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As we have reached mid-spring, many are looking forward to the summer months, especially as more outdoor opportunities and activities are becoming open to us.
For many women, summer means spending time with family and friends by the pool to escape the Arizona heat. With so much time spent in bathing suits, shorts, and mini dresses, it makes sense that spring is the time of year to start preparing for those warmer days.
While this may mean last-minute crash diets or extra time on the treadmill, some individuals take a different approach to sculpt and tone their curves: plastic surgery.
The tummy tuck is a great way to tone your abdomen in preparation for that itsy-bitsy bikini.
The Rise of Body Sculpting in 2021
Body contouring procedures (such as tummy tuck surgery and liposuction) are always popular, especially in preparation for the summer months; however, many expect that popularity to rise even more this year.
According to the Aesthetic Society, 2020 saw liposuction surpass breast augmentation, a statistic that has not been seen for many years. Tummy tuck surgery was positioned as the third most popular plastic surgery procedure (with a total of 163,073 performed).
After the shut-in, shut-down period that was 2020, many women—and men—are looking for cosmetic ways to address the extra laxity (and fat pockets) that developed during months of quarantine and restricted access to gyms and health clubs.
The increased interest in body sculpting techniques is expected to continue through 2021 and beyond.
How Can a Tummy Tuck Restore My Abdominal Contours?
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) tackles parts of the midriff that are notoriously difficult to tone—even with diet and exercise. Removing excess fat and skin from the belly area can result in a flatter stomach and a more streamlined silhouette. As bikini season approaches, these results are in higher demand.
While these procedures are tailored to the patient, tummy tucks often target three different abdominal elements: skin, fat, and muscle.
Tummy Tuck and Excess Skin
Excess skin develops due to several reasons, including pregnancy(s), weight loss, and natural aging. While this laxity may be minor (perhaps it just looks a bit loose or stretched), it can also be significant (commonly seen after massive weight loss).
Tummy tuck surgery physically removes extra skin from the abdomen. It does so by trimming away tissue from both sides of the incision (located in the lower abdomen—beneath the bikini line).
Tummy Tuck and Extra Fat
The midsection is infamous for its ability to collect unwanted fat. No matter how hard some try, it always seems that extra fat pockets find their way to the gut.
The tummy tuck removes stubborn pockets of fat through liposuction or excision methods.
Tummy Tuck and Separated Abdominal Muscles
Not every tummy tuck patient requires tightening of the abdominal muscles; however, for anyone suffering from diastasis recti, this surgery is their only chance for relief.
Diastasis recti is the physical separation of the abdominal muscles, a common side-effect of pregnancy or significant weight gain. When this occurs, you are left with very wrinkled skin and a lower belly pooch that is impossible to hide with a bikini.
Tummy tuck surgery tightens these muscles and eliminates this pooch so you can be ready to bare your midriff.
Is There Still Time for a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck surgery does require several weeks of downtime and recovery. Patients are often told to schedule their tummy tuck at least six weeks before they expect to see significant results—such as feeling confident enough to expose all.
While a tummy tuck right now may seem to be cutting it close to the summer season, there is still time. Everyone heals differently, and swelling subsides at a different rate for everyone.
If you are interested in tummy tuck surgery this spring, schedule a consultation with board-certified surgeon, Karl Hiatt, M.D., as soon as possible.
Keeping Your Incisions Protected
Keep in mind that even after your swelling subsides, your incision will still be new and raw. This means that it will be very susceptible to sun damage (leading to the darkening of the scar) and separation (if you participate in vigorous activities too soon and stretch the incision).
Interested in Learning More?
Dr. Hiatt is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), ensuring that he has the training and experience to provide a safe and effective procedure. He is also a member of the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The Aesthetic Society (ASAPS). To schedule your consultation with Dr. Hiatt, please call (480) 844-1410 or fill out our online consultation form.
We look forward to helping you achieve the appearance you desire!
The post Will a Tummy Tuck Get Me Bikini-Ready By Summer? appeared first on Karl B. Hiatt, MD.
