Can a Tummy Tuck Really Make My Stomach Look Flat?

Diet and exercise are the most important factors in losing unwanted pounds and maintaining a healthy weight, but unfortunately, they’re not always enough to get rid of that last bit of excess fat. If you’ve tried everything to get a flatter stomach but still need a little extra help, you might be an optimal candidate for a tummy tuck.

At Rick J. Smith, MD, we offer surgical and non-invasive cosmetic and plastic surgery solutions at our practice in East Lansing, Michigan.

When should you consider a tummy tuck?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the tummy tuck was one of the most common plastic surgery procedures after massive weight loss in 2019. While more women opt for the procedure, often after pregnancy, the tummy tuck is also common among American men. 

A tummy tuck surgery isn’t a tool to lose weight. Instead, it is performed to remove excess fat that lingers in the abdomen after pregnancy and weight loss and to tighten loose and sagging skin around your midsection. For many people, even aggressive workouts and all the crunches in the world aren’t enough to tighten and flatten the tummy. That’s where a tummy tuck comes in. 

The most common reasons for a tummy tuck include:

• After a significant amount of weight loss
• After pregnancy/part of a “mommy makeover”
• Loose and sagging skin around the midsection due to age or genetics

Everyone’s body is different and responds to weight loss, pregnancy, and the aging process in different ways. Like all cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures, a tummy tuck isn’t right for everyone. 

To be considered a good candidate for a tummy tuck, you need to meet a few qualifying criteria, including:

• Be in good overall health
• Already be at a stable and healthy weight (a tummy tuck is not a weight loss solution)
• Are not a smoker
• Don’t have health conditions that interfere with your ability to heal from surgery

In addition to the health qualifications, candidates for tummy tuck surgery need to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery and the long term results. 

To maintain the best long term results, continue to eat a healthy diet, get enough exercise, and avoid lifestyle habits that can jeopardize your health and weight, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

The healing process after tummy tuck surgery can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. 

For more information about a tummy tuck and other cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures, contact us today to schedule an appointment at our office in East Lansing, Michigan, or request an appointment online.