Posted July 12, 2013 in Blog, Mommy Makeover, Tummy Tuck
Sometimes diet and exercise just aren’t enough to give you the flat tummy you long for. Whether it’s due to genetics, pregnancy, aging or weight fluctuations, often no amount of crunches can satisfactorily tone your tummy.
We’re happy to tell you that there is help for a bulging tummy. There are a couple of surgical options that might be appropriate. How do you know which one is right for you? Let’s look at the specific issues you may see in your body because these are key indicators.
You have love handles or a protruding abdomen that is out of proportion to the rest of your figure, but sagging isn’t a problem. Liposuction may give you the flattering contour you desire. This procedure targets deposits of fat that cannot be exercised or dieted away, and permanently removes the fat cells. Liposuction is also called “liposculpture” because it can sculpt the body into a more pleasing silhouette.
You have sagging, excess skin and lax muscles that exercise can’t improve. A tummy tuck procedure will be needed to give you the svelte midsection you want. Tummy tuck variations include the mini, modified, or the standard abdominoplasty. Each targets a different concern about the abdomen:
- Loose skin only: The mini tummy tuck requires a small incision just above the pubic area and primarily targets your lower abdominal wall. It’s ideal for men and women who have loose skin below the navel, but really don’t need a full abdominoplasty. The recovery time is shorter too—you can resume light activity in two to three days and get back to regular daily activities within a week or 10 days.
- Loose skin or loose muscles: A modified tummy tuck can be the right solution if you have one or the other—but not both. This procedure can tighten and repair the muscle wall or remove excess skin, but it is not appropriate to address both concerns. A modified tummy tuck approach might keep you out of work for three to four weeks.
- Loose skin and loose muscles: A standard tummy tuck targets your entire abdominal region, both skin and muscles. Many of our mommy makeover patients have standard tummy tucks, because multiple pregnancies can stretch the abdominal wall muscles and cause loose, sagging skin. Because the surgery is extensive, the recovery can take as long as six weeks.
Even if your major concerns about a flat tummy are addressed by a tummy tuck, liposuction is often recommended to fine-tune the results of the abdominoplasty. When you are considering a tummy tuck vs liposuction, keep in mind that neither procedure replaces a healthy diet or appropriate exercise. As a matter of fact, the best candidate for both procedures is someone who exercises on a regular basis and is not obese, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Do you need help deciding whether you need a tummy tuck or not? Come in for a consultation with Dr. Brothers, who is happy to advise you on the best options for reshaping your figure.
