If you’re like most people, a flat stomach becomes harder and harder to achieve as the years go by. Pregnancy, weight fluctuation, lifestyle changes, and simply age alone can all contribute to the development of a pooch or pouch-like bump in the contour of your abdomen. In many cases, diet and exercise are not able to correct this problem, and for some patients, the pooch can actually become worse with traditional abdominal exercises like sit-ups and crunches.
Fortunately, modern cosmetic surgery provides a highly effective and relatively simple way to treat this complaint. A tummy tuck – formally known as abdominoplasty – is a surgical procedure that brings separated abdominal muscles back together, tightens the midsection, and often removes excess skin and excess fat. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao and the expert medical team at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery in Tucson, AZ have performed countless tummy tuck procedures for patients looking to achieve a smoother, more appealing body contour.
Five reasons a tummy tuck procedure may be right for you
1. A tummy tuck can improve a post-pregnancy body.
For many women, particularly those who have had multiple children, a lump or pooch in the abdomen can develop and remain even after returning to their pre-pregnancy weight. In many cases, this is the result of the abdominal muscles separating during pregnancy, resulting in what is referred to as diastasis recti. This is responsible for the stubborn protrusion that is commonly seen even long after giving birth. While there are some natural techniques that have been shown to improve this condition, most traditional exercises are ineffective – and sometimes can make the problem worse.
Abdominoplasty is a wonderful way to correct this problem, using surgical techniques to bring the separated muscles back together. A tummy tuck can also get rid of excess abdominal skin that has been stretched out from pregnancy and excess fat that was acquired during that time period as well.
It is important for patients to think seriously about whether or not they are done having children before undergoing a tummy tuck, as the results can be adversely affected, or even reversed, with subsequent pregnancies. Many women in Tucson, AZ include a tummy tuck as part of a mommy makeover procedure.
2. Abdominoplasty can improve the body after excess weight loss.
When a patient achieves a significant weight loss goal, oftentimes they are disappointed by the excess skin that remains. Skin that has been stretched out over many years does not “snap back” to a taut state after weight loss and instead may remain stretched out, leading to sagging and cumbersome excess skin. For Tucson, AZ after weight loss patients, a tummy tuck performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Rao can help to eliminate this excess skin, produce a natural and appealing abdominal contour, and improve mobility.
3. A tummy tuck can have medical benefits.
Whether medical or cosmetic complaints are your primary reason for pursuing a tummy tuck, both can be addressed with the procedure. In addition to the obvious aesthetic perks, abdominoplasty also provides some extremely valuable medical and lifestyle-related benefits. By strengthening the abdominal wall, a tummy tuck procedure can correct and/or prevent problems like stress urinary incontinence, poor posture, back pain, and certain hernias. It is important to be evaluated by your plastic surgeon so that he or she can formally diagnose these conditions and tell you more about how a tummy tuck may be able to help in your particular case.
4. Tummy tuck procedures can eliminate stubborn fat.
In many tummy tuck procedures, liposuction is used as a complementary procedure to enhance the overall results. While a tummy tuck itself is used to tighten the underlying muscles and possibly remove excess skin, liposuction helps put the finishing touches on a perfect contour by removing those stubborn pockets of fat in the midsection that do not respond to diet and exercise in the same way – or at the same rate – as other portions of a patient’s body.
5. Abdominoplasty can boost your self-confidence and your life.
For so many patients considering a tummy tuck in Tucson, AZ, a better quality of life and higher satisfaction with their appearance is one of the most important goals. With a more appealing contour, tummy tuck patients are able to wear their clothes more confidently, go to the beach or pool without worry, and enjoy a better overall sense of self.
The caring and experienced team at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery, including board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao, understand the deep connection between looking your best, feeling your best, and living your life to the fullest. Dr. Rao and his expert medical staff are dedicated to providing the highest level of patient service and care and will take the time to evaluate your case thoroughly, discuss your goals, answer all of your questions fully, and recommend a course of action that best fits your needs.
If you think a tummy tuck may be right for you, call our office to schedule your consultation today, and learn more about how abdominoplasty can help you achieve the look and life you have always wanted.
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* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.