Who Qualifies for a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure for people who have sagging, loose skin over their abdomen that they can't get rid of no matter how drastically they diet or how hard they exercise. This surgery involves removal of the excess abdominal skin and fat and tightening of the rectus muscles. A tummy tuck can give a patient a slimmer silhouette and a flat abdominal wall. But who is a candidate for a tummy tuck?

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

A good candidate for this procedure, like a good candidate for any other cosmetic procedure, is a person who is in good mental and physical health and who doesn't smoke. Tummy tuck patients come to Dr. Katzen because they are unhappy with the excess fat, skin and other tissue of their abdomen that they can't seem to lose. Often, these people are women who have been pregnant and their abdominal muscles have become overstretched and lax. Other people who are good candidates for this procedure have lost a significant amount of weight. Typically, these patients have had bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery. When people have bariatric surgery, they lose weight very quickly. Often, weight loss leaves patients with rolls of loose, sagging skin on their abdomen and other places. People whose skin has started to sag simply because of aging are also good candidates for tummy tuck.

Who Shouldn't Have a Tummy Tuck?

This procedure is not appropriate for anyone thinking about getting pregnant in the near future. Remember, during a tummy tuck, the muscles will be tightened. Pregnancy can stretch these muscles. Also, people who are extremely overweight should not have this procedure.

Preparing for Surgery

Even if a person is deemed a good candidate for this procedure, there are still some things they'll need to do well before their surgery. Some people will need to lose weight. The outcome of a tummy tuck is more likely to be optimal if the person is at the right weight for their height.

Interested? Give Us a Call If the look of that roll of flab around your waist makes you dispirited, Dr. J. Timothy Katzen can help you. Dr. Katzen's office is conveniently located in Beverly Hills, CA . Contact Dr. Katzen today to schedule a consultation!