Will I Have A Little Bit of Saggy Skin After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Many people are curious about what results to expect after tummy tuck surgery. A tummy tuck at Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates is designed to tighten and firm up skin in the abdominal area, but some worry that they may end up with poor results. So, is sagging skin a common issue, and how do you prevent it from occurring?

Triple board-certified cosmetic surgeons Dr. Erik Nuveen and Dr. Courtney Caplin are proud to have performed many successful body contouring procedures for individuals in Oklahoma City, OK. Below, we discuss what may cause loose skin after tummy tuck surgery and how to minimize your risk at home. We hope the following information will put you at ease and make you feel confident about moving forward with treatment.

What causes loose or excess abdominal skin?

Age, pregnancy, and weight fluctuations are just a few common causes of loose skin. This is particularly true around the abdomen, where skin may stretch out and then fail to retract fully. When this happens, your midsection may hang down or appear saggy. Tummy tuck surgery corrects this problem by carefully removing excess skin and tightening the remaining tissue.

Does sagging skin return after a tummy tuck?

Excess skin that is removed during tummy tuck surgery should not come back. However, body contouring procedures do not necessarily prevent unwanted changes in your appearance over time.

For example, weight gain or pregnancy may cause the skin to stretch out again after a tummy tuck. This is why patients are advised to maintain a stable weight and avoid future pregnancies once their recovery period has ended.

Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates understands that some patients are hesitant about undergoing a cosmetic procedure at first. This is because there is always a certain degree of risk involved. However, Dr. Nuveen and Dr. Caplin will do everything to ensure you are happy with your final tummy tuck results. If you have concerns about additional loose skin, please do not hesitate to ask.

How else can I prevent sagging skin?

In addition to maintaining your weight and avoiding pregnancy, there are other ways to keep your skin firm and elastic long-term. Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates can provide more detailed recommendations during a tummy tuck consultation in Oklahoma City, OK. Here are some easy-to-follow tips to get started:

• Drink water: Drinking plenty of fluids keeps the skin hydrated and prevents loss of elasticity.

• Eat a healthy diet: Fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins provide skin with plenty of nutritional support.

• Protect yourself from UV rays: Wearing sunscreen and staying out of direct sunlight discourages wrinkling and other signs of aging.

• Don’t smoke: Smoking damages the skin and diminishes its ability to "bounce back."

After tummy tuck surgery, Patients should also follow any postoperative instructions as given by Dr. Nuveen and Dr. Caplin. These directions are designed to promote optimal healing and minimize your risk of complications.

Have a successful tummy tuck

Excess skin around the midsection can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. Now, tummy tuck surgery can provide the firmer and flatter abdomen you have been dreaming of. Learn about this popular body contouring procedure or find out if you are a candidate by calling Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates in Oklahoma City, OK. Dr. Erik Nuveen and Dr. Courtney Caplin know what it takes to deliver beautiful and natural-looking results long-term.