Expectations for Your Tummy Tuck

Just like any plastic surgery, the best tummy tuck candidate should: 

• Have realistic expectations of what can be accomplished.
• Understand that this is not a substitute for a good diet and/or exercise. 
• Be looking for a way to help regain some confidence in their body.
• Know they need to continue to work on their body and health even after the procedure.

This procedure can produce dramatic results for some, but you must go into the initial consultation with the understanding that limitations do exist. Dr. Ching will give you a realistic idea of what can be done for you and your body. His desire is the same as yours — the best possible cosmetic results and protection of your health with his Tummy Tuck in Hawaii.

General Guidelines for Tummy Tuck Candidates

Some benchmarks to keep in mind that make good tummy tuck candidates:

• You are in good physical health
• You’re not excessively overweight
• You have no plans for future pregnancies
• You’re not currently pregnant

Those considering having children in the future are cautioned against a tummy tuck in Hawaii for good reason. The procedure involves the tightening of muscles that could become separated again during pregnancy. Therefore it is best that you be clear on whether having children – or more children – is in your future when deciding on an abdominoplasty.

Again, this article is not a definitive test on whether you are a good candidate or not. That decision should be reserved for you and Dr. Ching at your consultation in our Honolulu offices. However, these guidelines will give you an idea of what conditions make for the best prospect.

Tummy Tuck Results

How Long Do Tummy Tuck Surgery Results Really Last?

Every tummy tuck recipient, or potential tummy tuck recipient, wonders the same thing: How long will the results last?

There’s good news. The fact is that a tummy tuck at our Honolulu, Hawaii, practice can bring you long-lasting, almost permanent results. Studies and surveys have documented the fact that the benefits of a tummy tuck can last for many years after you’ve had the procedure.

One natural factor you should be aware of, though, is that tissue does undergo relaxation as you age. This is a normal part of the aging process. However, this will occur to a lesser extent than prior to your surgery. Therefore, the benefits of this procedure go beyond the immediate slimming effect you’ll see on your body.

Despite these rewards, there are some important influences that will greatly affect the retention of your abdominoplasty benefits:

• You still must follow a proper diet. An abdominoplasty does not exempt you from the common diet guidelines that affect us all. Undergoing this surgery does not change that.
• A pregnancy can alter your body greatly, whether you’ve had a tummy tuck or not. Again, this procedure will not stop, or defend you from, the changes that giving birth can bring if you become pregnant afterward.
• Exercise will remain important to maintaining your form, just as it is to those who have not had the procedure. Regular exercise is vital to your health and your figure. No surgery should be used as a way to escape that, as it will fail.
• An extreme weight loss in the years after a tummy tuck can adversely affect your shape. Just as an extreme weight gain will be harmful, so will a severe drop. Both have an enormous impact on your body and its appearance. Monitoring your weight will be important.

All of these directions and recommendations should be followed immediately after your tummy tuck and for the long term afterward. Abdominoplasty is a safe, beneficial surgery that can bring extraordinary, long-lasting, and, in some cases, permanent results.

However, it’s not a reason to stop following common health and diet rules. Those must be observed just as you would have before. If you do, you can look forward to retaining the gains for a long time to come.

To find out more about the tummy tuck procedure and other body contouring options, request a consultation with Dr. Ching using his online form or call our office to schedule an appointment.