Tummy tuck surgery is an excellent choice for those with excess skin and fatty tissue on their abdomen, as well as for those whose muscles have separated with pregnancy, fluctuations in weight, or with aging. A tummy tuck is designed to improve the abdominal contour in those who wish to flatten or tighten their abdomen, or to narrow the waistline.

Individuals who are actively losing weight should continue to do so until they have reached their weight loss goals. Only then should a tummy tuck operation be considered. This is because individuals who achieve their desired weight prior to undergoing a tummy tuck generally tend to have much better results.

It is important to note that tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss procedure. It will not decrease the thickness of an individual’s abdomen. While stretch marks that are in an area of skin removal will be removed, it will not take away stretch marks in other areas.

Women who plan to have future pregnancies are strongly advised to postpone any plans for a tummy tuck procedure until after all anticipated pregnancies occur.

Many people desiring a tummy tuck are misguided as to what it will achieve. You should make every attempt at weight loss possible, including diet and exercise, prior to considering a tummy tuck. This will put you on the right track in achieving your desired look. However, because of the weakening of the muscles and stretching of the skin with fluctuations in weight or with pregnancy, weight loss and exercise will only get you to a certain point. For this reason, a tummy tuck may be required in order for you to achieve that next level of satisfaction with your appearance.

After you have achieved your weight loss goals, if you remain unhappy with the appearance of your abdomen, consideration of a tummy tuck is appropriate. By removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal wall muscles, a firm, flat abdomen and improved abdominal wall contour can be achieved.