Whether you wish that you had a washboard stomach and rock hard abs, or a jaw-droppingly defined six pack, the harsh reality is that the majority of us are unhappy with our bodies in some form or another. Many of our body concerns go deeper than pure aesthetics however, and can lead to a lack of self-esteem and for some, feelings of unworthiness. You don’t have to have experienced playground torments and school bullies for your body shape to affect you either, as simply looking in the mirror for some people can cause despair to set in.

The good news is that you do not have to suffer. Choosing to undergo a Tummy Tuck procedure is likely to not be a decision you make lightly and may well be the final solution of many years’ hard work trying to get rid of excess weight. You may also be surprised to hear that a lot of patients who choose to have this procedure, both men and women, are not necessarily overweight. Read on to find out what a Tummy Tuck could do for you.

Reasons for undertaking Tummy Tuck surgery

It may surprise you to hear that Tummy Tuck procedures are no longer reserved purely for women. In actual fact, figures released back in January 2012 show a 15 per cent increase in demand for Tummy Tucks among male patients undergoing cosmetic surgery.

There are multiple reasons why many choose to have this procedure. For the most part, it is people who have struggled continuously with their weight. This battle of the bulge may be a result of poor diet, lack of exercise, or even weight gain after particularly stressful times, or post-pregnancy weight gain.

The rise in numbers of obese people reflects a growing demand for cosmetic procedures such as Liposuction and Tummy Tucks. Often however, Tummy Tucks are undertaken as the final part of the weight loss programme, due to large amounts of loose, excess skin left over after having lost copious amounts of weight. The most effective way to remove the loose skin is by undergoing surgery.

 The procedure

A Tummy Tuck, or Abdominoplasty to give it the correct medical term, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that works by removing excess fat and skin from the abdomen and simultaneously tightening the abdominal wall muscles. While the results of an Abdominoplasty are impressive on their own, it is common practice for many to undertake Liposuction in conjunction with this procedure to get the best results possible.

You will be administered with a general anaesthetic to ensure that you are not awake during the procedure, which can take between two to four hours in total to complete.

Who is best suited for a Tummy Tuck?

There is no one ideal candidate for Tummy Tuck surgery, and as mentioned above, the procedure is undertaken by both men and women. In general, mothers who have given birth may decide to have a Tummy Tuck to help reduce excess skin around the abdomen and to tighten the muscles.

It is also a useful procedure for those who have lost a lot of weight and are left with excess loose skin around the stomach area.

Post-surgery

You can expect to feel sore for a while after this type of surgery, which is completely normal. You will also be required to wear a light support garment. However, in order to improve and speed up the healing process, you should avoid any type of strenuous physical activity for up to six weeks after having the procedure. Most people return back to work two weeks after the operation.

The majority of people who have had this type of surgery comment that they feel much more confident with their body afterwards. They also often experience a boost in self-esteem and a new lease of life. To help maintain the great results of your Tummy Tuck, you should incorporate a healthy diet and exercise into your daily  routine.

Would you consider having a Tummy Tuck?

This guest blog was contributed by Lesley Sampson writing on behalf of The Harley Medical Group. Setting the gold standard for cosmetic procedures for 30 years.

Image credit: Army Medicine on Flickr