At Dr. Bohley Cosmetic Surgery in Portland, Dr. Michael F. Bohley performs abdominoplasty, more familiarly known as tummy tuck surgery, to eliminate excess skin from the midsection, and to repair abdominal muscles that have been greatly weakened or have separated due to pregnancy, major weight loss, aging or other factors. Tummy tuck candidates cannot strengthen these abdominal muscles or get rid of excess skin no matter how often they exercise or how consistently they follow a well-balanced diet.
Tummy tuck can help certain patients get a flatter, firmer abdominal profile, but it is not an appropriate procedure for everyone. To find out if you are a suitable tummy tuck candidate, first read the information below, then schedule a consultation with plastic surgery Portland provider Dr. Bohley so he can determine if tummy tuck or another plastic surgery procedure may be right for you.
Suitable Candidates for Tummy Tuck
To be a suitable tummy tuck candidate, you should be in good overall health but have excess skin (that has lost its elasticity) throughout the abdominal area. You may also have severely weakened or separated stomach muscles. You should be at a stable weight that you feel you can maintain following tummy tuck surgery. You must not smoke, or be prepared to stop smoking for several weeks prior to and after surgery.
Finally, you should have realistic expectations for the outcome of tummy tuck surgery. For instance, while tummy tuck surgery will give you a firmer abdominal profile, it also leaves a horizontal scar that extends from hip bone to hip bone. If you are okay with having a scar that you can hide beneath an underwear or bathing suit line in exchange for having the appearance of a six pack, you may benefit from tummy tuck surgery.
Who Should Not Have Tummy Tuck
If you are not finished having children and plan to get pregnant again, or are currently pregnant, you are not a suitable tummy tuck candidate. If you suffer from obesity, you are also not a good candidate for tummy tuck. Also, if you are a smoker who is not prepared to cease smoking, tummy tuck may not be for you. Finally, if you would like to contour your midsection or other parts of your body, and have sound skin elasticity, you may benefit from liposuction instead of tummy tuck.
To schedule a personal consultation to find out if you are a suitable tummy tuck candidate, please contact the Dr. Bohley Cosmetic Surgery office by calling (503) 253-3458 today.
