July 25, 2015 | 3 minute read
If you are embarrassed by excess skin or fat deposits around your midsection, you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck. This procedure, also known as abdominoplasty, is a great option if you are a healthy adult at a stable weight. A tummy tuck will not help you shed extra pounds, but it can enhance your figure if damaged tissues obscure your healthy size. In fact, many abdominoplasty patients have recently lost large amounts of weight. It can also be an effective choice following pregnancy. Dr. Henry will schedule a consultation before recommending a tummy tuck. She will evaluate your health history, body type, and cosmetic goals to determine your candidacy for the procedure. To learn more about tummy tuck candidates, contact our San Francisco practice today.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
With a tummy tuck, Dr. Henry can tighten damaged muscles, trim off excess skin, and eliminate fat deposits from your belly. She will make an incision between both hip bones and above your pubic line. This incision will give her access to the underlying tissues. She will lift and reposition stretched muscles, attaching them higher up to give you a sleeker shape. She will also trim off extra skin and, in many cases, she will perform liposuction to eliminate fat deposits. If needed, she can also reposition your belly button so that it sits more naturally on your flatter abdomen.
In addition to traditional abdominoplasty, Dr. Henry offers several specialized procedures. These options include mini, extended, and modified tummy tucks.
Cosmetic Goals
Dr. Henry will first consider your objectives when determining your candidacy for a tummy tuck. This procedure can tighten damaged muscles and remove hanging skin that may affect your appearance. With an abdominoplasty, Dr. Henry can also eliminate isolated pockets of fat. It is important to remember, however, that the procedure is not a weight loss surgery.
Your cosmetic goals will also determine which type of abdominoplasty is right for you. For example, if you only want to address the lower half of your stomach, a mini tummy tuck may be the solution. If you have damaged skin and muscles on your sides, Dr. Henry may recommend an extended tummy tuck. A modified procedure can address specific areas for truly personalized results.
Weight and Lifestyle
To be considered for a tummy tuck, you should be at or near a healthy weight. Abdominoplasty can be a good solution following weight loss, but if your weight continues to drop, it may negate the effects of your surgery. Therefore, you should delay abdominoplasty until you have achieved your weight loss goals. Additionally, you should be committed to maintaining your results through proper diet and exercise.
Additional Health Considerations
You should never undergo elective surgery if you have serious health conditions that may compromise healing. A tummy tuck is not a good option if you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, lupus, or another autoimmune disease. Bleeding disorders can also limit your candidacy. Finally, tobacco use can impede healing, increase your risk for complications, and lead to more visible scarring. Therefore, you should be willing to quit smoking for at least two weeks before and after your procedure.
Contact Us to Find Out if You Are a Candidate
Find out if abdominoplasty is right for you. Contact our office today to schedule a tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Henry.
