How Long Do Tummy Tuck Results Last?

Factors That Can Determine How Long Tummy Tuck Results Last

Weight Fluctuations
If your weight fluctuates, your tummy tuck results will be impacted. Gaining more weight will increase the size of your fat cells and it will stretch the skin. If you then lose weight, this skin will become loose, and you will no longer have the taught, sleek appearance you had after your tummy tuck. To help maintain your tummy tuck results, you should lead a healthy lifestyle, complete with nutritious food and regular exercise. Although you will need to be cautious and gentle with your workouts shortly after your tummy tuck surgery, you can get back into your regular workout routine about 9 weeks after your surgery. Read A Guide To Exercising After Your Tummy Tuck to learn more.

Pregnancy
If you are considering a tummy tuck, it is recommended that you wait until after you are finished having children. If you get pregnant after a tummy tuck, your skin will stretch and your muscles may tear or become weakened. During pregnancy, your abdominal muscles will gradually stretch. For some people, these muscles will return to normal postpartum (and after adequate healing time), but others will need surgical intervention to restore their abdominal muscles.

Age
Your skin will naturally lose elasticity as you age and this may impact the results of your tummy tuck. As skin elasticity decreases, you may find that you have loose or sagging skin on your stomach. There is no definitive age when this may happen and your skin elasticity may be influenced by eating and smoking habits, genetics, and the regular use of skin care products.

How old you are when you get a tummy tuck may also influence your results. People who get tummy tucks in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are more likely to have a quicker recovery than those in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. Since skin is generally more elastic the younger a person is, younger patients are more likely to see results faster, but people who get their tummy tucks later in life and who go into this body contouring procedure fairly healthy are likely to be able to maintain tummy tuck results for a long time.

Beautiful Tummy Tuck Results For Years To Come

After a tummy tuck, the skin and fat cells removed during this body contouring procedure will never return, but you can take certain actions to maintain results as long as possible. Tummy tucks can help to flatten your stomach, but they can also help repair damaged and weakened abdominal muscles and tighten and sculpt the skin and tissues of your belly. Tummy tucks can be very transformative and can help you to feel confident about your body for years to come. During a consultation, Dr. Peterson will discuss your desired outcomes and he will explain the results, the risks, and the healing process of a tummy tuck. To explore your options for a tummy tuck or any other surgical and non-surgical options for body contouring, contact our clinic in downtown Kelowna by calling 1-250-868-9099 or by filling out our online contact form.

FAQ

Q: How long does an abdominoplasty surgery take?
A: On average, an abdominoplasty will take between three to five hours and is performed under general anaesthetic as a day surgery procedure.

Q: Will a tummy tuck reduce my stretch marks or scars?
A: Abdominoplasty is not designed to reduce the appearance of scars or stretch marks, however, some of these will be removed when excess skin is removed. Dr. Peterson will also blend previous caesarean scarring with the new surgical scars.

Q: What’s the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction?
A: Liposuction creates a small incision for an instrument called a cannula to be inserted into the treatment area and suction out a safe amount of fat. Liposuction can be used on various areas of the body. A tummy tuck is a more intensive plastic surgery that removes excess skin and pulls the remaining skin taut. The abdominal muscles can also be repaired during a tummy tuck. To learn more, read Tummy Tuck Or Liposuction? Which Should I Consider? These procedures can also be combined for optimal results.