What is the best age for a tummy tuck? It is also advised for men and women who have lost the toned appearance of the abdomen due to aging. The tummy tuck can generally be performed on patients from 18 to 68 years old or even older. However, both very young and senior patients should keep something in mind before scheduling the procedure.
Who doesn’t wish a flat-board stomach ?
A belly that belies gravity and is as toned as the best athletes is almost every one’s most cherished dream. This, however, is a wish that rarely comes true for most unless you put in relentless hours of sweating at the gym.
A pot belly not only mars your personality but also irreparably damages self confidence, especially when you cross a certain age. You would do well to opt for an aesthetic tummy tuck procedure if you-
Have deposits of unwanted fat in and around your abdominal region
Suffer from some sort of eating or weight disorder either congenital or hereditary in origin
Have sagging tummy skin that just won’t go away
Stubborn abdominal concentration of fats reluctant to melt even after putting in the best of efforts
Any and all of these signs indicate a tummy tuck surgery that would alleviate all your woes.
- What are the steps of a tummy tuck procedure?
A tummy tuck procedure includes the following steps:
- Step 1 - Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.
- Step 2 – The incision
A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and belly button.
The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the amount of excess skin. Once the abdominal skin is lifted, the underlying weakened abdominal muscles are repaired.
A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.
Tummy tuck incision front abdomen sutures
The upper abdominal skin is pulled down like a window shade. The excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin is sutured together. A new opening for the belly button is created. The belly button is popped through to the surface and sutured into position.
Tummy tuck side before and after
- Step 3 – Closing the incisions
Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips close the skin incisions.
- Step 4 – See the results
Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight.
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the abdomen.
During a tummy tuck — also known as abdominoplasty — excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen. Connective tissue in the abdomen (fascia) usually is tightened with sutures as well. The remaining skin is then repositioned to create a more toned look.
You might choose to have a tummy tuck if you have excess fat or skin around the area of your bellybutton or a weak lower abdominal wall. A tummy tuck can also boost your body image.
Why it's done
There are a number of reasons you might have excess fat, poor elasticity of the skin or weakened connective tissue in your abdomen. These include:
- Significant changes in weight
- Pregnancy
- Abdominal surgery, such as a C-section
- Aging
- Your natural body type
A tummy tuck can remove loose, excess skin and fat, and tighten weak fascia. A tummy tuck can also remove stretch marks and excess skin in the lower abdomen below the bellybutton. However, a tummy tuck won't correct stretch marks outside of this area.
If you've previously had a C-section, your plastic surgeon might be able to incorporate your existing C-section scar into your tummy tuck scar.
A tummy tuck can also be done in combination with other body contouring cosmetic procedures, such as breast surgery. If you've had fat removed from your abdomen (liposuction), you may decide to have a tummy tuck because liposuction removes tissue just under the skin and fat but not any excess skin.
A tummy tuck isn't for everyone. Your doctor might caution against a tummy tuck if you:
- Plan to lose a significant amount of weight
- Might consider future pregnancy
- Have a severe chronic condition, such as heart disease or diabetes
- Have a body mass index that's greater than 30
- Are a smoker
- Had a previous abdominal surgery that caused significant scar tissue
