TUCSON - We all know a healthy diet and exercise is the best option when trying to lose weight and look better, but can diet and exercise alone surpass a tummy tuck?
Today on "Make Me Over" on News 4 at 4, Dr. Gwen Maxwell stopped by to discuss weight loss options, both surgical and non-surgical.
Here's what she had to say:
Yes, diet and exercise can surpass a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)...for some people. If the skin on the abdomen has good elasticity and if the underlying muscles are intact, diet and exercise would be the best option for improving the appearance of the mid-section. However, if the skin is loose with stretch marks and/or diastasis recti is present, then a tummy tuck is needed to remove the excess skin and tighten the underlying muscles. Diet and exercise resulting in additional weight loss is also beneficial after a tummy tuck. The additional weight loss can really enhance the results.
Here are some general guidelines on who can benefit from an abdominoplasty and who should try diet and exercise first. If you are overweight, diet and exercise with weight loss is recommended prior to an abdominoplasty or liposuction. After the weight-loss you may find that you do not need an abdominoplasty. As added benefits you'll save money and the abdominoplasty scar. After you have lost weight, if you have stretched loose skin in the midsection, you are an excellent candidate for an abdominoplasty. For those who have always been within range of their ideal weight but have excess skin or stretched abdominal muscles as a result of pregnancy, additional weight loss is not likely to correct the problem. An abdominoplasty will remove excess skin and tighten the underlying muscles.
Price Range of the Abdominoplasty Procedure in the Tucson Area: $6,500 to $8,700
Continued here:
Make Me Over: Diet and exercise vs. the tummy tuck
