laser eye surgery chicago illinois

Is a Tummy Tuck Right for Me?

While the popularity of cosmetic surgery in general has leveled off overall, the tummy tuck procedure, or abdominoplasty, has by contrast gained in popularity over the past few years. While this type of procedure is often associated with women, more and more men are also opting for tummy tucks to improve their looks.

When you’re trying a healthy body weight and attractive figure, there’s no substitute for diet and exercise. But sometimes even if you’re at or close to your ideal weight, loose abdominal skin or fat can detract from your appearance.

Causes of stubborn tummy sag include:

· Pregnancy

· Aging

· Rapid weight loss

· Genetic factors

· Abdominal surgery

Who Can Benefit from a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tucks are often chosen by women who want to regain their pre-pregnancy abdominal tone and contours, and to repair muscle separation in the abdomen caused by pregnancy. Rapid weight loss or extreme weight fluctuations in both men and women can also cause excess, sagging skin and loss of abdominal muscle tone. These conditions, too, are often repaired with an abdominoplasty procedure.

Am I a Good Candidate?

You might be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you—

· Are at a healthy weight and exercise regularly

· Have sagging skin or excess abdominal fat in spite of your weight and activity levels

· Have realistic expectations of what a tummy tuck procedure can accomplish for you

· Do not smoke

You might not be a good candidate if you—

· Are planning a pregnancy in the near future

· Are a smoker

· Are planning to lose a large amount of weight

If you are considering a tummy tuck, be sure to consult with your chosen cosmetic surgeon extensively to be sure the procedure is right for you. Many other factors can also affect the outcome of a tummy tuck, including medications you might be taking, your personal health history, your general overall health, and even the natural size and shape of your upper body. A reputable cosmetic surgeon will assess a number of factors before deciding if the procedure is right for you. He or she will also answer any and all questions, so that you, too, can be comfortable with your decision to undergo surgery.

As with all cosmetic surgery procedures, results vary between individuals. But if all necessary factors are taken into consideration, so that both you and your doctor are certain you’re a good candidate for surgery, you’re much more likely to have a successful outcome.

About the Author

In the Chicago and Arlington Heights area, Dr. Otto J. Placik is an experienced, board-certified cosmetic surgeon who has performed numerous abdominoplasty procedures. If you’d like more information on tummy tucks, or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us.

Dr. Aprahamian of the Gailey Eye Clinic