A Lubbock Tummy Tuck Does What Diet and Exercise Can’t

Practicing self-discipline is usually not very fun or easy. That’s why sticking to a diet and exercise regimen can be one of the hardest things to do, even with the right goals and motivation. What’s even worse is when your dedication to that regimen doesn’t produce the results you want. Sometimes, despite even the best efforts, fat around the midsection can be stubborn and hard to get rid of. Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck in Lubbock, is a plastic surgery procedure that removes this fat and tightens up the muscles and skin in the abdominal area. It is not a weight loss surgery, but it can have dramatic effects on the overall contour of your body. Many people consider a tummy tuck in Lubbock when their diet and exercise efforts aren’t paying off. 

Why Exercise Might Not be Working for You

If you’ve hit your local gym or yoga mat day after day, done countless crunches, and spent who knows how long planking, and that pooch above your belt just simply stays put, you are not alone. Don’t let the frustration of a disappointing gym mirror selfie get you down. Consider some of the reasons that exercise might not be hitting the spots you want. 

You’re Getting Older

As much as we try to fight it, getting older changes all sorts of things, including our metabolism and hormones. Both of these unavoidable changes cause our bodies to respond to differently to exercise than they did when we were younger.

Those Foods Aren’t as Healthy as You Think

Advertisers do a great job of convincing us that unhealthy foods are good for our bodies just so we will buy them. Even moderately healthy foods eaten in excess can contribute to additional fat. If you find that you’re munching mindlessly, try putting away the snacks – even the “healthy” ones. Processed foods are also a big culprit for this category, so keep an eye on food labels for MSGs, hidden sugars, and other concerning ingredients. Portion control is also an important factor when it comes to slimming your waistline. Eating your snacks straight out of the bag can cause you to eat 50 percent more than you normally would if you were paying attention to portions.

Don’t Compare

Your partner may be losing weight more rapidly with the same diet and exercise plan you are following. It could be genetics, but it could also be because of differences between genders. Men and women store and burn fat differently, so don’t be surprised if you lose weight differently as well. Most Lubbock tummy tuck patients are women, partly because men often have an easier time losing that extra fat.

Right Idea, Wrong Workout

While exercise is good for your health, you could be doing the wrong exercises to achieve your weight loss or body toning goals. You won’t earn six pack abs by spending all your gym time on the elliptical machine. Cardio workouts like this or a daily jog should be paired with weight training. Working with a personal trainer to help tailor your exercises to your specific goals can help you be more effective in your workouts.

Medications Can Create an Uphill Battle

If you have an underlying medical condition or if you are taking a medication that increases your body fat, exercise alone may not give you your desired results. There are many medical conditions that can result in weight gain or bloating. Having regular physicals and consulting a doctor in times of concern are vital for ensuring your body is prepared for and can sustain exercise.

How a Lubbock Tummy Tuck Can Help

If you feel like you have tried everything and still can’t get rid of your stubborn belly, side, or even back fat, abdominoplasty may be the answer to help you achieve your goals. With the summer upon us, there is no better time to free yourself from the discomfort this extra flab can cause. 

Nothing is worse than going to pick out a cute swimsuit for the summer, and finding that you feel uncomfortable in everything you try on. It’s easy to hide that belly bulge in a T-shirt and jeans, but you can’t wear your clothes in the pool. Instead of spending the sweltering summer months covered up or avoiding fun in the sun, consider a contouring procedure like a tummy tuck in Lubbock to give you that instant confidence in your swimsuit.

What a Tummy Tuck Does

A tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure that yields dramatic results for the right patient. It can transform your body and make exercise-resistant belly fat disappear. This procedure can remove up to 10 pounds of skin from a patient’s abdominal area. If your abdominal muscles are weak from past pregnancies or significant weight loss, then the muscles can be tightened and repaired during surgery as well. Some Lubbock tummy tuck patients say that after their procedure they see a 90 percent physical improvement in their appearance. That may be part of the reason why the number of tummy tucks has risen by more than 100 percent over the last 10 years. 

Candidates for Abdominoplasty

If you are considering a tummy tuck in Lubbock, your plastic surgeon will help you decide if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Not everyone who has a hard time getting rid of a flabby belly should undergo the surgery, but those who meet most of the following criteria may benefit from it.

• You have lost a significant amount of weight
• You are left with a belly pooch or excess skin after having children
• You are unhappy with the appearance of your midsection
• You have a clean bill of health
• You do not smoke
• You can maintain a healthy weight
• You have realistic expectations for the outcome of your surgery

Even if you feel that most of these factors describe your situation, you still need to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine whether a tummy tuck in Lubbock is right for you. They will be able to assess your health and evaluate your body and your goals to help you decide whether to pursue plastic surgery.

Lubbock Tummy Tuck Recovery 

The surgery takes about two hours, and the recovery varies from patient to patient. Most patients will have a drain in place for about a week, and the sutures placed during surgery will be absorbed by your body. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication and muscle relaxants to help with pain management. You can expect the be able to return to work after two to three weeks, while a full return to your normal activities may take anywhere from six to eight weeks. The important thing to remember is to be patient in giving your body time to heal; you may not see the full results of your Lubbock tummy tuck right away, but they will be visible after the swelling goes down.   

Choose a Plastic Surgeon With Expertise

If you think you have a healthy diet and the right exercise routine but still aren’t seeing the results you want, a tummy tuck may be the right option for you to achieve your body image goals. A tummy tuck in Lubbock may be the only way to change the stretched skin and pooch that exercise will never touch. Dr. Jane Rowley has the experience and knowledge to help you get the results you desire. At your no-obligation consultation, she will explain all of the risks and benefits of abdominoplasty, and go over the procedure step-by-step with you. Contact her office today to schedule an appointment.