Can Anyone Get A Tummy Tuck? Eligibility And Disqualifications

Are there any factors that would disqualify you from getting a tummy tuck surgery?

‍If you're unhappy with your stomach shape, you're not alone. With so many people struggling to lose weight and achieve a slimmer waistline, the stomach is one area that proves to be more frustrating than others. Even with regular exercise and a healthy diet, many people find that their stomachs just don't slim down as quickly as they'd like them to. The good news is that there are treatments available that can help reduce the appearance of excess skin and fat on the stomach, giving you the body you've always wanted.

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What is a Tummy Tuck?

‍An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is surgery to reduce loose skin and fatty deposits on the lower part of the abdomen and also repairs separated abdominal muscles to restore a flatter, firmer and more youthful abdominal profile. It is a popular surgery for people who want to improve their appearance after weight loss, childbirth, or aging in general.

Before rushing into undergoing this procedure, it is important to understand that plastic surgery for body contouring is not an option for everyone, and there are a few reasons that someone might be ineligible for body contouring surgery.

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Not everyone who looks like they are a candidate for the surgery is a candidate.

‍You must have loose abdominal muscles and your belly must be soft. This involves an understanding of internal fat vs. external fat.

Tummy tucks do not suck out intra-abdominal fat instead, external fat is removed and muscles are then tightened. External fat is that fat that hangs downwards when you lay on your back or the fat you are able to pinch. Intra-abdominal, also known as internal fat, is a type of body fat located inside the abdominal cavity that surrounds internal organs just beneath the skin. If you have a lot of internal fat, no matter how hard you push inward on your belly, there is an opposing force pushing outward.

If a tummy tuck is done on a patient who has a lot of internal fat there is a constant force pushing against the new skin and abdominal tightening, and overtime the muscles will stretch out again and the belly will bulge. This is why it is important to lose the internal fat before your tummy tuck. Tummy tuck is not a weight loss surgery and is one of the major reason for patients getting turned away.

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A tummy tuck cannot prevent future weight gain.

A tummy tuck can be beneficial for those who want a more sculpted figure, or simply just want their body back after a large amount of weight loss. However, This procedure is not a substitute for weight loss. If you have a large and tight belly, without any loose skin, you most likely need to lose weight before you can consider having a tummy tuck.

In addition, a tummy tuck should only be performed if you’re able to maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle because significant weight gain afterwards can have a negative impact on your results. Although excess fat is removed with the procedure, it cannot deter future weight gain. That is why it is very important to maintain a healthy and active  lifestyle with a balanced diet and exercise.

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A tummy tuck cannot eliminate all stretch marks.

‍Stretch marks are caused by rapid growth outpacing the skin's ability to stretch. This can lead to deep tears in the skin, which is why they are common in areas that stretch frequently (like the abdominal region during pregnancy). Stretch marks appear commonly around thighs, hips, abdomen and buttocks. First of all, it is important to note that there is no miracle product, cream, or pill that can remove stretchmarks. While a tummy tuck may be able to reduce the visibility of stretch marks, it may not be able to remove them completely, only the stretch marks located on the fat deposits that are surgically cut can be removed, typically below the belly button.

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What other factors might delay my tummy tuck?

‍Before considering a tummy tuck, patients should be aware that this is considered a major surgery and not everyone is an ideal canidate. Patients should also be aware that there are risks associated with any surgery, including the possibility of complications. Discuss any potential risks and benefits with your surgeon to determine if this is the right procedure for you. Dr. Martin Jugnenburg will help patients get to their realistic goals, execute a surgical plan, and most importantly assess the patient to ensure no underlying factors (listed below) may subject the patient to complications:

• Nicotine users
• Pre existing health issues
• Overweight (BMI over 30)
• Any previous surgical complications or clotting issues
• Currently using medication that may interfere

Nonetheless, tummy tucks are a life-changing procedure that can help improve your self-confidence and give you the body you've always wanted. It is important to remember that tummy tucks are only worth it if you find a board certified plastic surgeon who can get the job done right – always make sure you understand what’s expected of you before you go under the knife.