We’ve all seen the posts on Instagram: jaw-dropping celebrity weight loss transformations that showcase flat, sculpted tummies free of stretch marks or sagging. These celebs often attribute their success to fad “detox teas” or similar gimmicky products.
What they may not be telling you, however, is that those results really came from a tummy tuck. At my Houston plastic surgery practice, I create these transformations day in and day out. Curious about the role a tummy tuck can play in a before-and-after moment? Read on to learn more.
The Skinny on Tummy Tucks
A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen to sculpt a flatter, firmer midsection. Using an incision hidden below the bikini line, I trim away redundant tissue, tighten weakened abdominal muscles, and pull down the remaining skin for a slimmer, smoother appearance.
The changes this surgery makes to the body can’t be achieved through diet and exercise alone. No matter how dedicated you are to a healthy lifestyle, working out can’t remove the loose skin that often keeps the abdomen from looking lean and contoured. For this reason, a tummy tuck can be a huge help for women who are putting in hard work to achieve a dream body but aren’t seeing results due to excess skin.
An Unfiltered Perspective
It’s important to remember that social media posts don’t tell the whole story. When you see body transformation photos online, you’re likely seeing an “after” that showcases an attractive, shapely stomach without any of the sagging or droopiness you might be experiencing. Don’t be fooled! If you have been working towards your fitness goals but aren’t getting results that look like the photos, a body contouring procedure may be the piece of the puzzle you’re missing.
This is especially true with post-pregnancy transformations. Many pregnant women experience a separation of abdominal muscles called diastasis recti, which causes a bulge in the abdomen that can’t be removed by exercise. If you see photos of women showing off completely flat and chiseled post-baby bellies, there’s a fair chance a tummy tuck was involved.
Is a Tummy Tuck Right for You?
If you think a tummy tuck may be right for you, there are a few things you should consider.
- Candidates: Ideal candidates should be in generally good health, be able to maintain a stable body weight, and not be planning to have children because a future pregnancy can affect your results.
- Recovery: You should be prepared for some downtime as your body heals. You can expect to take 1 to 3 weeks off work and plan to be away from the gym for about 6 weeks.
- Benefits: The benefits of a tummy tuck go far beyond cosmetic changes. Learn more in our previous blog post.
If you would like to learn more about tummy tuck options at my plastic surgery practice in Houston, please contact us online or call (713) 571-0600 to request a consultation. You can also visit our before-and-after photo gallery to see real patient results.
This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated for 2023.
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