What Abdominoplasty Can and Can’t Do

Abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, can help you regain your body confidence by eliminating stubborn fat pockets and creating a slim, toned abdomen. But there are tummy tuck myths circulating online. During a tummy tuck, abdominal muscles are repaired, and loose skin is tightened, resulting in a thinner midsection. Before undergoing any plastic surgery, it’s important to have realistic expectations. Dr. Aviva Preminger, a top-rated female plastic surgeon in New York City, shares what abdominoplasty can and can’t do so that you can decide if this procedure is right for you.

A tummy tuck can restore a slimmer, younger-looking you. Whether your tummy is flabby from losing a lot of weight, pregnancy, or is a result of aging, a tummy tuck could help by removing some of the abdominal fat and loose skin. While a healthy lifestyle, such as making good food choices and exercising regularly, helps burn fat, these efforts do nothing for loose skin. A tummy tuck can eliminate loose skin that is left after weight loss or pregnancy.

A tummy tuck cannot be used for weight loss. While fat deposits are often removed during an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck should not be relied upon for significant weight loss. The amount of skin and fat removed during a tummy tuck is not going to be as much as losing 20, 30, or 40 pounds or more. Tummy tuck candidates should be within their ideal weight before seeking surgery. Tummy tuck results can be permanent, although this surgical procedure does not prevent future weight gain. It is essential that you maintain an active, healthy lifestyle after getting a tummy tuck to maintain your best results.

A tummy tuck can repair separated abdominal muscles, also known as diastasis recti, a common result of pregnancy. Diastasis recti also may occur as a result of significant weight gain, abdominal injuries, or aging. Sometimes, diastasis recti can be evident by creating a bulge or pooch in the abdominal area. A tummy tuck can correct this issue by tightening loose abdominal muscles and removing excess skin. Results are a stronger midsection.

A tummy tuck cannot result in a six-pack in every case. While a tummy tuck does help tighten loose abdominal muscles, it does not guarantee that you will have a six-pack or significantly defined midsection. How toned your abdominal muscles appear following your procedure will be dependent on your pre-surgery physique, as well as your lifestyle choices afterward.

A tummy tuck can be combined with other surgical procedures. Often, liposuction is combined with a tummy tuck to achieve the best results. Sometimes, patients want more than just a toned midsection. Tummy tucks can be combined with most other surgical procedures, specifically breast augmentation, breast lift, and facelifts. Many patients find that combining procedures allows them to reduce their overall recovery time by getting everything done at once.

Tummy Tuck in Manhattan, and New York City, New York

A tummy tuck provides many benefits, and is an excellent way of achieving that slimmer, toned, younger-looking physique that you desire. If you would like to learn more about getting a tummy tuck in Manhattan or want to see if you’re a candidate, contact Preminger Plastic Surgery by calling (212) 706-1900 or contact us today.