Are you interested in a tummy tuck after having a baby or losing a significant amount of body fat?
If so, you may be asking: Do I need a tummy tuck?
While anyone may qualify for a tummy tuck, after both of these life events — pregnancy and significant weight loss — individuals often need a tummy tuck to take care of unwanted excess abdominal skin.
Some people confuse the need for a tummy tuck with the need for liposuction, however. Or, they think they need a tummy tuck when really, no intervention is necessary, and simple lifestyle changes could improve their abdominal contours.
Below, we’ll go over what a tummy tuck is, how safe is a tummy tuck and who it is best for. We’ll offer up the top five signs that this procedure may be for you. Finally, we’ll list a few questions to ask yourself before committing to this surgery.
“Do I Need a Tummy Tuck” Video
Do I Need a Tummy Tuck?
Have you found yourself asking the question: Do I need a tummy tuck?
Below are five signs that a tummy tuck could be right for you.
Top 5 Signs You Need a Tummy Tuck
- You have loose, excess skin and stretch marks on your abdomen.
Loose abdominal skin and stretch marks on the tummy are two telltale signs that a tummy tuck could be right for you. Remember that liposuction only addresses stubborn fat, but a tummy tuck can take care of loose skin.
- You recently lost a significant amount of weight or had a baby.
The majority of tummy tuck patients have recently lost a lot of body fat or are moms who are done having children. Both of these life experiences (weight loss and pregnancy) can stretch the abdominal skin significantly, and in many cases, the skin will not bounce back. This is where a tummy tuck can help.
- You have poor skin elasticity.
Good skin elasticity is essential for certain surgical procedures. However, it is not essential for a tummy tuck.
In other words, if you do have good skin elasticity, this may actually be a sign that liposuction could benefit you.
You can check your skin elasticity by doing what’s called the “pinch test”: Using your pointer finger and thumb, pinch a bit of your abdominal skin (in the area where you’d like to see improvement). Hold the skin and then let it go. If the skin readily bounces back to its original state, you have good skin elasticity. If it droops down and does not bounce back, you have skin laxity, or a loss of elasticity and firmness.
- You are physically uncomfortable because of excess abdominal skin.
Is loose skin on your abdomen causing you discomfort while exercising or at any time during the day? Do you have to drastically modify your wardrobe to find clothes that won’t chafe or cause rashes against your skin? These are signs that a tummy tuck could be beneficial.
- The current state of your abdomen is making you avoid certain parts of your life.
Whether you’re a man or woman, do you avoid dating, going to the beach, wearing certain clothes, or being intimate with your partner because of the excess skin on your abdomen? If so, this is a clear sign that an improvement in this area could provide massive benefits for your quality of life.
Do I Need a Tummy Tuck or Lipo?
Let’s first briefly define what liposuction is.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is the removal of stubborn pockets of excess fat. It does not address loose skin or the abdominal muscles. To learn more, take a look at some liposuction vs tummy tuck pictures.
Now, do I need a tummy tuck or should I get lipo?
For most patients, deciding between a tummy tuck and liposuction is as easy as deciding whether excess abdominal skin or excess abdominal fat is your worst point of concern. For excess skin, you need a tummy tuck. For excess fat, you need liposuction.
Do keep in mind that you can get a tummy tuck and liposuction at the same time too — as long as both loose skin and deposits of excess fat are issues for you.
Should I Get a Tummy Tuck Quiz: Questions to Ask Before Committing to Surgery
If you’re still on the fence about getting a tummy tuck, ask yourself these questions before scheduling your surgery date.
Do you want to improve the appearance of your abdomen?
Many people are self-conscious about their midsections. After all, this is the center of your body — your core. You want to feel strong there and not have to worry about sagging skin when you’re wearing a bikini or your favorite pair of jeans.
If you want to improve the appearance of your abdomen and it’s only a matter of diet and exercise or some light liposuction, these methods are better for you than a tummy tuck in that they will be less invasive. However, if you have loose skin, a tummy tuck may be your only option.
The only way to get rid of excess abdominal skin is with a tummy tuck. No cream, serum, exercise, or alternative procedure or product can amend this problem.
Are you able to take off the necessary time for tummy tuck recovery?
Lastly, don’t forget about your recovery from tummy tuck surgery. Whether it’s a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck, all patients will be required to take time off from work or school for this major procedure.
Full recovery requires at least six weeks of total downtime; though, you will be able to begin incorporating your daily activities back into your life after a few weeks of recovery.
Do I Need a Tummy Tuck? Schedule a Consultation to Find Out!
So, how do you know if you need a tummy tuck for sure?
The best way to find out if you could benefit from tummy tuck surgery is to book a consultation appointment with Dr. Matthew Schulman. As one of the nation’s top board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Schulman is highly regarded in his field and has extensive experience performing tummy tuck procedures for his NYC patients.
Call today to schedule your appointment!
