A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the United States. The surgery helps you eliminate excess fat and skin to get a flatter abdomen and more contoured physique.
We here at Lansdowne Aesthetic Center recommend abdominoplasty for patients who are of a normal weight who are bothered by excess fat and skin on their belly. Such fat and skin don’t respond to conventional weight loss efforts of diet and exercise. Generally, patients should be nonsmokers in good health.
Dr. Yaqub Baraki may perform a tummy tuck on a patient who is overweight, but not obese. Here’s what he wants you to think about when deciding whether or not to go through the surgical procedure.
Often, Dr. Baraki recommends that you lose a little extra weight if your body mass index (BMI) is more than 30 before having a tummy tuck. This BMI indicates you're overweight or obese, which means you may have health issues that could make elective surgery more dangerous than it needs to be.
People with a higher BMI usually have a weaker immune system, which slows recovery and puts you at greater risk of infection, swelling, bruising, and pain after surgery.
However, if you’re in generally good health but overweight, you may still qualify for a tummy tuck. Dr. Baraki performs tummy tucks on many patients who are over their ideal weight.
Patients who are overweight and considering a tummy tuck do need to be in generally good health and free of medical conditions that increase the risk of developing surgical complications. Dr. Baraki will also want to make sure that you’re committed to living a healthy and active lifestyle. If you gain a significant amount of weight after your procedure, it can have a negative impact on your long-term results.
Usually, Dr. Baraki recommends that you be within 20-30 pounds of your goal weight. If you’re a woman, you should also be sure you’re done with your family as future pregnancies can undo the results of your tummy tuck.
A tummy tuck won’t suddenly make you drop 10 clothing sizes, but you will see an improvement in your contours and may drop one or two sizes.
Abdominoplasty tightens your abdominal muscles and flattens your belly. Close-fitting clothes fit and look better. The procedure can also help you feel more confident when wearing a bathing suit at the pool or beach.
It’s also important that you have realistic expectations when it comes to your results. A tummy tuck won’t suddenly create ideal contours; the procedure can’t impact your breasts, love handles, thighs, or buttocks.
Dr. Baraki sits down with every prospective patient to discuss the details of their tummy tuck and to help them visualize their results. If you’re a woman who has a belly pooch following pregnancy, he may recommend a combination of procedures, or a mommy makeover, that includes a tummy tuck to restore your pre-pregnancy physique.
If you’re ready to schedule a consultation, contact Lansdowne Aesthetic Center today by phone, or use the online tool to schedule your appointment.
