A tummy tuck or tummy tuck is a procedure that can benefit men and women who have excess loose abdominal fat and skin that is concentrated in the abdomen area. There are cases where these traits may be hereditary, although in other cases the cause may be due to substantial weight loss. This procedure is also quite beneficial for women looking to tighten stomach muscles that have been weakened by pregnancy. The treatment is also known to improve the appearance of stretch marks, especially those below the belly button. In this article, we will provide some tips to help you determine whether or not you are a candidate for this type of procedure.
The first step in your journey is to find a surgeon and schedule a consultation. During this initial meeting, you will be asked about your hopes and expectations regarding the procedure. In this way, your surgeon will be better able to determine a plan of action, as well as whether or not the desired results can realistically be achieved.
You may be a good candidate for this treatment if you currently have one or more of the following:
1. Excessive or sagging abdominal skin
2. A disproportionate abdomen with the rest of your body
3. Weakened or separated abdominal muscles
4. Excess fatty tissue residing in the abdomen area.
You may decide to delay your operation if you plan to become pregnant or lose a large amount of weight in the future. If either of these is the case, you should discuss her options with your surgeon, as these circumstances can drastically alter the results of a tummy tuck.
Your doctor will examine your torso while you are lying down and standing up. The degree of flaccid skin and skin tone will be evaluated. Excess fat will also show up along with the condition of your stomach muscles.
As this procedure is cosmetic in nature, it is generally not covered by insurance. However, in some cases, a hernia may be found, in which case partial insurance reimbursement may be available.
If you’re ready to seriously pursue this treatment, it’s important to find a board-certified plastic surgeon. Schedule a consultation and come prepared with a list of questions and concerns to discuss. Make sure the setting is professional and make sure that you make the final decision to move forward only if you are completely sure of your decision. It’s your body, trust your gut.