A tummy tuck, a procedure also known as an abdominoplasty, is a popular body sculpting surgery that aims to reshape and contour the abdominal area. It involves removing excess skin and fat as well as tightening the abdominal muscles to achieve a flat and tight midsection.
While many individuals may consider a tummy tuck, the procedure is not for everyone. Various factors impact tummy tuck candidacy in Nashville, including age, weight, pregnancy plans, and overall health conditions. Contact our knowledgeable team at Plastic Surgery Affiliates today for help determining whether you are an ideal candidate for the surgery.
Numerous factors can impact a person’s candidacy for a tummy tuck procedure in Nashville, including:
As we age, our tissues lose their elasticity. Compared to our tissues at a younger age, older tissues are less likely to bounce back to their previous shape. This can be influenced by genetics, gravity, environment, lifestyle, weight loss, or weight gain. For example, a younger patient may be a liposuction candidate if they have good tissue elasticity. As this patient ages and tissue elasticity decreases, liposuction may no longer be an option as loose, hanging skin may remain after treatment. A tummy tuck is often the best option to address loose, hanging skin and fat. If your tissues are unlikely to respond well to liposuction alone, you may require the removal of excess skin and tissue through a tummy tuck procedure to achieve your desired results.
Significant weight gain contributes to the presence of fat around your organs called visceral fat. As your body mass increases, increasing weight and pressure on your abdominal wall contributes to laxity. This loss of tone can result in a “full” or “round” appearance of the abdomen. Many patients describe that they look pregnant. After weight loss from surgery or diet and exercise, the residual weakness and laxity may remain. Abdominal wall laxity can contribute to lower back pain. Unfortunately, this laxity cannot be corrected through exercises like crunches, sit-ups, or planks.
As a result, significant weight loss can increase a patient’s likelihood of requiring a tummy tuck.
If a patient plans to become pregnant, it is recommended to postpone body contouring surgery after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Before an abdominoplasty, the patient should not be planning to have more children. The weight gain, hormone fluctuations, and a growing baby will reverse the benefits and results of a tummy tuck. Pregnancy can contribute to abdominal wall laxity and rectus diastasis, making it more likely for the patient to require abdominal wall tightening and muscle repair.
Several factors need to be considered when evaluating a person’s suitability for any cosmetic surgery, including a tummy tuck in Nashville. One of the critical factors is the body mass index (BMI), which should be less than 30 for an optimal outcome. Patients with a higher BMI, especially above 34, have significantly higher complication rates and are not a candidate for body contouring surgery.
Additionally, any underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or compromised immune function, may impact the person’s ability to heal after surgery. When someone has a family history of thrombotic events like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism, additional safety measures may be required. These factors are vital to discuss with our experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Olivia MaDan.
Abstaining from any and all nicotine is essential to be considered a candidate for a tummy tuck. Additionally, other considerations like prior abdominal surgery or cancer therapy may impact the surgical plan and must be taken into account.
An ideal tummy tuck candidate in Nashville is someone who is in good health and has a stable weight with a BMI below 30. Individuals with excess skin and fat, weakened abdominal walls (diastasis), good tissue quality, and good healing capability are also excellent candidates for a tummy tuck surgery.
A tummy tuck can be an effective cosmetic surgery for reshaping and contouring the abdominal area; however, not everyone is eligible for this operation. Age, weight, pregnancy plans, and health conditions can impact your tummy tuck candidacy in Nashville. Therefore, you should speak with our qualified plastic surgeon, Dr. Olivia MaDan, who can evaluate your situation and determine if a tummy tuck procedure is for you.
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