is designed to decrease abdominal profile by tightening muscles in the abdominal wall in addition to removing extra fat and skin.
If you believe you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck, you should e aware that this is a major surgery, and often requires extended recovery periods. Furthermore, this body contouring procedure should not be used as a substitute for a sensible and healthy weight loss program.
Female candidates planning to have more children should postpone a tummy tuck. The nature of the surgery is to tighten certain abdominal muscles that pregnancy will separate. If children are in your future, consider other types of contouring procedures. What’s more, if you are on a rigorous diet and exercise program and plan to lose still more weight, a tummy tuck may not be the best option for you right now. It is worth noting that a tummy tuck can cause visible scarring, but your doctor will discuss all these options with you during the consultation phase.
The tummy tuck is not liposuction, although the two procedures are often combined to maximize the aesthetic results. The procedure itself can take up to five hours or as little as two hours, depending on the desired outcomes. A tummy tuck is a great way to smooth out those stubborn abs; but it is important to think about where you are in life and discuss your options with your plastic surgeon.