A primary area of aesthetic concern for most people regarding their body is their tummy. Almost everyone wants to achieve a flat belly, but the challenge regarding this ultimate goal is the loss of the skin’s ability to tighten up after losing weight or pregnancy. An effort to achieve a slimmer figure can be quite frustrating for many, leading to disappointment and low self-esteem.
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that tightens muscles of the abdominal wall and helps eliminate excess skin that causes the belly to hang. This is a procedure that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Dr. Nitin J. Engineer uses his expertise to discuss the comprehensive details regarding the abdominoplasty procedure.
Dr. Engineer is an award-winning, accredited fellowship-trained plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic, reconstructive, hand and microvascular surgery. He is also the founder, CEO and principal surgeon at Engineered Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Institute.
“Everyone is born with a natural fine separation between the six-pack muscles of the abdomen,” says Dr. Engineer. This separation might increase with age, trauma, weight gain and pregnancy. Once separated, it becomes almost impossible to pull the muscles together with exercise alone. Therefore, definitive surgical treatment is necessary to accomplish that realignment.
“Anyone can struggle with sagging skin, including fit and toned patients,” notes Dr. Engineer. “A tummy tuck procedure,” Dr. Engineer explains, “is performed to remove this excess fat and skin from the abdominal area, as well as tighten the abdominal muscles to attain a flat and toned belly.”
Like all surgical procedures, Dr. Engineer stresses the importance of first consulting with a plastic surgeon to know if one is eligible for a tummy tuck procedure. He explains that one must be in good health and be at their ideal weight to be an eligible candidate. This ensures that the patient is not planning to lose any more weight, which could potentially lead to the recurrence of loose and excess skin.
In addition to skin tightening, Dr. Engineer notes other advantages of undergoing a tummy tuck procedure if indicated, most importantly being an improvement in one’s general health. He explains that a tightening of the abdominal musculature can help to correct laxity that may be resulting in a ventral hernia. In addition, a tummy tuck helps to improve posture and reduce back pain by decreasing the strain caused by excess abdominal fat and increasing abdominal muscle tone. A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure; therefore, patients must realize the importance of being prepared to heal. It is crucial to optimize one’s health before and after the procedure with a well-balanced diet, exercise conditioning and diligent control of any pre-existing conditions to maximize postoperative results and minimize postoperative complications.
Passionate about educating and empowering his patients, Dr. Engineer emphasizes the need to understand the procedure thoroughly. Together with his team, Dr. Engineer takes his time to explain all plastic surgical procedures to the patient and encourages them to ask questions. As a result, by the time one chooses a particular surgical procedure, they are fully aware of all realistic expectations, which is essential in all cosmetic procedures.
There are varying types of tummy tuck procedures, depending on a patient’s aesthetic goals. Additionally, every patient is as unique as the treatment options that are available. Ultimately, tummy tuck operation is not a long-term weight loss solution, therefore it is paramount that a patient continues to maintain a healthy diet and exercise to achieve effective results.
Members of the editorial and news staff of the Las Vegas Review-Journal were not involved in the creation of this content.