Because abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is so effective at creating a flatter, more toned midsection, it is one of the most popular body contouring procedures available in Canada — including right here at Plastic Surgery Group at City Centre. During a consultation, patients who are interested in tummy tuck often ask our surgeons about the appropriate timing for this procedure. Our team of talented, board-certified plastic surgeons share their guidance on the optimal timing for abdominoplasty below.

After Giving Birth

When a woman’s pregnant belly grows, the skin that surrounds her stomach must stretch to accommodate its new size. While the stomach eventually shrinks back to a normal size, it is not a given that the skin follows in kind. If the skin is not as elastic as it used to be, it may remain stretched, making a woman’s midsection look thicker than it truly is.

Tummy tuck can dramatically improve a post-pregnancy body by eliminating this loose skin. As for timing, women should wait at least six months to give their body time to heal and shed the extra baby weight. Those who intend to have more children in subsequent years may want to hold off on surgery since another pregnancy is likely to undo the cosmetic improvements achieved with abdominoplasty.

After Losing Weight

While diet and exercise are highly successful at burning fat and trimming down the body, no amount of working out or cutting calories can shrink the size of stretched skin. Unfortunately, people who have lost a significant amount of weight with a healthy lifestyle may not have the kind of body they hoped for because of the loose skin that hangs from the abdominal area. The only practical way to reduce this skin is with plastic surgery.

Close to Middle Age

Two proteins, collagen and elastin, are largely responsible for keeping skin taut. As the body gets older, it slowly produces fewer of these proteins, which means that skin gradually becomes looser. Consequently, people who have consistently maintained a healthy weight may eventually discover a pooch/muffin top develop around their abdomen as a normal part of the aging process. Fortunately, tummy tuck can reverse some of these effects by removing the loose skin and recreating a firm midsection.

Discuss Tummy Tuck with T op Plastic Surgeons

The Plastic Surgery Group at City Centre boasts the best team of plastic surgeons in British Columbia. If you are interested in the benefits of abdominoplasty and would like to confirm whether you are a candidate, please schedule a consultation by calling 604-589-6021.