March Manness: Don’t Hang Loose With a Tummy TuckBengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery

Tight is good, right? A tight defense protects against even a tough offense. A tight deadline motivates you to get the job done. A tight seat belt keeps you safe, a tight seal prevents leaks, and a tight dress—well, you get the idea.

Hanging loose? That might fly if you're an island surfer, but not when you're tucking in your shirt and buckling your belt, well, tight. A flabby belly may frustrate anyone who longs for a trim, sleek silhouette, and while the problem could have something to do with fat, it could also be due to stretched-out skin. A tummy tuck at Grand Rapids' Bengtson Center gets rid of that skin, plain and simple.

A sagging midsection can have may causes, but it's often connected to massive weight loss—which really doesn't seem fair. You put in the work: You exercise, you eat right, you stay motivated and committed, and the pounds melt away. You're healthier, you feel better … and your gut still looks like you couldn't keep yourself from a morning donut or two.

The problem is this: Fat can stretch out your skin, which might not go back to the shape it was in after the fat goes away. That's why a tummy tuck is so effective. If your belly skin's not being a team player, cut it from the roster. We'd say you'll still have enough left over to pick up the slack after a tummy tuck, but there won't be any slack any more. See? Tight.

Loose skin on the face can also be a problem, creating a droopy look and wobbly jowls. Similar to a tummy tuck, a facelift can surgically tighten the skin by getting rid of the excess. A nonsurgical option, Ultherapy, uses ultrasound energy to create a similar effect, which can last for years.

Dr. Brad Bengtson and Dr. Ryan Mitchell offer tummy tuck surgery at Grand Rapids' Bengtson Center. For more information about a tummy tuck and facelift, or about Ultherapy, schedule a consultation online or call (616) 588-8880. The toll-free number is 1-877-822-8880.