We know what you’re doing. You are looking down at your stomach thinking, ‘it never used to look that way.’  Even after hours at the gym – crunch after crunch after crunch – those abs are still not shining through. Instead what you’re seeing is loose, hanging skin and/or bulges of fat.

If you are think a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) may be your answer, there are a few things you need to consider first…

Are You Finished Having Children?

Obviously this question is directed toward our female readers and it is the MOST important thing to consider when contemplating a tummy tuck. Are you finished having children? We ask this question because a pregnancy after a tummy tuck procedure can potentially erase all of the great results you and your doctor worked to achieve. Weight gain and the stretching of skin around the midsection can always be expected during a pregnancy so that skin that was tightened during a tummy tuck will simply be stretched out again.

Is it an Issue of Fat or Skin?

Why do we ask this question?  Loose, hanging skin can only be fixed with a tummy tuck procedure. Excess fat without any loose skin can potentially be corrected with a liposuction procedure (less surgery time, less recovery, less money). Pinch the area around your midsection that you are frustrated with – is it fat or skin? Skin is easier to pull away from your body and will feel lighter than fat. Fat will look bulkier while skin will flattened up against your stomach and hang when released.

Are you Currently Dieting or Have You Reached Your Ideal Weight?

Drastic changes in your weight after your tummy tuck procedure may effect your results. You must be at a healthy weight (and BMI) to move forward with any plastic surgery procedure. Why? You ask. For your safety of course! On top of that, for a tummy tuck, Dr. Franckle prefers that patients are not currently dieting and are at a somewhat stable weight. This will help your results stay sharp for a longer period of time.

Visiting our office for a free consultation with Dr. Franckle can confirm whether or not you are a candidate for a tummy tuck procedure. If you considering the points above before your consultation you will be be informed about your body and exactly what you are looking to change.