Am I a Good Candidate for
a Tummy Tuck?

Candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good health, are minimally or moderately overweight, and bothered by a large fat deposit and loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise. The tummy tuck surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients can be improved. Also the large volumes of excess skin produced by significant weight loss are well addressed by the tummy tuck procedure.

Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery until they have reached their final weight. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. Occasionally, scars from previous abdominal surgery may preclude the abdominoplasty procedure.

As with any plastic surgery procedure, ideal candidates must have realistic expectations for their results. A tummy tuck may greatly improve your body contour, and this improved appearance may help boost your self-confidence. However, it is unrealistic to expect that this procedure will bring back your youth or provide you with a perfect figure.

Your tummy tuck will produce a permanent scar across the width of your bikini line. However, Philadelphia plastic surgeon Dr. David Bottger will make the incision in a natural crease location that can be easily hidden by clothing.

If you are interested in a tummy tuck, please contact our Philadelphia plastic surgery office today to schedule your initial consultation. Dr. Bottger serves patients in the Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, and West Chester, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania areas.

Additional questions:
What are the risks associated with tummy tucks?
How much recovery time do I need for a tummy tuck?
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Additional questions about Abdominoplasty