Those three pregnancies in eight years really took a toll on your formerly smoking body. That rapid weight loss you went through last year as part of the only New Year’s Resolution you ever stuck to has left your stomach looking like a deflated balloon. Do these situations sound familiar? You may have wondered about the solutions to these problems — as you well know, diet and exercise are not always enough to tone up that tummy area to pre-baby and pre-weight loss form. What’s a girl (or guy) to do? A tummy tuck could be the ideal solution for you — provided you meet some basic qualifications. Not everyone is a good candidate for a tummy tuck. Let’s find out if you are.

Tummy Tuck: Defined

First off, a tummy tuck (also known as an abdominoplasty) flattens the abdomen through the removal of extra fat and skin, and can restore weakened or separated muscles to tighten the abdominal wall. This is an elective procedure that both men and women may opt for if they have tried diet and exercise to no avail. Many times, all the sit-ups in the world can’t get that area taut again! There are many factors that contribute to the excess flab in your stomach, including:

• Age
• Heredity
• Pregnancy
• Prior surgery
• Large fluctuations in weight

A tummy tuck can provide many benefits to the patient, but it’s not a substitute for weight loss or a solid exercise regimen. The effects of the tummy tuck will be lost if you continue to gain weight and lose it again. This is why you should put off having a tummy tuck until you are done having babies or have committed yourself to a lifestyle change in regards to diet and fitness.

Qualifications

In order to be a good candidate for a tummy, you must meet the following qualifications. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, you should:

• Be physically healthy with a stable weight
• Have realistic expectations (tummy tucks alone aren’t always a cure-all…you may need other procedures in conjunction with a tummy tuck, such as liposuction and contouring to achieve the body you want)
• Know the side effects and recovery times and be able to meet those time frames despite family and work commitments
• Be a non-smoker
• Be aware of the minimal scarring that can occur

As a highly individualized procedure, tummy tuck surgery has no one ideal image. The outcome will be different for every person. That’s why it’s important to consult with your doctor to ensure your expectations are in line with theirs. Dr. Mariam Awada, MD FACS, of Michigan Cosmetic Surgery is happy to sit down with you to discuss your overall goals, provide solutions, and go over the entire tummy tuck procedure. Call today at 248-948-5500 for a FREE consultation.