Are you considering an abdominoplasty but unsure about the best time to schedule the procedure?

Let’s understand abdominoplasty and explore the different aspects of abdominoplasty to make an informed decision about when is the right time for full abdominoplasty and achieve the best possible results.

What is abdominoplasty?
An abdominoplasty, also called a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that aims to repair damaged or separated abdominal muscles and eliminate excess skin and fat from the abdomen, giving a flat and toned tummy. Abdominoplasties typically target lower abdominal skin and fat in excess and can be combined with liposuction. Any laxity or excess skin in the upper outer parts of your tummy, typically below your breasts, is typically not affected by abdominal pain.

This procedure helps to contour the midsection (abdomen), reducing the sagging or protruding appearance that may result from factors such as age, pregnancy, or weight loss. By reshaping the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin, a tummy tuck can help individuals achieve a smoother, firmer, and more toned midsection.

When is the right time for full abdominoplasty or tummy tuck?

Achieving the desired results from a tummy tuck is not just about selecting the right surgeon; it’s also about choosing the right time to undergo the procedure. It is the right time for a tummy tuck if you have

A healthy and stable weight

Before scheduling your tummy tuck, it’s crucial to achieve a healthy, stable weight. If you are still trying to lose weight, it’s best to wait for an abdominoplasty procedure until you’ve reached your target weight. This is predominantly because you have fat both inside and behind your muscle, termed as visceral fat as well as fat that sits behind your skin. And when a repair of the muscle separation is performed, there is a limitation to the amount of tightening this can be achieved if there is significant intra-abdominal fat.

Losing additional weight after the procedure can cause excess skin and sagging while gaining weight can stretch out the skin and muscles all over again. Waiting until you have achieved a stable weight will ensure that you get the most accurate, long-lasting results and that your hard work pays off.

No future pregnancy plans 

Women who have given birth often choose to have a tummy tuck to restore their pre-baby bodies. However, if you are planning more children, it’s best to wait until you are done having children to undergo the procedure. Pregnancy can undo the results of your tummy tuck by stretching the skin, damaging and weakening abdominal muscles, and leaving fat deposits around the belly. However, no more pregnancies after full abdominoplasty with rectus repair is safe and there is no contraindication to undergoing a no more pregnancy once if the surgery has been performed.

Prepared to take time off work

Typically most patients take two weeks of work to recover from a full abdominoplasty. Finally, keep in mind that a tummy tuck requires a certain amount of downtime to allow for proper healing. While the procedure is safe and commonly performed, taking time off work is essential to reduce post-procedure complications and give yourself enough time to get up and move at a comfortable pace.

Quit Nicotine

Using nicotine, whether by smoking or vaping, can seriously increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. Nicotine restricts circulation and reduces oxygen supply to the tissues, hindering the healing process and increasing the risk of complications such as tissue necrosis and blood clots.

To ensure a successful recovery, it’s essential to quit smoking or vaping before your tummy tuck and avoid nicotine for at least several weeks afterward.

Takeaway
A tummy tuck can be a life-changing procedure that offers numerous benefits, such as improved body contouring, increased self-confidence, and a boost in overall physical and mental well-being. While the full abdominoplasty recovery time can be a few months and require patience and careful attention to postoperative care, the results of a tummy tuck can be long-lasting and well worth the effort. 

 Dr Rory McGoldrick is a highly experienced plastic surgeon for abdominoplasty in Dubai.  When you visit him for a full abdominoplasty procedure, he will examine your midsection and consider different aspects of abdominoplasty to suggest the right time for a full abdominoplasty. He also suggests you have patience and realistic expectation from the procedure and follow instructed aftercare during full abdominoplasty recovery time.

Consult the expert, Dr Rory, for transforming the midsection with abdominoplasty.