Many people know how hard it is to keep the stomach in tip-top shape. A balanced diet and healthy lifestyle may be good for the body, but they can’t always restore the stomach’s smooth, slender contours, especially after pregnancy or weight loss. As more people pursue leaner, tighter abs, demand for the popular body contouring procedure continues to grow.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is the go-to cosmetic surgery for people who want to get rid of excess skin and flab around their stomach. The procedure removes loose or hanging skin that may result from weight loss, aging or pregnancy. A tummy tuck can also repair abdominal muscles that have weakened or become separated during pregnancy or due to weight gain.
A Makeover for Your Midsection
A standard tummy tuck focuses on the front of the stomach, which can be a problem spot for a lot of people. Although a tummy tuck removes extra skin and fat, sometimes it’s not enough to makeover the midsection. If you have stubborn pockets of fat on your hips or love handles, adding liposuction to your tummy tuck can offer optimal results.
Combining Procedures for the Best Results
It’s common to combine liposuction of the hips and flank area with a tummy tuck. These two body contouring procedures complement each other beautifully, as liposuction of the love handles and hips helps to extend the smooth, slenderizing contours that a tummy tuck delivers. Because neither a tummy tuck nor liposuction is a substitute for weight loss, ideal candidates for the procedures should be close to their target weight. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to find out how you can reveal a fitter and sleeker shape for your midsection.
Dr. Lee B. Daniel is board certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and General Surgery. He is a member of numerous societies including the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
