When to Have an Abdominoplasty?

An Abdominoplasty Can Remove Excess Skin and Fat

Life events such as pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations can lead to stretching and distension of the abdominal skin. With moderate fluctuations in weight or size, the skin is usually very elastic and can expand and retract over the body’s internal tissues. But when the skin is stretched beyond the point where it can contract again, it may remain loose or hang at the lower abdomen. An abdominoplasty surgically removes the excess skin, giving your abdomen a smooth appearance without unsightly folds of skin.

 

The abdomen is also a very common problem area for stubborn body fat, especially that which clings on after pregnancy or weight loss. Stubborn fat can refuse to respond to diet or exercise, leaving behind a bumpy or lumpy abdomen. During an abdominoplasty, your surgeon can access and remove the fat as well as the excess skin. The overall result is a smooth, firm stomach, and you can finally take those last steps toward a flat stomach and sculpted abs.

 

An Abdominoplasty Can Improve Your Body and Confidence

If you are interested in abdominoplasty because you are unhappy with your weight or body, the good news is that many patients find that abdominoplasty is strong motivation to eat well and exercise. For those mid-weight loss journey, you can set your abdominoplasty as a goal, continuing to work toward your ideal weight knowing that body contouring surgery awaits. If you have already lost weight but your fitness efforts are thwarted by stubborn fat or excess skin, an abdominoplasty may be what you need to reinvigorate your workouts and feel that you can again achieve results.

 

Not only does abdominal liposuction allow you to wipe the slate clean, but it also allows you to achieve a flat, toned stomach. Many patients who have had an abdominoplasty don't realize that their abdominal muscles have been pulled in the same way as their skin. In this case, it may be impossible to strengthen and sculpt the abs because they have been disconnected or moved from their natural position. During your abdominoplasty, your surgeon can stitch them back into place, allowing you to work your muscles.

Some patients are unable to achieve a flat stomach after pregnancy even if they have reached their ideal weight. This may be due to something called “abdominal diastasis,” where the fascia (or tissue) between the muscles is so stretched that the muscles reach their maximum contraction state before the abdomen is flat. Tightening this loose tissue between the rectus muscles is an integral part of most abdominoplasties.

 

What Abdominoplasty Cannot Correct?

An Abdominoplasty Cannot Help You Lose Weight or Gain Muscle

While an abdominoplasty can give you a smooth surface to start with, it won’t highlight your abdominal muscles or give you an entirely new body. The procedure focuses only on the front of the abdomen, so excess fat on the flanks, thighs, or buttocks will not be addressed unless you combine the procedure with liposuction in those areas. Even then, abdominoplasty should not be considered a means of weight loss. If you are unsatisfied with the appearance of your abdomen due to body fat resulting from being overweight or obese, you should work towards getting as close to your ideal weight through diet and exercise before pursuing a surgical procedure such as an abdominoplasty.

 

Plastic surgeons generally recommend starting with diet and exercise for several reasons. First, being healthy will allow your operation and recovery to go without complications. Additionally, if you undergo an abdominoplasty before your physique is close to your ideal, you risk compromising your long-term results. But the simplest reason is that an abdominoplasty isn’t designed to help patients lose weight. It can sculpt the body you already have, but it cannot safely combat large areas of body fat.

 

An Abdominoplasty Cannot Prevent Weight Gain

An abdominoplasty is like a reset button that allows you to start fresh with your abdomen and body. While it does give you a fresh start, it cannot prevent your skin and muscles from stretching again in the future. This is one reason surgeons recommend reaching your weight goal before opting for surgery. With the renewed motivation that comes with the procedure, the vast majority of patients find it easy to eat well and exercise after an abdominoplasty. If you are worried about not being able to maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery, you should discuss this with your surgeon during your consultation.

 

Good Candidates for Abdominoplasty

In general, you may be a good candidate for an abdominoplasty if:

• You are in good physical health and maintain a stable weight;
• You are not planning a pregnancy;
• You have realistic expectations;
• You are a non-smoker;
• You are bothered by the appearance of your abdomen;

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