If you want a flat, toned stomach, you may be considering one of the most effective procedures: abdominoplasty. Better known as tummy tuck, abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat from your midsection for a trimmer, contoured appearance.

Top-rated Miami plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Craft has helped many patients to achieve the firm stomach of their dreams. In this blog, he explains to prospective patients like you when it makes the most sense to schedule this surgery.

Following Pregnancy

When you have a baby, the skin around your belly must expand to fit its new size. Unfortunately, once you have your baby and the extra weight comes off, your skin may not retract to match its trimmed-down size. If the skin remains stretched out, you may need tummy tuck to re-achieve its former appearance.

At the same time, if you think you may have more children in the future, you should probably wait until you believe you no longer intend to get pregnant again. The reason for this is not that tummy tuck in any way impairs your ability to have more children, but because a subsequent pregnancy is almost certain to stretch the skin again. It is better to postpone the procedure so that you only must undergo it once.

After Losing Significant Weight

If you formerly weighed more and have a larger stomach, your skin had to stretch (similar to like it would for a pregnancy). Losing weight gets rid of the fat, but not the skin — no matter how much you diet and exercise. Getting rid of the loose skin that hangs from your tummy requires surgery.

At Middle Age

As you get older, your body’s natural production of collagen and elastin slows. Since these proteins are responsible for keeping the skin looking tight, you may notice that your skin becomes laxer starting around your late 30s. Even if you never gained weight around your midsection, you may still experience loose skin through no fault of your own.

If You Have a Muffin Top

Genetics can also play a large role in the way weight distributes on your body. If your weight clings to your abdomen more than anywhere else, you may want to improve your contours by having tummy tuck. Keep in mind that tummy tuck is primarily a skin tightening procedure, so if you have a significant amount of fat that you would like removed, it may be better to combine liposuction with your tummy tuck.

Discuss Tummy Tuck with Dr. Craft

Tummy tuck is a personal decision, so ultimately the “right” time to have the surgery is when it feels right for you. Whether you have hit a particular life milestone or are simply displeased with the appearance of your stomach, Dr. Craft is happy to have a tummy tuck consultation with you to determine that you are a good candidate who could benefit from the surgery. Please contact his office at (305) 596-9700.