Am I a Good Candidate for A Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tucks are a popular body contouring procedure that can help people achieve flatter, toned abdomens after significant weight loss. If you are considering a tummy tuck in New York or New Jersey, it’s important to know the qualifications for surgical candidates.  

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is a transformative surgical procedure that tightens and re-contours the abdomen. It targets excess skin and repairs weakened abdominal muscles to address the effects of weight loss, pregnancy, or natural aging. Liposuction is commonly included with a tummy tuck to simultaneously address stubborn fat. At Reflections Medical, we offer several different types of tummy tucks and will help you choose the best surgery depending on your goals and how much excess skin needs to be removed.  

Candidacy Checklist

A tummy tuck is an intensive surgical procedure, so it is important that all patients be cleared for surgery before receiving a tummy tuck. Potential tummy tuck patients should consider the following qualifications:

You Are in Good Health

While abdominoplasty is a safe and low-risk procedure, surgery takes a toll on the body, so it is important to be in good health so that your body can quickly heal. An ideal candidate is a non-smoker who is free from any underlying conditions that might increase the risk of complications. Additionally, the candidate must be committed to a healthy lifestyle after surgery to prevent future weight gain. Weight fluctuations after surgery could set back the results of your cosmetic procedure.

You Have Sufficient Loose Skin

One of the main reasons to receive a tummy tuck is to eliminate excess sagging skin from the abdomen. Patients whose main concern is pockets of stubborn fat in the abdomen or hips might benefit from liposuction alone. However, the mini tummy tuck can be considered for patients who only have excess skin below the belly button.

You Are at a Stable Weight

If you’re planning on getting a tummy tuck, you should be within 10 pounds of your desired weight. You should maintain a stable weight for more than six months prior to surgery. We also recommend that patients should not be planning for additional pregnancies after their procedure. Future pregnancy or weight fluctuation will cause the abdominal muscles and skin to re-stretch and fat to build up, undoing the results of your surgery.

You Have Realistic Expectations

Realistic expectations are important for any cosmetic procedure. Patients should be aware that a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure so they will have to maintain their results with a healthy diet and exercise plan. Another consideration is regarding results and recovery. After surgery, moderate swelling is expected and it can take several months to go down. Although you will see significant improvements immediately after surgery, it can take up to six months to see your full results. 

Schedule An Appointment Today

If you’re considering a tummy tuck, Reflections Medical by Dr. Fiorillo will give you a more toned abdomen and a slimmer appearance with a customized treatment plan. Our board-certified surgeons, Dr. Ingargiola and Dr. Fiorillo, are experts in cosmetic surgery in Pearl River, NY, and Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Please call our office or fill out an online contact form to schedule a complimentary consultation.