When is the Right Time for a Tummy Tuck? Key Life Strategies to Consider

One of the most common problem areas in people who don’t respond well to exercise and diet is the tummy.  Sometimes, you’ll find that no matter how much you exercise or diet, you’ll still have a tummy. The good thing is that you can always correct this issue with a simple thing, such as a tummy tuck. 

A tummy tuck will help you to get rid of excess and stubborn skin. However, you need to determine when the right time to get a tummy tuck is. If you insist on getting a tummy tuck when the time is not ideal, you can suffer some severe consequences. So, in this article, we’ll inform you of some of the best times to make this life-changing decision.

When you quit smoking

A tummy tuck is like any other invasive surgery. It requires an extensive recovery period. Therefore, if you are not in completely good health, the surgery can weaken your body’s ability to heal. The weakened ability can ensure complications occur down the road.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists establishes that smoking reduces the flow of blood. In turn, the reduced blood flow encourages slow healing. Therefore, the chances of infection in your surgical incision, if you are a smoker is high. 

What’s more, the chances of getting a heart attack during or after the procedure are high for smokers. Thus, the best time to get a tummy tuck is several months after you quit smoking. When you quit smoking, you reduce the chance of infection or heart attack after the procedure. Another thing to note is that you shouldn’t smoke for several months after the tummy tuck.

When you have a stable weight

If you are currently trying to lose weight, then a tummy tuck is not ideal for you at the moment. The tummy tuck surgery aims to remove excess and loose skin that will no longer shrink back into shape after you’ve lost a significant amount of weight. Such decisions are made during your clinic consultations to avoid any disappointments and to give you the expectations of the solutions you need.

So, you should wait until you reach your ideal weight or when your weight stops fluctuating. Then visit your plastic surgeon for the invasive tummy surgery. 

An essential thing to remember is that if you are currently overweight or if your BMI is over 30, don’t go for the tummy tuck. Wait until you have a healthy BMI and a healthy weight before you go for the surgery.

When you are done having children

A tummy tuck can greatly enhance the abdominal area by removing excess skin and tightening the muscles. However, if you’re planning to have more children, it’s best to wait until you are finished growing your family. Undergoing a tummy tuck after having children ensures that your results are more permanent, as pregnancy can naturally alter the shape of your abdominal muscles again. 

By timing the surgery when you are done having children, you can enjoy your new look without having to worry about changes in the future. A tummy tuck surgery will give you the opportunity to enjoy a smooth, firm, and sculpted abdomen for the long term. Additionally, this surgery will help restore your confidence by providing a more toned and youthful appearance to your midsection.

When You Have Time for Recovery

Like any other surgery, a tummy tuck will also require you to have time for recovery. In most cases, a tummy tuck takes about four to eight weeks for recovery to take place. You will see the complete results of the surgery after six months. 

So, one of the best times to go for a tummy tuck is when you have at least four to eight weeks off work to recover. 

Six months to one year after giving birth

After giving birth, you may start thinking about getting a tummy tuck to restore your abdominal appearance. One essential thing to remember is that timing for this procedure is necessary. So, if you’ve just given birth, you need to be patient.

Give your body at least 6 months to 1 year to recover naturally. That period ensures that your skin and abdominal muscles have enough time to retract to their new normal. Also, it allows you to focus on rebuilding your core strength and losing your post-pregnancy weight.

Both of these aspects, as mentioned earlier, will help to enhance the results of your tummy tuck. They will ensure that you have a firmer and more toned abdominal profile. 

Also, if you are currently breastfeeding, wait until you are done before going for a tummy tuck. Hormonal changes that come with breastfeeding can impact skin elasticity and your entire recovery. Therefore, the best time to go for the procedure is when you are no longer breastfeeding.

Bottom Line

A tummy tuck can make your dream flat and tight abdomen come true. However, timing is essential for the best results to occur. Also, the best timing can help reduce the risks that come with a tummy tuck. So, when you consider getting a tummy tuck, always go for the procedure when your unique situation allows.