You Should Consider a Tummy Tuck If:
- You have recently lost a good deal of weight.
While individual bodies will vary, most people experience loose skin during weight loss if they lose more than 50 pounds. This extra abdominal skin can be unsightly and feel like a disappointment after all your hard work to drop those unwanted pounds.
The extra skin can also cause discomfort or even infection due to chafing. If you find yourself in a situation like this, a tummy tuck might be the right decision for you. Some insurance companies will even cover the cost of surgery after weight loss if you can prove that the extra skin is detrimental to your overall health due to chafing and its complications.
- You’re recovering from multiple pregnancies.
After being pregnant multiple times, you may find that the skin around your abdomen is not as tight as it used to be. A tummy tuck can be a good way to regain the toned, tight look of your pre-pregnancy body.
Keep in mind that tummy tucks are not recommended for women who plan on becoming pregnant again in the future, because the tightening and subsequent re-stretching can cause your abdominal muscles to separate.
You Should Avoid a Tummy Tuck If:
- You have a lot of weight to lose.
A tummy tuck is something that should be done after losing weight, not as a means for speeding up the process. While some abdominal fat is removed during the surgery, it’s not a significant amount and probably won’t make much difference on the scale.
Additionally, getting a tummy tuck too early during the weight loss process can mean additional surgeries in the future. For example, if you get everything toned and tightened and then lose another 30 pounds, you’re going to be dealing with loose skin and a lack of definition all over again. Most doctors will recommend that you should be within 10 pounds of your total goal weight before pursuing this surgery.
- Your abdominal sagging is not drastic.
Skin may be slow to adjust to weight loss, but this doesn’t mean that natural tightening without surgery isn’t possible. If you’ve only got a small “pooch” of abdominal skin, it may be best to way six to twelve months and see if the problem hasn’t improved on its own. A tummy tuck is an invasive surgery, and it may not be worth the trouble and risk for such a small fix. Abdominal strength training exercises and proper skincare can help your skin naturally tighten.
