Men and women who want a tummy tuck often have the same goal in mind: to achieve a flat stomach. Whether you’ve lost a significant amount of weight, experienced pregnancy or just can’t seem to get the results you’re after through exercise alone, a tummy tuck may be able to help you get the look you desire. However, there are some limitations to the procedure that you should know before you schedule your tummy tuck.
What a Tummy Tuck Can Do
Pregnancy and weight loss can leave the skin and muscles in the abdominal area stretched and loose. For many men and women, a tummy tuck can be an ideal solution for these cosmetic concerns. During a tummy tuck, excess skin is removed and weakened abdominal muscles can also be repaired for a flatter, more toned appearance.
What Not to Expect from Tummy Tuck Results
It’s important to note that while a tummy tuck can help you attain a flatter stomach, it can’t remove excess fat that may be keeping you from achieving your ideal shape. Visceral fat, which surrounds your organs, can only be reduced through a healthy diet and exercise. That’s why it’s best to reach your target weight before you consider getting a tummy tuck.
It’s important for people considering a tummy tuck to maintain realistic expectations about their outcome. A tummy tuck can provide excellent results, but it won’t necessarily give you six-pack abs.
When to Combine Procedures for Best Results
Although cosmetic surgery can’t remove visceral fat, body contouring procedures can effectively get rid of the subcutaneous fat that lies just beneath the skin. Liposuction can be combined with a tummy tuck to help eliminate the diet and exercise-resistant subcutaneous fat for more refined contours and a smoother, flatter stomach.