January 12, 2011
For many women who have gained and lost weight either through pregnancy-related changes or simply as a result of the natural aging process, their tummies simply don’t look as flat as they once did. They exercise and they diet but that stubborn bulge just doesn’t go away. And, over time, they get more frustrated because nothing they do seems to make a difference. And there is a good reason.
Fluctuations in weight can have dramatic effects on the abdominal wall. Over time, the muscles in the midline can actually separate creating what is called a diastasis. This separation then weakens the overall support that the muscles used to provide with the final result being that you develop that unsightly bulge. And no matter what you do, it just simply doesn’t go away. Think of it this way, if you unsnap your bra, your breasts will fall out. The same thing happens with the “internal corset” of your abdomen. When the muscles separate, it is similar to unzipping of a corset and the internal contents distend forward.
In order to address this, the separation can be fixed through a tummy tuck. This relatively straightforward surgery tightens muscles and removes any excess skin creating a flatter, more shapely abdominal wall. And when liposuction is added to specific areas, an even more dramatic and circumferential improvement can be obtained. Many patients ask why liposuction is necessary. The short answer is that liposuction picks up where a tummy tuck leaves off. A tummy tuck alone does little to nothing to address abdominal or back fat. By adding a little liposuction here and there, your torso can be shaped in a much more optimal manner than with just a tummy tuck by itself.
And while some of the tummy tuck result is immediate, it may take up to six months or more to see the final results of the liposuction. During that time, the swelling gradually resolves and some degree of skin tightening may occur leading to an even more dramatic result by year’s end. Many Plastic Surgeons are even adding non-invasive treatments such as VASER Shape to create an even more impressive result. VASER Shape can potentially help smooth your contour further and may lead to even greater skin tightening over time.
So if you have been hitting the gym but feel like your tummy has hit a wall, liposuction and a tummy tuck may be just the prescription for the best belly! You might also want to combine procedures to have a full Denver mommy makeover. But make sure to research your Plastic Surgeon. Make sure that he or she is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery and that body contouring surgery and liposuction are a substantial part of their Cosmetic Surgery practice. Experience and training are essential and can make the difference between an average result and the home run tummy that you are looking for!
*Photo Courtesy of Luigi Diamanti
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