Are You a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Reviewed by Richard J. Greco, MD, FACS

While some cosmetic plastic surgery procedures leveled off from 2004 to 2005, the tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure increased a dramatic 26 percent (according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons). That continues a steady gain in popularity in the United States of 115 percent since 2000. You too may be a candidate for this tried-and-true cosmetic enhancement.

The ideal candidates for tummy tuck surgery are patients in relatively good physical shape, but have excess skin or fat in the abdominal area that is resistant to exercise. This includes the laxity of underlying muscles due to pregnancy which makes it very difficult for mothers to return their abdominal area to a flat appearance. For these women, the skin and muscles have stretched beyond the point where they can naturally return to their normal location and shape.

Other candidates can include patients who have lost a lot of weight through diet and exercise or bariatric surgery, and have excess skin in the abdominal area. The normal aging process can also cause skin to sag or lose elasticity, making many older patients excellent tummy tuck candidates.

Expectations

Good candidates understand the procedure and have realistic expectations. The repair and tightening of the abdominal muscles, along with the removal of the excess skin, may greatly improve body contour and appearance. Improved appearance may improve self-confidence and may change the way others interact with you. However, the surgery cannot bring back your youth or create the ideal figure. There is also no guarantee that other people will treat you differently after surgery.

Abdominoplasty does produce a permanent scar, typically across the full width of the bikini line. However, the goal during the procedure is to make the incision in a natural crease and location that is easily hidden by clothing.

Surgeons typically have before-and-after photos so you can see the results of other patients and learn more about your expected outcomes. The surgeon can explain the details of the procedure, the type of anesthetic to be used, the extent of skin removal and muscle repair, and the expected recovery period.

Patients Who Should Postpone Tummy Tuck

Women who are considering future pregnancies often postpone the surgery until after their final pregnancy. The muscles that are repaired during the tummy tuck procedure can separate again during pregnancy. There may be other reasons to postpone a tummy tuck procedure, which your doctor can determine.

Consult a Qualified Surgeon

The best candidates for abdominoplasty have done their research and consulted with a board-certified plastic surgeon about the procedure. A qualified doctor can explain all of the surgical options, discuss related treatments, and help ensure that you are a good candidate for abdominoplasty.

Related Topics

• Mommy Makeover Surgery

[page updated June 2008]