Wondering if a tummy tuck is right for you? A tummy tuck is among the most transformative and empowering procedures I perform, as they benefit everyone from new mothers to people who have achieved significant weight loss and want to show off their hard work. A tummy tuck is not for everyone, though, and there are a few important things you need to know before you schedule your tummy tuck consultation.
I perform hundreds of tummy tuck procedures yearly for St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and South Tampa, FL, women and men. In this blog post, I’ll share 5 questions my patients commonly ask and give you the answers that will help you better prepare for your procedure.
Will a tummy tuck make me lose weight?
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure, and it will not help you lose a significant amount of weight. You should be at or near your goal weight before surgery and maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery for optimal results. The best abdominoplasty or tummy tuck candidates have reached or are within a standard range for their ideal body weight.
If patients are overweight during the consultation, a follow-up appointment to monitor weight loss may be suggested. After all, you are investing your time and resources into having the very best result!
Patients at their ideal weight also have safer outcomes and a lower risk of issues such as blood clotting, wound healing issues, and circulation issues.
Can you get a tummy tuck before pregnancy?
Future pregnancies may stretch your abdominal skin and muscles and alter your results. As a result, it’s best to wait until you are finished having children.
When the uterus expands, it stretches skin and muscle and creates rectus diastasis or separation of the muscles. Waiting until your pregnancies are over will help you maintain your result and prevent the need for revisions. (To learn more about my tummy tuck technique to trim and tighten that stretched-out skin and muscle, read our related blog post.)
Who is the best tummy tuck surgeon?
Choosing the right surgeon for your tummy tuck is key. Working with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to stay safe and avoid complications.
Look for a surgeon who, like me, is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification is the gold standard for aesthetic plastic surgery providers.
Industry, academic, and community involvement are also important, as these activities demonstrate a commitment to the profession. I am an active member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and participate on medical committees. In addition, I am a clinical instructor at the Dallas Cosmetic Symposium, teaching surgeons on the newest cosmetic surgery techniques.
Choose a skilled surgeon who carefully adopts the latest technology to create safer, better surgical outcomes. For example, I use a power-assisted liposuction technique that is cutting edge and allows me to perform high-definition liposuction on my patients. Such a technique is called liposculpture.
How long do you have to take off work after a tummy tuck?
Plan for a week away from work. Most people need 7 to 10 days away from the office and 4 to 6 weeks to resume exercise. This recovery time of 4 to 6 weeks allows proper muscle and skin healing before resuming heavy activities such as exercise, running, biking, and lifting kids.
Now that many patients are working from home, when patients feel comfortable working in virtual environments, this is fine. But for going to work, driving, and high-level functioning, give yourself at least 10 days.
Can a tummy tuck be covered by insurance?
Insurance won’t cover it, but you have financing options. Financing plans such as PatientFi can help make surgery more attainable.
Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that addresses the appearance of the trunk or abdomen. While not covered by your insurance, there are low or no interest payment plans that may make the payment portion simpler. Please contact our office for more information!
Learn About Your Tummy Tuck Options
I am always happy to discuss the procedure with you during your consultation and answer your questions about my qualifications, expertise, and experience. My goal is to provide you with an excellent surgical result; take a look at some of my patients’ tummy tuck before-and-after photos to get an idea of the type of results I create. If you’re interested in exploring your own tummy tuck options at my St. Petersburg, FL, practice, use our contact form to request a consultation or contact the office at (727) 289-7119 today!
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