Am I a Good Tummy Tuck Candidate?

Abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a tummy tuck, can completely transform your midsection. The full tummy tuck procedure involves the removal of excess fat and skin from the belly, along with the tightening of separated abdominal muscles. These steps combined can restore definition to the stomach and waist, tone and trim the abdominal area, and even help to prevent certain types of hernia. However, full abdominoplasty is not necessary in every case.

During the mini tummy tuck procedure, excess skin and fat are removed from the belly, but muscles are not tightened. Like complete tummy tuck surgery, removing skin and fat can eliminate stretch marks and restore ideal contours, improve clothing options, enhance range of motion, and produce a more attractive and well-defined midsection.

Both tummy tuck techniques are suitable for people with excess fat and skin obscuring their abdominal areas. Complete tummy tuck surgery is often better for people who have had children, gained and lost significant amounts of weight, or are experiencing abdominal wall separation. The mini version of abdominoplasty is typically better for individuals who do not have separated abdominal muscles and only require the removal of fat and skin to reveal underlying musculature and bone structure.

The Ideal Tummy Tuck Candidate

Tummy tuck surgery is not intended for weight loss and is best for people close to their goal weight. Removing diet and exercise-resistant fat and skin will result in minor weight loss, but should follow these efforts, not supplant them.

In addition, good candidates for abdominoplasty should be in good health, non-smokers, and willing to follow pre and postoperative directions provided by our office. Both types of tummy tuck surgery require time away from work and strenuous activities. The best candidates are able to take up to six weeks away from more demanding tasks to allow their bodies to recover fully.

Levi Young is Here to Help You Decide

If you want to learn if a tummy tuck could help you reach your goals, a one-on-one consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Levi Young is a fantastic place to start. Please use the contact form on this page or call our Leawood office at 913-341-2188 to schedule your consultation today.