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If you have been considering the benefits of a tummy tuck, you may have also heard about some common myths regarding the procedure. It is important to understand the truth behind these statements, so read more below to learn about some common tummy tuck myths.
FACT: Abdominoplasty, or Tummy Tuck, is a body contour procedure that removes loose skin and fat and tightens the abdominal wall that has been stretched out. It does not help with weight loss.
FACT: Tummy tuck surgery and liposuction surgery accomplish different things and address different problems. Tummy tuck surgery tightens the abdominal wall and removes stretched out loose skin and fat. In contrast, liposuction removes fat, but relies on good elasticity in your skin to tighten up after the surgery. The procedures can be complimentary and work together in different parts of the body, but they are not interchangeable. During your exam, Dr. Desman will assess the laxity and elasticity of your tissues and then review with you the best way to address the areas of your concern.
FACT: Since tummy tuck surgery tightens a loose abdominal wall and removes loose and excess skin and fat, it is a perfectly appropriate procedure for men who have these loose and stretched out tissues. This most frequently occurs after a significant weight loss for a man, whereas previous pregnancies along with weight loss are the most common reasons for a woman to be a good candidate for a tummy tuck.
FACT: Any time you cut into the skin, it will leave a scar. However, the scar from tummy tuck surgery will be placed very low, frequently below even a C-secction scar, so that it is well hidden. Most scars heal as a thin white line. It sometimes can take up to a year for the tummy tuck scar to fully mature and fade. There are advanced techniques such as microneedling and lasers that can improve the appearance of scars even further.
FACT: Most people wait until they are done having children before getting a tummy tuck. However, there is no reason you cannot get pregnant after surgery. Your tissues will stretch and accommodate the fetus. After your baby is born, the end result on your tissues is unpredictable. Many women maintain their post-tummy tuck contour although some may have a more significant impact and lose some or all of their results.
FACT: As with any surgery, there are risks associated with your tummy tuck surgery. There are risks of any surgical procedure, and those specific to tummy tuck surgery. Major complications occur in less than 3% of surgeries. Dr. Desman operates in a certified outpatient OR with board certified anesthesiologists taking care of you while asleep. Not only does Dr. Desman use the latest techniques to minimize risk, he also makes sure every patient has special insurance coverage for cosmetic surgery complications.
FACT: Good candidates for tummy tuck surgery have loos tissues. This can be as a result of pregnancy or weight loss. The best results from surgery are on healthy people who maintain their weight, exercise routinely, get adequate sleep, and eat a balanced diet. Many people come in frustrated because they don’t understand why they are unhappy with their abdominal contour despite exercising diligently and maintaining their weight, not realizing that no matter how diligent, the stretched-out tissues can only be improved with surgery.
To further discuss these and any other tummy tuck myths with Dr. Desman, reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.