Every human desire a flat and toned stomach, which is extremely difficult after pregnancy or due to aging. A tummy tuck is the most effective way to remove extra fat from the abdomen, tighten the muscles, and achieve a toned, leaner appearance. Unfortunately, not everyone is an ideal candidate for tummy tuck surgery.

To ensure the best results and safety, a person should meet specific criteria before considering a tummy tuck. So, who exactly qualifies for this transformative surgery? Let’s understand who a good candidate is for a successful and effective tummy tuck surgery.

You have Extra Skin or Sagging Abdominal Muscles

Candidates who have excess skin or loose and weakened abdominal muscles due to major weight loss, pregnancy, or aging, are ideal candidates for Tummy tuck surgery. The stubborn excess fat in your abdominal region can be removed with tummy tuck surgery.

Your Abdominal Muscles have Separated

Weight gain, pregnancy, and intense strain can cause your abdominal muscles to become separated down the middle. When pulled apart, these muscles create a bulge that is impossible to treat without surgery. A tummy tuck helps repair and tighten those muscles and creates a flatter abdomen.

You should be a Non-Smoker

Smoking not only causes complications during surgery, but it also slows down the healing process. It increases the risk of complications, which might harm you. To receive a tummy tuck, you should be a nonsmoker or quit smoking for a few weeks before and after surgery. To become a good candidate, make sure to quit smoking several weeks before the surgery.

You’re in Good Physical Health

A good candidate for a tummy tuck should be healthy without major health problems before the surgery. Serious medical problems, such as diseases, a weakened immune system, or uncontrolled diabetes, can cause complications during and after the surgery. Therefore, make sure to tell the surgeon your complete medical history and medications before finalizing the surgery.

You have a Stable weight

The ideal candidates for tummy tuck have a stable and healthy weight for 12 months before the surgery. This is because significant fluctuations generally happen after the surgery, which can affect the results. Therefore, overweight or obese patients may have more complications during or after the surgery. If you are overweight, you will have to lose some weight before going for the surgery.

You Lead a Healthy Lifestyle

Having a balanced diet and exercising frequently before surgery is important to preserve the results and get effective long-term benefits. Eating nutrition-rich foods, drinking ample water, exercising regularly, etc., make you a good candidate for a tummy tuck. You should also not be an alcoholic and must quit 9-12 months before the surgery.

Your Expectations are Realistic

A tummy tuck is not magic that can flatten your stomach immediately without any pain or swelling. To be an ideal candidate, you should have realistic expectations and know everything about the surgery. You should know that it removes fat and contours your body but does not help with weight loss. Moreover, it’s not an alternative to a healthy lifestyle; therefore, even after the surgery, a healthy lifestyle should be maintained. You will have scars, pain, swelling and discomfort for the first few days. You should know these things before deciding on a tummy tuck.

Conclusion

We covered all the factors and criteria that make you a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck. If you have excess or loosened skin or if your abdominal muscles have separated due to pregnancy or aging, you are a good candidate. Aside from that, you should be a nonsmoker, have a healthy lifestyle, maintain a stable weight, be in good health, and have realistic expectations from tummy tuck.