A tummy tuck procedure is ideal for someone who is at or near their target weight, but has some excess skin or stretched abdominal muscles that need to be restored. If you still have a lot of weight to lose, you might not be a good tummy tuck candidate at this time.

In this post, Dr. A.J. Khalil discusses why you should reach your weight loss goals before getting a tummy tuck.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

The tummy tuck is used to eliminate loose or sagging skin and tighten up your abdominal muscles. A protruding or stretched-out abdomen may be caused by any of the following factors:

  • Pregnancy
  • Massive weight loss
  • Aging
  • Genetic factors

The tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. A small amount of fatty tissues may be removed from targeted areas in order to achieve an ideal abdominal contour. However, the procedure cannot be used to eliminate a significant amount of fat.

Liposuction and Mommy Makeovers

Why not combine liposuction and a tummy tuck to eliminate fat and contour your waistline? These procedures are often used together as part of a mommy makeover. Other procedures, such as a breast augmentation or breast lift, may also be used together with a tummy tuck.

However, there are limits to what liposuction can do. Liposuction is meant to fine-tune your body contours. It is not a method of major weight loss.

Liposuction can’t be used on visceral fat that surrounds your organs. You can only get rid of this fat through diet and exercise.

Preparing for a Tummy Tuck

What’s your ideal body weight? If you’re more than 10 pounds away, it may be too soon to consider tummy tuck surgery. Women who plan on getting pregnant again are also not good candidates for this procedure.

You can also look at before-and-after pictures to get an idea of what a tummy tuck can accomplish. You’ll notice that a tummy tuck doesn’t cause significant weight loss, but can transform the contours and appearance of your abdomen. Make sure your expectations are realistic when compared to the results other patients have achieved.

Keep eating healthy foods and exercising regularly. If you think you’re close to your target weight, you can meet with a plastic surgeon for an in-person consultation.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Khalil, please contact our Beverly Hills cosmetic surgery office today.