How far are you willing to go to get a flat tummy?
Almost everyone has googled “How to get a flat tummy” at some stage in their lives. Often it’s just before a beach holiday or, more desperately, just before a friend’s pool party. Promising articles pop up like candy: “eat this not that”, “change your habits”, “exercise this way”, and so on. Plenty of good advice that may one day lead to a more toned belly, but definitely not the instant result we were searching for.
My advice is to be kinder to yourself and accept your imperfections. You may be getting older, have gained a bit of weight, had a baby, and your body has changed. Accept it, love it, give it time to adjust while you change your exercise and eating habits.
But, self-acceptance and lifestyle changes are easier said than done.
If you are struggling to embrace your muffin top, your tummy pooch or your love handles, and it’s making you unhappy, then it’s OK to consider surgery. This is your choice alone and it’s an empowering decision to make.
What are the surgical procedures available for body contouring?
- Liposculpture or liposuction
Performed through tiny incisions, a cannula (thin tube) is inserted to loosen and vacuum out excess fat. This procedure is mainly used to get rid of disproportionate fat deposits that will not disappear with diet and exercise. It is not a weight loss treatment. - A mini tummy tuck or mini-abdominoplasty
This involves making very acceptable, bikini hidden incisions, and removing the excess fat and skin. Less invasive than the full tummy tuck, this procedure targets fat only in the lower abdomen. - Full tummy tuck or abdominoplasty
Incisions are made to the lower abdomen and around the navel. Abdominoplasty involves tightening of the muscles in the mid-line and narrowing the waist. There is a removal of excess skin and fat to re-sculpt the abdomen and even the pubic mound if necessary. Usually the umbilicus is re-positioned and, if necessary, hernias are repaired at the same time. This procedure can be combined with a breast lift and/or an augment plus liposuction (popularly known as a Mommy Makeover).
How long from surgery to beach?
Recovery times vary for each type of surgery. Recovery from abdominoplasty may take 6 weeks before you are back to your normal routine. Whereas recovery from liposuction may only take 2 weeks. Healing times vary from patient to patient. Swelling may take a couple of months to settle down before you can see the full results.
Instant? Not really, but the results are dramatic and long-term. Your new well-sculpted abdomen will have you back on the beach in as short a time as possible.
With any surgery there are risks and things to consider, so do your research! Make sure you book an appointment with an experienced tummy tuck plastic surgeon like Dr Mark van der Velde. Here you can expect open and honest communication, realistic expectations, and the best way forward to a firm flat tummy.