Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Who is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
There are many ways to get a flatter firmer tummy, including CoolSculpting, liposuction, and mini and full tummy tucks. As a board certified plastic surgeon, I have helped hundreds of women and men determine whether a Tummy Tuck or another procedure is right for them.
While CoolSculpting is non-surgical, and liposuction is minimally invasive surgery (performed with local numbing), a tummy tuck is a serious surgery that is usually performed under general anesthesia.
CoolSculpting and Liposuction remove fat, but do not tighten the skin or muscles of the abdomen. A tummy tuck removes excess skin, and tightens the remaining abdominal skin and muscles.
There are several different types of Tummy Tuck procedures. The type that is best for a person depends on whether they need muscles tightened, skin tightened, fat removed, or any combination of these factors.
What Causes Loose Abdominal Skin
Even people with normal body weight can develop a “tummy” that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of a loose or saggy abdomen include:
- Aging
- Heredity
- Pregnancy
- Significant weight loss
Sometimes the skin alone is loose or saggy. In other cases the problem is the result of stretched or “splayed” muscles.
What Age Can You Get a Tummy Tuck?
At a minimum a person should be 21 years of age to undergo a Tummy Tuck – however it is rarely performed on young woman. Typically a woman should wait until they are finished having children before having a Tummy Tuck, since the skin and muscles may get stretched out again due to pregnancy.
Similarity, If a person is considering (or in the process of) losing weight, they should wait until after they’ve reached their desired weight. This way the Tummy Tuck can remove all loose skin at once.
There is no maximum age to get a Tummy Tuck, as long as you are in good health. Dr. Ali has helped hundreds of “sexy seniors” get the body they want with a Tummy Tuck.
Health Considerations for a Tummy Tuck
Because a Tummy Tuck is a type of surgery, a person must be in good health and not have any diseases or serious pre-existing medical conditions. If you have epilepsy, diabetes, an autoimmune disorder, a circulatory disorder, or a bleeding disorder, you may not be a good candidate for a Tummy Tuck. Always advise Dr. ALi or your plastic surgeon of any underlying medical conditions you have.
Additionally if you are taking blood thinning medication, or certain other medicines or prescriptions you may need to stop taking them before you are able to undergo Tummy Tuck surgery. Always discuss any medications you are taking with Dr. Ali during your consultation. But never discontinue any medication without the permission of your prescribing physician. Dr. Ali can consult with your personal doctor, if necessary to discuss any medications you may be taking.
Also, oral contraceptives should ideally be stopped a month prior to surgery because “The Pill” can increase the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis or Pulmonary Embolism (blood clots). However, use some alternative form of effective contraception, as women should not be pregnant during a Tummy Tuck or while healing.
Being in a mentally and emotionally stable place in your life is also important, because recovery from a Tummy Tuck requires patience and stability. Surgical recovery takes time, and there is typically discomfort or pain involved. Post-surgical depression is a real and serious issue, and surgery can aggravate depression and other mental conditions. Having a good support system around you to help you with driving and daily activities while you recover is very important.
Additionally, smokers must stop at least two to three months before the Tummy Tuck, and should not smoke until complete healing has taken place.
Remember, if you are not a good candidate for surgery at this time, there may still be some other non-surgical procedures – such as coolsculpting or laser skin tightening – that may help you attain your appearance goals.
Birmingham’s Best Tummy Tuck Surgery
Birmingham board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has helped hundreds of women and men obtain the firm flat abdomen they have always wanted with a Tummy Tuck. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ali, and he will help you determine whether a Tummy Tuck, or another procedure, is right for you.
