Are You a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Many people are unhappy with the appearance of their abdominal region. Maybe you dream of having 6-pack abs, but what you have right now is anything but. One procedure that can help you get there is a tummy tuck. This surgical procedure has helped a lot of patients achieve a tighter, more toned midsection, but it does not work for every case. How do you know if you're a good candidate? You can start by asking yourself the questions below.

Do you have a lot of excess skin?

A tummy tuck is not a good option for patients with very round, tight bellies. These patients will need to lose a significant amount of belly fat before they are good candidates. The procedure is generally suited for patients who mostly have extra abdominal skin. The fat connected to the backside of the extra skin is removed and sometimes a little excess fat can be removed via liposuction, but all in all, a tummy tuck is a skin removal procedure, not a fat loss procedure.

Are you in good overall health?

A tummy tuck, like any abdominal procedure, is considered major surgery. You're expecting a lot from your body by asking it to heal such a large incision, and it needs to be in good health to do so. The best tummy tuck candidates have normal blood pressure, no serious immune-related diseases, and well-controlled blood sugar levels. Diabetes does not necessarily mean you won't be a candidate as long as it's well-controlled.

Do you have time to dedicate to recovery?

Although the results of a tummy tuck can be wonderful, it does take some time to recover. You will likely need to be off work for at least two weeks — maybe a month if you have a more active job. If you can't take time off right now, then waiting a little longer for your tummy tuck might be a smart move.

Are you finished having children?

Obviously this one only applies if you are a woman! While it won't be dangerous to have a baby after a tummy tuck, doing so will stretch your skin out again and probably make it necessary to repeat the procedure, so women are often advised to wait until they're done having kids.

After working through the questions above, make an appointment with a cosmetic surgeon near you. They're the best ones to tell you if you're a candidate.

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