The tummy tuck procedure is great way to remove excess loose skin and rebuild some of the abdominal muscles that may have separated during a pregnancy. Knowing the right time for this surgery can help you to ensure that you get the absolute best results from it.
Perhaps the best step that you can take along the way is to ensure that you are working with a plastic surgeon you trust. Having that positive relationship with your surgeon will help to reassure you when you have concerns or questions along the way.
Your surgeon can also help you to determine the best time for you to undergo this major surgical procedure.
The importance of weight maintenance
The tummy tuck procedure is performed on loose skin that is left over on the stomach after weight loss or pregnancy. In order to achieve the best in results, there should be minimal fat left on the stomach. This is particularly important is the procedure is being done after the loss of a large amount of weight.
It may be true that weight loss is hard, and it is an incredible accomplishment you should be proud of. However, you’ll find that maintenance is much more challenging than the weight loss itself.
According to Brisbane top plastic surgeon Dr. Perron, It’s important to have maintained your lowest and healthiest weight for a least 6 months prior to considering the surgery. While some weight gain after surgery won’t do too much harm, if you don’t have healthy habits established, you’ll find it all too easy to slip back into those unhealthy habits. Weight gain can lead to a complete reversal of the work that your surgeon does.
Consider waiting until after children
While it may not be dangerous to get pregnant after a tummy tuck, it can take a toll on the results of the procedure. Pregnancy will further stretch your belly and potentially result in more loose skin. It’s suggested that women wait until they have completed their family before they undergo this procedure.
If you do think you’d like to have children in the future, be sure to discuss your options with your surgeon so that you can work together to determine the best type of surgery to help you meet your cosmetic and your life goals.
Emotional readiness for a major surgery
Let’s face it, plastic surgery is a big deal for the person going through a procedure. It may be an elective procedure and it may not be a lifesaving procedure, but that doesn’t mean that there is the potential for some emotional challenges as you go through each stage.
Be sure that you have realistic outcome goals from the procedure and understand the type of scarring that you may be left with. Your surgeon will work to minimise the appearance of scars, but they will be a factor that you need to consider.
Be sure that you have ample support through all stages of the procedure, particularly during the recovery phase. If it’s not yet an ideal time for your partner to take time off from work to help you, or your children are too little to be independent, then you should consider postponing. You will be unable to lift anything or take care of many of your own personal needs after the surgery, and you will need help. It can be an emotional journey to know that you are reliant on someone else, even if it’s just for a few weeks.
Be certain that the timing of your tummy tuck feels right and is right for you. Your plastic surgeon will help you to understand everything that factors into the procedure, but ultimately, it’s up to you to determine your true readiness.
