How To Tell When You Need A Tummy Tuck: 5 Signs You’re Ready For Cosmetic Surgery
Patients who choose board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Culbertson in San Francisco for plastic surgery often say they have thought about making a change for years, but put off the procedure because of their own fears, feelings of guilt, or thinking that they weren’t prepared for it at that time in their life.
Tummy tucks—which are used to create a sleeker, more toned midsection—remain a highly requested procedure in recent years, as shown by research from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. While this is major surgery and there’s no need to rush into a decision, patients shouldn’t feel like they need to hold off on having it done if they’ve done their research and deemed it to be beneficial.
If you’re still on the fence about going through with a tummy tuck, it’s always best to talk to an experienced plastic surgeon. In the meantime, here are five things to consider.
1. It May Improve Your Quality of Life
Of course, plastic surgeons will emphasize that you should never have a procedure for the wrong reasons, such as in the heat of the moment to get back at an ex-lover, solely to satisfy the demands of a current boyfriend or girlfriend, or because you think that the procedure will fix ongoing mental health problems like depression. Plastic surgery won’t make your life perfect, but there’s nothing wrong with having it simply to make yourself happy. Some people need to physically change some aspect of themselves to feel more confident, let go of insecurities, and enjoy greater satisfaction in life.
2. It Can Address Bothersome Excess Skin and Muscle Weakness
Take a look in the mirror. Is the flabbiness around your middle caused just by an extra layer of fat, or is a buildup of excess skin and muscle laxity also part of the problem? Sometimes, pregnancy causes separation of the sit-up muscles, resulting in a permanent “baby belly” in addition to folds of stretched-out skin. Many patients who have lost a large amount of weight quickly are also left with lax skin. These problems can’t be repaired with exercise and dieting alone, and liposuction targets only fat cells, but a tummy tuck is designed to correct this laxity.
3. You’re in a Good State of Health
A tummy tuck isn’t a weight loss tool, and it won’t make you healthier. If you’re currently overweight, it’s better to lose the extra pounds many months before having the procedure through an active, balanced lifestyle—and to keep it off. Subsequent weight fluctuations can interfere with results. To reduce risk in surgery, it’s also recommended that you limit your alcohol intake and quit smoking. When you go to a consultation for a tummy tuck, the surgeon will evaluate the overall condition of your physical and mental health. The plastic surgeon may check your blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and other factors, such as your skin type and whether you’re prone to scarring. Patients who are in an excellent state of health with no underlying conditions like diabetes or hypertension are preferred.
4. You’re Done Having Kids
Ask yourself whether you’ve reached the stage in your life where you’re finished having children and have entered a new chapter. As your children grow older and your family seems more complete, this might be a good time to think about a tummy tuck. Future pregnancies and the effects of aging can undo the results from any kind of lifting or tightening procedure, so you may want to wait a few years if babies are still a potential.
5. You Have Free Time and Less Pressure
Having a tummy tuck will typically require you to take at least 10 days off of work, have lots of patience, and be prepared for several weeks of restrictions on activity, depending on your healing ability and other factors.
Looking for a skilled plastic surgery provider in your area? The team at The Jacobs Center for Cosmetic Surgery would be happy to answer any questions. For more information, call their San Francisco Bay Area office at 415.433.0303 or request an appointment online.