For people struggling with stubborn fat that hides their natural contours, tummy tuck surgery is an optimal solution. By trimming away excess fat and tightening the lower-level abdominal muscles, tummy tucks can elicit dramatic body sculpting results. Still, there is a pervasive question surrounding this procedure: Should you lose weight before a tummy tuck?
Generally speaking, ideal candidates for cosmetic surgeries are already close to their goal weight and simply want to give their bodies a more contoured, streamlined look. As people come in varying shapes and sizes, every individual’s goal weight will be different.
However, it can be said that a BMI of 35 or above is problematic, as it puts the patient at risk for infection and other life-threatening complications post-surgery. Always putting safety before reward, physicians will often recommend against surgery if they feel that the likelihood of complications is too high.
Determining Your Ideal Weight
Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can go a long way in getting you to the ideal weight. In general, most patients have a stable weight range that they can manage to maintain, and this is the best time to get a tummy tuck. This is due to the fact that dramatic weight fluctuations could have an effect on your results in the future. Staying near your ideal weight is vital for the longevity of results and long-term satisfaction.
The first step toward getting to the right place is determining your ideal weight. Most doctors recommend that you be within at least 10 to 15 pounds of that weight before undergoing surgery. If you are 20 pounds or more away from this weight, it is recommended that you delay the procedure until you get closer to it. This enables the doctors to create an accurate plan for your procedure that will attain the best results possible. Beyond that, it decreases the likelihood that you will need more treatments in the future.
The Danger of Weight Fluctuations
Dramatic weight fluctuations after your surgery can have a negative impact on the results. Both weight gains and weight loss can cause stretching of the abdominal muscles, undoing the progress made from the procedure. Patients will need additional treatments to reinstate the changes that were previously created.
Pregnancy is also an issue, as the stretching of the abdomen and skin can compromise the contours refined by the procedure. Women that are planning to have children should take this into consideration before undergoing the procedure.
What is the Takeaway?
Overall, people seeking a tummy tuck procedure should consult with an experienced physician such as Dr. Repta, to come up with a treatment plan. Getting a proper assessment of your current physique and determining where you want to be aesthetically are vital to the surgical process. With the right guidance, it is totally possible to achieve the look you want and enjoy a wider range of wardrobe choices along with enhanced self-confidence.
