Medically reviewed by Dr. Omar Tillo MD, MS, EBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast) As we age, it is normal for our bodies to change and for loose skin to develop as a result of weight fluctuations and pregnancy. For this reason, many patients choose to undergo a tummy tuck later in life, and women usually wait until after their final pregnancy to get the most out of their surgery.
In this article, we will discuss the role age plays in getting a tummy tuck so that you can understand whether you are a good candidate for tummy tuck.
Tummy Tuck Age Limits
During a consultation, your surgeon will account for your age, among other factors, to determine your suitability for a tummy tuck.
In general, there is no defined age limit for having a tummy tuck, as it is possible to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen in older patients safely.
Is Tummy Tuck Safe for Patients Over 50?
A tummy tuck is safe to conduct on patients over the age of fifty. It is, however, important that older patients are in good physical health and are close to their ideal weight to ensure the best possible results.
Does Age Affect Tummy Tuck Recovery?
After a tummy tuck, all patients will need to take some downtime to allow their bodies to heal effectively and ensure the integrity of the results. Every recovery journey is different and can depend on a range of factors, such as the amount of skin removed and the surgical techniques used.
In general, older patients may take longer to recover compared to younger patients. However, this doesn’t mean that older men and women aren’t suitable for a tummy tuck, only that they should anticipate a longer period of downtime.
Does Age Affect Tummy Tuck Results?
All patients undergoing a tummy tuck can expect a flatter and more contoured abdomen after surgery. However, the skin of older patients is typically less elastic and may be less smooth and tight compared to younger patients.
It is therefore important to have realistic expectations about the final results of your tummy tuck. To ensure this, you can look at the before and after pictures of patients of a similar age and body type.
Tips for Getting a Tummy Tuck After 50
There are several ways to get the most out of your tummy tuck after 50:
Ensure You’re in Optimal Health
A tummy tuck is an invasive cosmetic procedure that often involves the use of general anaesthesia. To minimise the risk of surgery and avoid complications, you should ensure that you are in the best possible health prior to your tummy tuck.
In addition, you should also share any concerns you have regarding your health during a consultation with your surgeon for your own wellbeing and peace of mind. Your surgeon can then accurately determine your suitability for a tummy tuck.
Avoid smoking
Nicotine can significantly increase the risk of a range of complications for all types of plastic surgery. Nicotine causes the small blood vessels to shut down, preventing blood flow in the skin and impairing the healing process. Nicotine usage has also been found to increase the risk of infections and skin necrosis.
For this reason, it is essential that you abstain from smoking and nicotine-containing products for at least a month before and after a tummy tuck.
Get to Your BMI Goal
It is important that you are close to your ideal BMI before your tummy tuck for two main reasons.
First, being at a healthy weight reduces the risk of surgical complications associated with being overweight such as wound breakdown, skin necrosis, infection, and clots.
Secondly, by being at your ideal weight, you can get the most out of your newly taut tummy and can maintain the results of your surgery for longer.
After a tummy tuck, you should also avoid significant weight fluctuations by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
Is a Tummy Tuck Worth It?
For both older and younger patients, a tummy tuck has a range of aesthetic and functional benefits. Many patients enjoy their newly flatter and more contoured abdomen and feel more comfortable in form-fitting clothing as a result.
For patients who undergo a tummy tuck with muscle repair, the surgery can give ample relief from associated health conditions like back pain and poor posture.
It is for these reasons that our patients of all ages consider a tummy tuck to be worthwhile.
Schedule a Consultation with CREO Clinic Today
If you are seeking to tone and tighten your tummy, a tummy tuck may be right for you.
At the CREO Clinic, Dr Omar Tillo has dedicated his career to body contouring procedures, mastering the skills necessary to design bespoke tummy tucks for his patients.
Contact the CREO Clinic today to book a consultation with Dr Tillo, and get on track to your dream taut tummy.