If you have excess tissue around your midsection, a tummy tuck could be the best way to achieve the sleek, toned look you desire. But how long will your tummy tuck results last? And what can you do to maintain them? The answer is twofold: the surgery results are designed to be permanent, but aging and lifestyle also play a role in how long they will last. Here we go over what you can expect after tummy tuck surgery and provide you with some tips on how to keep your new figure looking trim through the years.
Permanent Effects of Tummy Tuck Surgery
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen while also tightening the underlying muscles. This results in a flatter, more toned stomach that is less susceptible to future weight gain. The surgery is considered permanent because once the skin and fat are removed, they cannot grow back. The surgical repair of the abdominal muscles is also designed to be permanent. So long as you maintain your figure, you can expect your results to last indefinitely.
How Aging Affects Tummy Tuck Results
While tummy tuck surgery is meant to have long-lasting results, patients should recognize that aging affects us all and will have some impact on your abdominal tissue. Although the muscles are tightened and firmed, some muscle laxity may occur over time due to the natural aging process. Additionally, because skin elasticity diminishes with age, the abdominal skin may gradually begin to sag and loosen a little. It is also not uncommon for the lower abdomen to accumulate some degree of fat with age. Bear in mind that these age-related changes have nothing to do with abdominoplasty and will affect your appearance regardless of whether you get a tummy tuck. But by choosing to get a tummy tuck, you can enjoy a flatter, smoother stomach for many years.
How Lifestyle Choices Affect Tummy Tuck Results
Your lifestyle choices after surgery will also play a role in how long your results last. If you are not careful to maintain your weight, future weight gain could stretch the skin and muscles of the abdomen, thereby undoing the improvements made by your tummy tuck. Also, if you become pregnant after surgery, your pregnancy may undo your tummy tuck results and could lead to the formation of new stretch marks. Avoiding future pregnancy and putting on excess body weight are two important ways to prevent your lifestyle from negatively impacting your abdominoplasty results.
How You Can Maintain Your Tummy Tuck Results Long Term
You can help maintain your tummy tuck results for as long as possible by living a healthy lifestyle. Candidates for tummy tuck surgery should already be at a stable body weight before undergoing their procedure, as an established healthy weight is easiest to maintain. Continue healthy eating habits and regular exercise for the best long-term results and overall health. If you do plan to have more children, know that there’s no way to prevent the effects of pregnancy on the abdomen, so it’s best to postpone your surgery until after you are done having kids. Lastly, take good care of your abdominal skin and scars to prevent the tissue from loosening or darkening. Those who do these things should be able to maintain excellent tummy tuck results for many years to come.
To schedule your consultation for tummy tuck surgery, call (720) 634-7400 or contact us online today.