According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 111,000 people opted to undergo a tummy tuck in 2013. That is surprising, considering that almost half that amount of people (62,713) underwent that procedure back in 2000. This statistic is evidence to the fact that tummy tuck procedures are providing the results that patients are looking for. If you’re among those considering this procedure and desire a slimmer, more toned abdominal area, you’ll most certainly want to learn more. You have questions and we have the answers to the FAQs about tummy tucks here:

What is involved in the procedure?

During a tummy tuck, unwanted fat and skin can be removed from the abdominal area. If needed, depending on the patient, we can go a step further to strengthen and reconnect weakened or separated muscles. This results in a smoother and firmer abdominal area.

How do I know if I’m a good candidate?

Generally speaking, the best candidates are those who have an overall healthy body weight yet remain unsatisfied with the appearance of their abdominal area. Sagging skin, excessive fat, and/or stretch marks resulting from a dramatic weight gain and loss (such as that experienced during pregnancy) are common complaints we hear from patients requesting a tummy tuck procedure. Changes in your abdomen may also be hereditary in nature or a natural result of the aging process.

Will my tummy tuck results be affected by future pregnancies?

Your tummy tuck results will be affected by a future pregnancy, so women who are likely to become pregnant in the near future should opt to wait until after childbirth to undergo a tummy tuck. However, having gone through the procedure in the past will not negatively affect any future pregnancies.

What is the recovery like?

Patients generally experience mild discomfort for a few days immediately after surgery. We recommend one week off from work in order to allow the body to heal, though some regular activities can be resumed during that period. Intense physical activity can resume after about six weeks.