subject: What A Tummy Tuck Is And Is Not [print this page] A tummy tuck, also known as an abdomen reduction, is a procedure designed to reduce excess skin and tissue from the mid-section of the body. This method is a safe and effective way of improving the contours of the body significantly. It is often done to create a flatter midsection, though the procedure is not always successful in creating a smooth abdomen. For many people, this procedure may be one of the best ways to improve their appearance, especially after losing a significant amount of weight.
What Is It?
In a tummy tuck, the cosmetic surgeon will remove some of the tissues and skin in the lower abdomen region. This flabby area occurs for various reasons. Most commonly, poor elasticity in the skin, stretching of the inner girdle of connective tissues and fatty tissues are the causes. In addition, the abdominal muscles, which are called the rectus muscles, can be problematic when the muscle mass is loose. These muscles, which extend from the bottom of the rib cage to the pubic bone, may or may not be a part of this procedure. This inner girdle, containing the rectus muscles and the connective tissues (known as the fascia), is there to help to hold the internal organs in place. They also help to create the appearance and skin tone of the region.
When the fascia stretches, such as during significant weight gain or as it does during pregnancy, the skin must stretch as well. All of these muscles and tissues are distorted. In a tummy tuck, it is possible to remove the excess skin and fat and help to tighten up the fascia significantly. This can help to create a tighter midsection.
What It Cannot Do
Though this procedure can help with removing some excess skin and abdominal fatty tissues, it is not meant to be a method of weight loss. Patients will lose a minimal amount of weight, but most men and women will need to diet significantly before having this procedure. Maintaining a healthy weight is important because weight gain, especially after this procedure, can create another flabby midsection, which is even harder to lose weight from through normal dieting and exercising regimens.
Overall, the use of a tummy tuck is a good idea after a person has lost a significant amount of weight. Those who are likely to maintain that lost weight are most likely to see long-term benefits of having this procedure. Discuss the procedure thoroughly with your cosmetic surgeon to determine if it is the right one for your needs. Ultimately, it is critical to have realistic results for the outcome of this procedure. Many men and women are happy with the flatter, tighter looking midsection they end up with after having this procedure.
