Three Signs You Should Get a Tummy Tuck

Choosing to have tummy tuck surgery, or a cosmetic procedure, is ultimately a personal decision that is unique for each patient. However, there are some general signs that may mean someone is an excellent candidate for tummy tuck surgery. For example, patients struggling with hanging stomach skin after weight loss or women who experienced abdominal muscle separation due to pregnancy stand to benefit greatly from tummy tuck surgery, which is specifically designed to address excess skin, stubborn fat, diastasis recti, and other concerns in the midsection.

At John L. Clayton, MD at 22 Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John L. Clayton offers a comprehensive range of body contouring procedures, including abdominoplasty surgery in Cottonwood Heights, UT, to help men and women look and feel their best. Here, you'll find three telling signs that tummy tuck surgery may be a life-changing step that's right for you.

Do I need a tummy tuck?

Again, making the decision to have tummy tuck surgery comes down to your personal preferences, goals, lifestyle, financial situation, and other considerations. When it comes to wondering whether you can benefit from the procedure or if you're a candidate for tummy tuck surgery, however, there are several signs that may point to the answer being yes, including:

1. You have loose skin after weight loss

For individuals who have hanging skin folds and extra skin after losing weight — which often impacts the midsection — abdominoplasty offers the opportunity to remove excess skin and create a smoother, slimmer, more natural-looking shape. This can also provide substantial relief from unwanted symptoms associated with skin folds, like chafing, irritation, difficulty exercising, and others.

2. You want to reverse loose skin and muscle separation after pregnancy

A common side effect of pregnancy is diastasis recti, which refers to the separation of abdominal muscles in the midline. This can cause women to have a prominent pooch in the lower belly, which can get worse with certain exercises and movements. During tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Clayton can tighten, repair, and reinforce separated abs to restore a flatter stomach.

3. You have developed stubborn abdominal fat with age

Another common reason for tummy tuck surgery is to address stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Many people develop stubborn fat in the abdomen due to age, genetics, hormones, and other factors. Oftentimes, extreme weight loss patients struggle with a combination of loose skin and stubborn fat, both of which can be addressed with abdominoplasty.

Am I ready for a tummy tuck?

One of the best ways to determine the right time for tummy tuck surgery is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Clayton. During this appointment, Dr. Clayton will assess concerns, discuss goals, review health and medical history, and recommend a personalized surgical plan and timeline that is suitable for you. In general, patients considering a tummy tuck should be at or near their goal weight, have maintained a stable weight for up to 6 – 12 months prior to surgery, and — for women — be certain that they are done having children. These considerations for tummy tuck timing can help to ensure a smooth recovery and the longest-lasting results possible.

Reinvent your body and change your life with a tummy tuck in Cottonwood Heights, UT

Don't let changes in your physique weigh down your confidence and quality of life any longer. With tummy tuck surgery, you can finally rid yourself of stubborn fat, extra skin, and other flaws that are holding you back. To learn more about your options for tummy tuck surgery in Cottonwood Heights, UT, contact our friendly team at John L. Clayton, MD at 22 Plastic Surgery to schedule your private consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John L. Clayton.