We’ve all seen diet and fitness magazines in the grocery checkout line that promise us it is within anyone’s reach to achieve flat, toned, and sexy abdominal muscles. Bold headlines like “Get Rock-Hard Abs in Three Weeks” and “Superfoods That Burn Belly Fat” make it seem as if anyone can shed extra flab and get a tighter tummy with enough hard work and commitment. However, if you’re genetically predisposed to accumulate fat in your belly – or if you’re a woman who has had one or more children – getting the look you desire may be more challenging than those headlines would have you believe.
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes unwanted fat and skin from the abdominal region to result in a markedly flatter, firmer stomach. By removing unwanted fatty tissue and tightening your abdominal muscles, Dr. David Gerth can create slimmer contours and give you the muscle tone and thinner waistline you’ve always wished for but couldn’t achieve through diet and exercise alone.
Meet Dr. Gerth
Looking to book your procedure in the Miami Beach area? Learn why you should choose a versatile surgeon like Dr. Gerth today!
What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
In general, good abdominoplasty candidates are healthy adults with extra skin and fat in their abdominal region that negatively affects their quality of life and makes them feel self-conscious about their appearance. Here are the top four criteria that make you an excellent candidate for this popular surgery.
Abdominoplasty surgery has a long track record of being a safe and relatively low-risk procedure, but it does require patients to commit to a healing and recovery process that can take several weeks. Therefore, ideal candidates for this procedure will not have any chronic or long-term health issues such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Being a nonsmoker also makes someone an excellent candidate for this surgery.
Though it’s a common misconception that abdominoplasty will help patients lose weight, the goal of a tummy tuck is to shape and contour, not to take the place of healthy life choices. If you have been working to lose weight, but still have more to go until you reach your goal, you should delay your surgery until then. That’s because significant weight loss can result in more loose skin in this area and negate the positive results of an abdominoplasty.
Though getting a tummy tuck can have an incredible impact on your appearance and self-esteem, you should be prepared that your results will not appear overnight. In the weeks following your surgery, you’ll need to be patient and give your body time to heal. To maintain long-term outcomes from your abdominoplasty, you will also need to eat a balanced diet and follow a consistent exercise routine. If you are already dedicated to leading a healthy lifestyle, you are likely a good tummy tuck candidate.
If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, you should wait to undergo a tummy tuck. During pregnancy, the repaired muscles will become strained, and the skin around your belly will stretch back out. That means you will likely need to undergo another abdominoplasty surgery to restore your belly and waistline to its former shape. However, if you do have an unexpected pregnancy, your previous tummy tuck will not prevent you from being able to carry a child to full term, nor will it adversely affect your or your baby’s health.
What Does the Tummy Tuck Procedure Entail?
An abdominoplasty is a customizable surgery that can be performed as a standalone surgery, or in combination with other procedures, such as breast augmentation or liposuction, for even more comprehensive results.
After administering anesthesia, Dr. Gerth will begin by making a horizontal incision along the lower abdomen, from one hipbone to the other. Then, he will remove excess fat and tighten the tissue holding the abdominal muscles in place for a smoother, slimmer contour and a more defined waistline.
For those who are only concerned about undesirable fat and skin below their navel, Dr. Gerth may suggest a slightly less complex operation called a mini tummy tuck. In this procedure, Dr. Gerth will follow a similar process as the one described above, but with a smaller incision. A mini tummy tuck is a good choice for patients who desire a shorter healing time. If you have unwanted skin or muscle laxity both above and below your belly button, however, you’ll enjoy more comprehensive results if you choose a full tummy tuck.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
The rate of recovery from abdominoplasty is different for every patient, depending on factors such as your age, health, and body weight. It will also hinge on whether you have a full tummy tuck or a mini abdominoplasty.
It’s understandable for you to want to bounce right back to normal after your tummy tuck surgery, but for optimal results, it’s critical to respect your body’s natural healing process and give yourself time to make a full recovery. Be prepared that you may not feel 100 percent like yourself for a week or two. Ask for Dr. Gerth’s advice on what activities you will and won’t be able to do, and how long you’ll need to take off work.
One component of preparing for your tummy tuck surgery will include blocking off a timeframe for your recovery that allows you plenty of time to rest and heal. Remember, you’ll need to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks. Make the necessary arrangements ahead of time so you and anyone who depends on you can be fully prepared for your recovery period.
Possible physical side effects in the first few days and weeks after your surgery will include pain, which you can control by taking either prescription or over-the-counter medication. You may also experience swelling, numbness, and bruising. You’ll be getting around more slowly than normal, and you may feel a pulling sensation when you try to stand up straight.
Meet Your Miami Beach Tummy Tuck Surgeon
Dr. David Gerth is a highly trained cosmetic surgeon in vibrant Miami Beach. He combines his passion for medicine with creative skills that will help reshape your body to the silhouette you’ve always dreamed of. Contact us today to explore your candidacy for abdominoplasty surgery.