Plastic Surgery Forum

Member Voices - CHOOSING A TUMMY TUCK

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by OH member Tim McCanless

How long did you struggle to lose weight? For many of us it was a lifetime. Things are very different now; we have worked very hard to lose the excess weight that kept us at arm?s-length from society, friendships and even love. Now that we are at or near our goal weight, the next step is to maintain. And for some of us, we?ll also start conversations with our surgeon about having a tummy tuck. Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin, and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles, creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.

As a WLS patient myself, I see a tummy tuck as my reward! After almost a year, I finally feel that this is the body that I belong in. I am moving more naturally and doing things easily that I used to complain about. I maintain a regular exercise program; I walk, ride a bicycle and do yard work. I am doing everything I can to firm up my body so that I can look like my peers and, most importantly, feel good about the way I look. Right now, I feel like a yellow raisin?delicious, but not attractive.

A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals. 

Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportions can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there are several things we need to consider when choosing a surgeon, including his or her training, experience and ethics. These decisions about plastic surgery are certainly very important, but even more important is realizing that surgery will probably not solve your deepest body image issues. Further, surgery isn?t a shortcut. A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program, and that is something that remains true forever. Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically ?permanent,? the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight.

So, how do I know if a tummy tuck is right for me? I?ve taken a long, hard look at myself and know this is my next step.

Plastic surgery is a highly-individualized procedure and a very personal decision. If you choose it, do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else?s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. This is your reward for a long time of hard work and brings the kind of obvious results you can celebrate for a lifetime!

February 2009