Reasons to Postpone or Avoid Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck can be a wonderful option for people who wish to flatten and tone their midsection. This procedure can provide a substantial boost to individuals who want to improve their appearance and self-esteem. However, certain people should postpone or avoid tummy tuck surgery, as they are at a higher risk of poor results and other complications. In this post Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha touches on some of the factors that might make it necessary to postpone tummy tuck surgery — or avoid it altogether.
Plans for Future Pregnancy
Women planning to expand their families in the future are advised to steer clear of tummy tuck procedures, at least for now. Pregnancy and childbirth place enormous stress on the body, and could have damaging effects after abdominoplasty. They stretch the abdominal skin, tissue and muscle, which would require a second surgery to fix. It is best to avoid tummy tuck altogether until you are certain a pregnancy is not in your future.
Smoking
Smoking also presents risks to abdominoplasty patients. Smoking increases the risk of blood clots and other complications, with potentially fatal results. Many studies have shown that smoking also increases inflammation, which can inhibit postoperative healing. Anyone considering a tummy tuck is required to stop smoking for at least two weeks before the operation. This may be a reasonable request for the occasional or social smoker, but could present a high degree of difficulty for someone addicted to nicotine.
Not Understanding the Surgical Risks or Outcomes
It’s important to educate yourself about all of the potential risks and outcomes before deciding to have surgery. Reading other people’s testimonials and viewing before-and-after photos of patients may help you decide whether the surgery is right for you. Scheduling a consultation with your doctor can also aid you in determining whether your expectations for the procedure are reasonable, or if you should first try an alternate route to obtain a sleeker physique.
Contact Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha
To find out more about what to expect from tummy tuck surgery and to see if it’s the right choice for you, please contact our practice at (518) 346-3125. Dr. Kayastha can explain the procedure in more detail and discuss the criteria for candidacy.
