What a Tummy Tuck Can and Can't Do

A tummy tuck is a popular body contouring surgery that removes hanging skin and small fat pockets from the abdomen. Patients can drastically improve their waistlines and achieve a toned appearance through abdominoplasty. While a tummy tuck at Omar Ahmed, M.D. can deliver impressive results, it's important to understand what this procedure can and cannot do.

So, what happens during a tummy tuck, and what should you expect in terms of results? Schedule a tummy tuck assessment with board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgical specialist Dr. Omar Ahmed. Our trained professionals in Pasadena, CA can determine if you are a candidate for body contouring.

What a tummy tuck can do

Pregnancy and significant weight loss can leave many people with excess skin and fat around the abdomen. Even spending hours at the gym may not restore your figure. A tummy tuck removes hanging skin while tightening the underlying tissues and muscles. Patients have a flatter and more toned midsection as a result.

Here is what a tummy tuck can do:

• Reduce folds of skin in the abdomen. This resolves unwanted problems, like skin irritation and rashes.

• Remove small but stubborn fat pockets. Patients can have a slimmer figure that looks great in swimsuits, jeans, and other fitted clothing.

• Tighten abdominal muscles that have become weak or stretched out due to pregnancy. We can reduce a protruding or "poochy" abdomen that is common after childbirth.

• Restore your natural contours. Look and feel better about your appearance overall.

What a tummy tuck cannot do

There are some limitations to what abdominoplasty can achieve. During a tummy tuck consultation in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Ahmed will assess your unique situation and identify any issues that cannot be addressed through surgery.

Here is what a tummy tuck cannot do:

• Help obese or overweight individuals lose weight. Candidates should be near their ideal weight (within 10 – 15 pounds) with no plans on gaining or losing weight in the near future.

• Address any other area but the midsection. If you have excess skin and fat deposits on the thighs, arms, or other areas, additional body contouring procedures may still be necessary.

• Prevent future changes to the abdomen. Pregnancy and childbirth can still stretch out the abdomen after surgery. If you are considering children in the future, you should discuss this with Dr. Ahmed.

How to prepare for a tummy tuck consultation

If you are considering abdominoplasty but are still unsure about the process, it's important to prepare for your assessment with Dr. Ahmed. This includes:

• Being near your ideal weight. As mentioned above, candidates should be within 10 – 15 pounds of their goal weight to ensure the best body contouring results.

• Being honest about your medical history. You will be asked about any current medical conditions or previous surgeries and pregnancies, so it's important to have this information ready.

• Having realistic expectations. Remember that a tummy tuck cannot fix everything – it is primarily used to address excess skin and fat in the abdomen. We can ensure that you understand what to expect and help you set realistic goals.

Discover the possibilities

A tummy tuck can dramatically enhance your appearance and give you the confidence to show off your figure in Pasadena, CA. Now, you can learn more about this cutting-edge procedure by scheduling time with a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgical specialist. Dr. Omar Ahmed can explain the details of what abdominoplasty can and cannot do during a consultation at Omar Ahmed, M.D.