One of the most common cosmetic procedures is a tummy tuck, otherwise known as an abdominoplasty. This procedure involves the removal of excess skin from the abdomen. This is a popular procedure for those who have undergone massive weight loss or who have been through pregnancy.
Despite this being a standard procedure, there are still many misconceptions regarding tummy tucks.
So, what are the common tummy tuck myths?
Can’t you just lose weight and follow a healthy diet to achieve a flat tummy?
Unlike liposuction, a tummy tuck does not target excess fat. Instead, a tummy tuck targets the excess skin that is left on the abdomen after a large weight loss or pregnancy. As the skin had previously been stretched, it no longer had as much laxity and was left hanging on the abdomen. No matter how much exercise you do or how many healthy diets you follow, you cannot remove this excess skin on your own.
Isn’t a tummy tuck just for women?
A tummy tuck is often associated with women as it is a procedure sought out after going through a pregnancy.
However, a tummy tuck is a suitable procedure for both men and women. Men will often opt to have a male tummy tuck after losing a large amount of weight and ending up with excess abdominal skin. As plastic surgery continues to become more popular with men, you can expect more men you know to start talking about the tummy tuck they have had.
If you have a tummy tuck, will you also need liposuction?
A tummy tuck and liposuction are often thought of as interchangeable procedures, generally because they are both body contouring procedures. However, it is not always necessary for you to have both a tummy tuck and liposuction. Whether you need to have both procedures or not will depend if you have both loose skin and excess fat in the abdomen.
Before undergoing any procedure, the surgeon will be able to assess your body and determine what the best procedure is for you to undertake.
Having a tummy tuck will help me lose weight?
Unfortunately, a tummy tuck isn’t a weight loss procedure. Instead, a tummy tuck is performed on people who have already lost weight and now have excess skin on the abdomen.
If the surgeon assesses your body and decides you need liposuction as well as a tummy tuck, you may notice that you are lighter on the scales. However, as a tummy tuck targets excess skin, you will not magically start to lose lots of weight.
Following your tummy tuck procedure, you will still need to follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen to maintain the results and keep that flat stomach.
Will I be left with a big, ugly, noticeable scar after a tummy tuck?
With any cosmetic procedure, surgeons strive to minimise scarring as much as possible.
However, a tummy tuck is one of the rare procedures which will leave you with a more prominent scar. The scar will run horizontally from hip to hip (or from thigh to thigh if you opt for a mini tummy tuck).
Although the thought of having a large scar may be off-putting, it doesn’t have to be as scary as it sounds.
Surgeons will still ensure the scar is as discreet as possible. The incision will generally be made below your bikini line, allowing you to conceal it while wearing underwear and swimwear.
It is essential to remember that your scar will appear significantly worse immediately after the procedure. During the recovery period, the scar will appear red and more inflamed. However, with time, the scar will fade in colour and size. Your surgeon will also be able to give you tips on how to look after the wound during the recovery period, and what you can do to minimise the appearance of the scar.
If you are concerned about the scar from your tummy tuck, there are several steps you can take. Before settling on a clinic or surgeon, be sure to conduct thorough research. Find out the credentials and experience of your surgeon. During your initial consultation, request before and after photographs. This will give you a good indication of the type of scar this particular surgeon is likely to leave and how you can expect to look.
Are you interested in undergoing a tummy tuck?
Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation.
