The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape (BMI of 27 or lower) but are bothered by a fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise. Patients also report an improvement in their posture, back ache and symptoms like constipation and bloating, following the abdominal muscle repair.
The surgery is particularly helpful to youngish women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. In older patients, loss of skin elasticity, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.
Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery, I may have to modify the abdominoplasty procedure and may caution you that scars could be unusually prominent.
Abdominoplasty can improve your posture and core strength. It can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal. Nor will it cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with us.
