Facts And Myths Around The Tummy Tuck Procedure

As with any cosmetic surgery, it’s essential to have accurate information about the procedure so you know if it’s a good choice. Today, Barbie's Beauty Bits along with the help Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon Dr. Lahar will help by deciphering the facts and myths around a tummy tuck procedure.

For both men and women, a flat abdomen is thought to be what it means to be fit and healthy. But whether it’s because of pregnancy, childbirth, genetics, or weight gain, keeping a flat belly can be challenging as we age.

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help you obtain a flat stomach by trimming away extra fat and skin. It also may tighten the abdominal muscles with internal sutures to make your belly even flatter.

If you are upset by the appearance of flabby skin and tissue in the belly that won’t respond to diet and exercise, a tummy tuck could be for you.

Below are some common tummy tuck myths to not fall for.

Myth 1: A Tummy Tuck Is For Weight Loss
According to Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon Dr. Lahar, “Possibly the biggest myth about a tummy tuck is that it’s intended to help the patient lose weight, and this isn’t true.”

A tummy tuck isn’t intended for significant weight loss. The best candidate for a tummy tuck is someone who is close to their ideal weight and is active and healthy. Despite being at a good weight, you still have sagging, loose belly skin that you can’t get rid of.

That doesn’t mean that having a tummy tuck won’t eliminate the extra fat in the abdomen. As loose excess skin is removed, some fat may be eliminated. Also, your surgeon may use liposuction combined with a tummy tuck to eliminate unwanted belly fat.

The tummy tuck will flatten and slim the tummy, but you won’t see much difference on the scale. So, if you are thinking about this procedure, you should be close to your goal weight to see tummy tuck results. Also, the surgeon will want to see that you’ve maintained the same weight for about six months.

Myth 2: Diet And Exercise Are Enough
Diet and exercise are the most effective ways to lose weight, and building muscle also will improve your health.

But while everyone should eat right and exercise, traditional weight loss methods only will do so much to flatten your stomach if you have loose skin there. No matter how much you try to flatten your belly with diet and exercise, it’s hard to say where you will lose weight from.

Even if you lose, say, 10 pounds, you still could have loose skin and fat that makes the belly protrude.

Also, there are issues that eating correctly and working out cannot address efficiently. Stretched and loose abdominal skin cannot be altered without surgery, especially from weight loss or pregnancy.

In addition, pregnancy and weight changes also may weaken your abdominal muscles and make the belly stick out more. The only way to tighten the abdominal muscles is to have a tummy tuck.

Myth 3: You Need To Be Young For A Tummy Tuck
When it comes to having plastic surgery, age is usually only a number. Most patients who had tummy tucks in 2018 were from 35-50, but 20% were over 50 and under 64. And about 4% were over 65.

There is no age when you are too old for a tummy tuck. But there are factors to consider as you age as far as if you’re in good enough health for major surgery.

Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck need to be: 

•  In good health: You need to be in good health to be approved for any surgery, including a tummy tuck.
• A nonsmoker: No plastic surgeon will do a tummy tuck if you smoke. Tobacco and nicotine use can cause significant problems with healing, and you will need to quit at least a month before and after the surgery.
• At a stable and healthy weight: Remember, tummy tuck surgery isn’t intended to help you lose weight. You should be within at least 10 pounds of your goal weight before having this procedure.
• Realistic: A tummy tuck will make a big difference in how your abdomen looks, but no plastic surgery will give you a perfect body or stop the aging process

Myth 4: Only Women Have Tummy Tucks
It’s true that tummy tucks are one of the most popular plastic surgeries for women. In 2018, about 153,000 women had this procedure. It’s common for women to have tummy tucks because pregnancy stretches the abdominal skin and muscles.

Tummy tucks are also common in mommy makeover procedures, including several cosmetic procedures to help women get their pre-baby bodies back.

However, tummy tucks were the fifth most popular cosmetic procedure for men in 2018. While they don’t need to worry about stretched skin from pregnancy, they still can have loose abdominal skin after significant weight loss.

Some men also may have genes that make it more challenging to lose belly fat, and a tummy tuck and liposuction can make a big difference in their lives.  

Myth 5: Tummy Tuck Scars Are Terrible
You will have a scar from your tummy tuck that runs from hip to hip. But skilled surgeons can make the scar as minimal as possible with good technique.

Also, the incision is usually hidden by your underwear or bathing suit, so only you and your partner will ever see it.

You can reduce the appearance of your scar by keeping that part of your body out of the sun for a few months. UV rays can darken scars.

A tummy tuck can trim your abdomen, give you a slimmer look, and make you look years younger. Talk to your plastic surgeon today to determine if a tummy tuck is a good choice for your aesthetic goals.

References

Tackling Common Tummy Tuck Myths. (2020)

Tummy Tuck Myths. (2021).