Tummy tuck surgeries address weakened abdominal muscles and lax skin following significant weight loss, pregnancy, and aging, restoring your proportions with a flatter, firmer midsection. Many patients who pursue this procedure ask if they can expect to wear a smaller clothing size afterward. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Tummy Tuck, and How Does It Work?

Abdominoplasty can enhance your figure by targeting your abdominal region.

Tummy tuck benefits include:

• Remove excess fat and hanging skin
• Tighten loosened or stretched abdominal muscles
• Fewer medical issues, such as incontinence or back pain

As each person has a unique allocation of excess fat and skin, Dr. John Zinsser performs different abdominoplasty techniques to achieve optimal results based on your anatomy.

• A standard or full tummy tuck uses incisions from hip to hip along the bikini line and around the belly button. This procedure tightens abdominal muscles and removes excess fat and skin. Dr. Zinsser will re-drape your skin for slimmer contours.
• A mini tummy tuck addresses excess fat and skin below the navel. It uses a shorter incision and doesn’t repair muscles.
• Extended tummy tucks are like standard tummy tucks, except the incisions continue around the hips to the back, addressing excess fat and sagging skin around the waist or flanks.
• Circumferential belt tummy tucks use incisions that extend around the circumference of the entire trunk to lift the butt, hips, and thighs and address redundant fat and skin following significant weight loss.

What Is the Goal of Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty can help you achieve your aesthetic goals when diet and exercise have failed to produce the flat abdomen you desire. Besides reshaping your core region, Dr. Zinsser can also remove redundant skin and localized fat pockets while repairing weak or separated abdominal muscles.

Abdominoplasty delivers permanent results with a continued healthy diet and exercise regimen, including improved muscle tone and a more proportional figure.

Is a Tummy Tuck a Weight Loss Procedure?

It is a misconception that a tummy tuck is purely a surgery designed to help people shed pounds. Instead of supporting your weight loss goals, this procedure will improve your contours.

Typically, patients lose a minimal amount of weight – approximately five to 10 pounds – following fat, skin, and tissue removal. The best abdominoplasty candidates are already at or near their ideal, stable weight before seeking this treatment. Continuing with a healthy diet and fitness regimen is the best way to maintain your optimal results. The good news is that a tummy tuck will renew your motivation to stay in shape.

How Many Sizes Will I Lose with a Tummy Tuck?

The number of clothing sizes you will lose depends on where you started and how your body heals after the procedure. For example, if you have a significant amount of loose skin, you could potentially lose up to four pants sizes. Most patients can expect to lose an average of one to three clothing sizes.

Though not everyone experiences a significant size change, you may notice other physical benefits that help your clothes fit and look better. For example, having a firmer midsection will result in smoother contours with fewer embarrassing bulges.

How Do I Lose Weight Before a Tummy Tuck?

Most surgeons recommend being within 10 to 15 pounds of your goal weight and staying within that target for at least six to 12 months before your tummy tuck. Establish healthy lifestyle habits, including a balanced diet and a regular exercise routine, to improve your health and lose weight.

Here are some tips you may find helpful.

• Exercise: Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity three to five times per week. Try activities like walking, swimming, or biking, then gradually challenge yourself to do more as your fitness level builds.
• Nutrition: Eat a balanced, protein-rich diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Limit your intake of sugar, trans fats, and salt.
• Hydration: A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water every day.
• Get plenty of sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours of restful sleep per night.
• Minimize alcohol consumption: Alcohol is full of empty calories and can lead to impulsive food choices.

How Do I Keep Weight Off After a Tummy Tuck?

Many of the same methods and healthy habits you developed to lose weight in preparation for your tummy tuck can help you maintain your weight afterward.

Take time off your exercise routine while your body recovers from surgery. Food choices are vital during this healing period. Eat small, protein-rich meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Preparing and freezing meals before surgery will ensure you have quick, heat-and-eat options to reach for.

Resume a light exercise routine, such as walking or yoga, as soon as you receive clearance from Dr. Zinsser. Gradually increase to more strenuous exercises as you continue healing.

How Do I Choose the Best Tummy Tuck Surgeon?

Many factors should influence your choice of tummy tuck surgeon. First, seek a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing tummy tucks. Ask plenty of questions to choose a provider who upholds the highest standards of patient care.

Here are a few other considerations:

• Read reviews and testimonials to learn about previous patient experiences.
• Check the tummy tuck average cost in your area. If your surgeon offers a cost that’s too good to be true, that might be a red flag.
• Review before-and-after photos to determine the quality of their work and gain realistic expectations for your outcome.

Schedule Your Richmond Tummy Tuck at Zinsser Plastic Surgery Today!

Losing sizes and inches and gaining confidence after your tummy tuck is invaluable. At Zinsser Plastic Surgery, Dr. Zinsser and his expert team strive to help you feel comfortable in your skin and achieve the appearance you desire.Contact Zinsser Plastic Surgery PC at (804) 474-9805 or complete our online form to schedule your tummy tuck consultation today.