Is it time for a tummy tuck? When it comes to plastic surgery, timing is important, especially for an intensive procedure like the tummy tuck. Come see us and we’ll work with you to determine if the timing is right. Whether you decide to get a tummy tuck now or later, we’ll work with you to choose the right procedures for the right times in your life.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

Is your tummy flat and fabulous? Don’t worry if it isn’t. Many men and women struggle with loose skin, separated muscles, and extra fat in the abdominal area. Often, diet and exercise aren’t enough to keep this area trim and slim, especially if you’ve gained weight or had a pregnancy. The solution to your tummy troubles is a tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty.

A tummy tuck restores the tummy to a tighter, flatter, more youthful appearance. A long incision is made from hip to hip. This incision is low, typically below the bikini line. Through this incision Dr. Clinton will repair and strengthen the abdominal muscles. He’ll also remove excess fat and tighten up your skin. Excess skin is removed, along with any accompanying stretch marks. The belly button is repositioned, if needed. Finally, the incisions are closed and the area is wrapped and bandaged. After you heal from a tummy tuck, your mid-section should be flatter and tighter than before.

Is It the Right Time for a Tummy Tuck?

If you want a dramatic abdominal transformation, a tummy tuck may be the right fit for you, but is the timing right? Depending on your situation, it may be best to put your tummy tuck on hold, until you’re fully prepared for surgery and recovery. We can help you decide if you’re ready for tummy tuck surgery now or if you should wait.

• Are You Finished Bearing Children? – A tummy tuck is best performed after you’re finished with all pregnancies. A pregnancy causes the abdominal area to rapidly expand, leading to stretch marks, loose skin, and abdominal muscle separation. Since these issues are the same issues a tummy tuck corrects, pregnancy can undo your tummy tuck results. Wait until you’re no longer planning any future pregnancies to schedule your tummy tuck.
• Can You Commit to 2 Weeks Off from Work? – Recovery after a tummy tuck can take a few weeks. Most patients return to work within two weeks to office type jobs. If you can’t take the needed time off from work, wait to schedule your tummy tuck until you can devote the needed time to recovery.
• Do You Want to Enjoy Results This Summer? – Many of our tummy tuck patients look forward to showing off their new curves in a swimsuit come summer. If you want to enjoy your results this summer, hurry in for a tummy tuck as soon as possible. Many patients look swimsuit ready about six weeks post-surgery. You still have time to enjoy your tummy tuck results this year, but only if you hurry.
• Are You in Good Health? – Clinton will discuss your medical history and health history during your consultation. He’ll work with you to determine if plastic surgery is a safe option for you. Candidates for a tummy tuck should be in good overall health. If you smoke, stop smoking for several weeks before your surgery and throughout the recovery process.
• Are You Close to Your Ideal Weight? – A tummy tuck isn’t a weight loss procedure. Although it is possible to achieve stunning results on patients that are overweight, we recommend that patients be close to their ideal weight before surgery. After your tummy tuck, avoid weight fluctuations to help maintain your results.

How Long Do Tummy Tuck Results Last?

A tummy tuck provides long lasting improvement to the appearance of your abdomen. Most patients will see lifelong improvement to the treated area, provided they properly maintain their body after surgery.

What can you do to help your tummy tuck results to last?

• Maintain a Stable Weight– Weight stability is key to long lasting tummy tuck results. Avoid weight fluctuations, if you can. Small changes in your weight are common and normal and shouldn’t have a big impact on results. Large increases or decreases in your weight are problematic and can negatively affect your tummy tuck results.
• Focus on Diet and Exercise- A healthy lifestyle can help you to maintain your weight after tummy tuck surgery. Regular exercise can also tone the abdominal muscles, enhancing your overall result.
• Determine Whether You Want to Become Pregnant Again– Pregnancy after a tummy tuck can reverse your results. It is best to wait until you are finished having children to have tummy tuck surgery. This way, you’ll be able to maintain your new, flatter abdomen.

Are you ready for a tummy tuck? Call our offices to learn more about this procedure or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Clinton.