A tummy tuck can do wonders for your physical appearance. However, it's not a weight-loss procedure. Tummy tuck surgery itself won't directly reduce your overall body weight, aside from the small amount of tissue that is removed during the operation. So if you are considering a tummy tuck as part of your overall weight loss plans, it's important to remember that it should be part of the end stages, and definitely not part of the early stages of your plans. But why does your weight at the time of your surgery play such an important role in the long-term success of your tummy tuck?
Sculpting and Contouring
Tummy tuck surgery (also known as abdominoplasty) sculpts and contours your abdomen. This contouring is only effective when the surgeon is working with a body shape that will be retained. This means that the tummy tuck can only be considered a success if you more-or-less maintain your weight at the time of the surgery. Significant weight loss or gain after the surgery will significantly reduce the overall effect of your abdominoplasty.
Plan Well Ahead
This is why it's important to plan ahead for your tummy tuck and begin losing weight well before the operation—typically many months before you undergo the procedure. Your surgeon will be able to discuss this with you and understanding your own body (and how well it responds to weight loss efforts) will give you an approximate idea of how long you will need to achieve your ideal tummy tuck weight.
After Your Tummy Tuck
Maintaining your body weight in the months and years after your tummy tuck can prove to be difficult. It's important to weigh yourself on a regular basis and keep a record. This allows you to note any minor weight fluctuations and take action to prevent them from becoming an issue. Paying attention to your diet, exercise, and general lifestyle can help to maintain your body weight. Although you can undergo a revision procedure to recontour your abdomen if your weight changes, you shouldn't rely on this to correct any changes to the original procedure. This recontouring is an additional surgical procedure, with its own recovery time and financial cost.
Remember that abdominoplasty can help you to achieve the sculpted look you desire, but your weight (and maintaining that weight) also plays an important role in the long-term success of your tummy tuck.
For more information about a tummy tuck, contact a local cosmetic surgeon.
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