Tummy tuck surgery is also called abdominoplasty. This procedure aims at correcting laxity in the stomach region, which is frequently associated with fat excess and distension of the abdominal muscles. Often chosen by women, but also men wishing for a flatter stomach and a more harmonious figure, tummy tuck surgery can be performed on patients of all ages, provided they are in good health.
About tummy tuck surgery
Abdominoplasty has multiple actions, it removes fat deposits creating disproportions in the figure, tightens up lax skin and strengthens the abdominal wall. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 2 hours. It uses a long incision in the lower stomach through which excess skin and fat are removed. Abdominoplasty requires hospitalization for a few days and the patient to wear a compression garment to stabilize the result.
What is the ideal age to undergo abdominoplasty ?
There is no age limit to benefit from this procedure. However, the patient state of health is a determinant criteria which can lead to the surgeon refusing to operate. A young patient with health risks will not be operated on whereas an older patient with no contraindication and in good form will be able to undergo abdominoplasty. It is also important for female patients to make sure they do not plan on getting pregnant after surgery as pregnancy could undo the procedure’s improvements.
Are there alternatives for younger patients ?
Patients in their thirties or even younger should only consider tummy tuck surgery if they present with severe skin laxity, with or without stretch marks and distention of the abdominal muscles. These often result from pregnancy or massive and quick weight fluctuations.In other cases, when only fat removal in the stomach region is needed, liposuction is usually enough to achieve the expected result. Since skin still has good elasticity in younger patients with no severe tissue laxity, skin manages to retract over slimmer contours after liposuction.
Liposuction for older patients
With age, skin loses its natural elasticity and becomes thinner. In case of distension, it often fails to get back to normal tension, which is why tummy tuck is generally preferable, if the patient’s health allows it.
The feasibility of the procedure is determined after preoperative consultations and medical exams. Major contraindications for this surgery include smoking, history of heart or lung issues and pregnancy.
Cosmetic surgery of the stomach is especially beneficial when muscles in the abdominal wall are weakened (over stretched), which can happen after pregnancy or for overweight patients. Abdominoplasty can tighten these muscles in order to tone up and flatten the stomach region.
