Busting the Top Myths About Tummy Tucks

Being well-informed is a key part of pursuing any type of plastic surgery procedure. Unfortunately, there are many myths about tummy tuck surgery out in the world. Some of these myths could steer some patients to expect unrealistic results. Other myths might get in the way for prospective patients who are good candidates for the procedure. To better understand the tummy tuck procedure, make sure you’ve got nothing but the facts.

Myth #1 – A Tummy Tuck Is Just Minor Surgery

Maybe it’s the cute nickname that misleads people, but a tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty, as its technically known) is a major abdominal surgery that should be taken seriously. During the procedure, a U-shaped incision is made near the pelvic bone in order to give the surgeon access to the skin, tissues, muscles, and fat of the abdomen. Excess skin is trimmed away. Excess fat can be removed using liposuction, if needed. Loosened muscles are tightened with sutures to provide better contour. Although it is typically an outpatient procedure, the surgery is involved and requires weeks of recovery time to properly and fully heal. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’ll be back on your feet the next day.

Myth #2 – Tummy Tucks Are a Good Weight Loss Strategy

While there are weight loss surgeries designed to make your stomach smaller (i.e. gastic bypass surgery), a tummy tuck is not the same thing at all. The stomach is not involved at all, only the muscles, skin, and fat of the abdomen. While some fat can be removed during the procedure, the basic goal of a tummy tuck is not to excise large amounts of fat. Instead, a tummy tuck is performed to improve the contour of your abdominal area.

Myth #3 – Diet and Exercise Achieve the Same Results as a Tummy Tuck

Yes, diet and exercise are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and a toned physique. Your plastic surgeon will likely recommend that you keep exercising regularly and eating healthfully until your surgery date and for long afterwards. A tummy tuck is meant to support a healthy lifestyle by repairing damage done to the abdomen from large amounts of weight loss, pregnancies and childbirth, and the aging process. While a diet and exercise will get you close to where you want to be, a tummy tuck is the best way to tighten stubborn muscles that haven’t responded to your efforts. For this reason, many plastic surgeons encourage their patients to seek this procedure only when they are near their ideal weight.

Myth #4 – Tummy Tucks Are for Women Only

While the tummy tuck is a popular procedure for women who have had children, the surgery is not exclusively designed for this purpose. Women and men alike, citing a wide range of reasons, have sought the tummy tuck procedure as a solution. Skin and muscles sag with age no matter your sex. Don’t ignore the tummy tuck option if you’re frustrated with the appearance of your abdomen, whether you’re male or female.

Myth #5 – A Tummy Tuck and Liposuction Are Always Performed Together

Because the two procedures are often discussed together, many prospective patients assume that they will have to have liposuction if they are having a tummy tuck. While liposuction can be useful for reshaping the abdomen, it is not mandatory for your tummy tuck surgery. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will ask you about your desired results and perform an exam of your abdomen. He will make his own recommendations for your procedure, with or without liposuction. Ultimately, the choice will be yours.

Myth #6 – Anyone Can Have a Tummy Tuck

Not everyone is a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery. Remember that it is considered a major surgery, which means that you should be in good overall health before you have a tummy tuck. If you have any existing conditions that could interrupt or delay the healing process, you should not have a tummy tuck. If you are a smoker, your nicotine habit could interfere with healing and lead to poor results from your surgery. Finally, if you are obese or overweight, you may not be a good candidate for this surgery; discuss your options and a weight loss plan with your surgeon to help you move toward a healthier weight first.

Myth #7 – Any Doctor Is Qualified to Perform Your Tummy Tuck

Doctors have specialties for a very good reason: it helps them to stay on top of the latest techniques and technologies and it helps them to fine-tune their own surgical abilities to improve results. Having just any doctor perform a major surgery like abdominoplasty can be dangerous. Be sure to work only with a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons and has extensive experience performing tummy tucks.

Find a doctor nearby who fits the bill and book your abdominoplasty consultation today.Frederick G. Weniger, M.D., F.A.C.S. provides his patients with years of experience and knowledge during one-on-one consultations regarding the surgeries and nonsurgical treatments available at their practice. Dr. Weniger is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He believes good information lies at the heart of success in all of his surgeries and interactions with his patients.

To schedule a consultation for any aesthetic surface or other procedures, contact the office of Weniger Plastic Surgery today at (843) 757-0123. They are located at 350 Fording Island Road, Suite 200, in Blufton, South Carolina.