Everyone wants to look good in the summer, the time of year when many people go to the beach and flaunt their curves. But looking good in the summer requires months of preparation. If you want to flaunt your flat stomach and abs, you need to start dieting and exercising consistently months before you plan to go to the beach.
Even with this intense preparation, there are certain people who still struggle with achieving the perfect summer body because of certain problems that dieting and exercise cannot improve. This can be frustrating for some people, so they opt for a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty.
With summer in mind, most patients undergo this procedure as early as winter through spring so that their body has more than enough time to recover. This ensures that they will look good in their swimsuit in time for summer.
What Does a Tummy Tuck Do?
A loose tummy cannot be strengthened solely by a healthy, active lifestyle alone. An abdominoplasty can do many wonders for a weakened midsection caused by weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and even the natural aging process. A tummy tuck can address the following issues and improve the contour, shape, and figure of the body.
- Excess or loose skin on the abdomen
- Stretch marks
- Pockets or fat deposits that do not want to disappear
- Sagging/weakness of the abdomen after pregnancy (rectus diastasis)
- Combination of excess/loose skin and fat
Expectations During Recovery After a Tummy Tuck
Recovery after abdominoplasty varies from patient to patient. Usually, after 1-2 weeks of minimal activity, a patient can slowly resume light exercise. Although the final result can be seen only after 3 months to 6 months, you can brag about the results of a tummy tuck after only a few months and dare to show off your well-toned tummy in a swimsuit on the beach.
Factors to Consider Before Getting a Tummy Tuck
A good candidate for a tummy tuck is someone who is in good health, a non-smoker, and within 20% of their ideal body weight. However, there are additional factors that need to be considered in order to maximize the positive results of this procedure, and these are:
Weight stability
If you are not within your ideal body weight, it is best to lose significant weight first before your tummy tuck procedure, because while the results of the surgery are permanent, any major changes such as fluctuating weight can affect the optimal result of your procedure.
Preparing for a family
It is also advisable that you have already reached your desired family size before your tummy tuck. Pregnancy and childbirth will give you a loose abdominal wall again, undoing the results of your tummy tuck.
Scarring
A tummy tuck surgery involves several stitches depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s progress during recovery. But this is not a cause for worry. During a tummy tuck, surgeons strategically place the incisions as low as possible on the abdomen to minimize scarring. This ensures the incisions are easily hidden beneath your underwear and swimsuit line.
Please note that a tummy tuck is not part of weight loss surgery. It is done to tighten the shape and feel of the abdominal area and it is often performed following weight loss surgery. Should you be needing to remove the excess fat around your abdomen, liposuction without tummy tuck might be an option. However, liposuction alone cannot tighten the loose abdominal muscles. This is why a tummy tuck can be paired with a liposuction procedure.
Be Proud of Your Summer Body With a Tummy Tuck
Because they are often conscious of their bodies, many women are worried that they approach summer with much confidence. Thankfully, a tummy tuck can successfully help them achieve their summer body goals.
With the right timing, the skills of an experienced plastic surgeon, and proper care while in recovery, you too can be ready to enjoy the coming summer flaunting your best tummy tuck results. Learn your tummy tuck options and consult with our team of board-certified plastic surgeons today and schedule a consultation by calling 713-633-4411!
