Tummy tuck – also referred to as abdominoplasty – is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the abdominal area, resulting in a firmer and flatter belly contour. While this is one of the most common cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States today, there are many misconceptions about it. In this article, we look at the top 7 abdominoplasty myths that you should dismiss when researching this treatment.
1. A tummy tuck can be substituted by diet and exercise
One of the most common misconceptions about a tummy tuck is the fact that this procedure is not necessary if you can exercise and diet. While exercise and diet are undoubtedly valuable lifestyle interventions that can help you achieve your dream body, they may not always work. Many of the people who consider abdominoplasty are individuals who have tried dieting and exercise to no avail. As a result, abdominal surgery seems like more of the only option to achieve a firmer and flatter abdominal profile. Individuals who have undergone significant weight loss may be left with flabs of excess skin that ruin your entire appearance. Abdominoplasty – not diet and exercise – may be the only option to alleviate this aesthetic concern.
2. There’s only one type of tummy tuck
Individuals who are just getting familiar with abdominoplasty often think that there are no procedure options. This is far from the truth. There are actually three different types of abdominoplasty: mini tummy tuck, full tummy tuck, and extended tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck is the least invasive procedure that is designed for individuals who have a ‘pooch’ or excess skin and fat strictly below the belly button. A full tummy tuck contours the entire abdominal region (below and above the belly button), while an extended tummy tuck reshapes the entire abdominal area along with the flanks and love handles. Your plastic surgeon should help you select the most appropriate type of abdominoplasty based on your needs and preferences.
3. Tummy tucks result in horrible scarring
Like any other surgical procedure, abdominoplasty results in an incision. But the assertion that these scars are ugly and embarrassing is simply not true. Qualified plastic surgeons in Baton Rouge will make a point to conceal tummy tuck incisions below the bikini line – where they are hardly visible. Furthermore, top plastic surgeons keep scars to a minimum and often enroll patients in follow-up scar management programs to improve the outcome (make sure that scars fade well with time).
4. Tummy tuck and liposuction achieve the same thing
Another common myth is that abdominoplasty and liposuction achieve the same thing. This is not necessarily the case, though. Liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery that is designed to remove pockets of unwanted fat from any part of the body, including the abdomen. Abdominoplasty, on the other hand, is a more extensive surgery that removes excess skin and tightens underlying abdominal muscles to reveal a slimmer midsection profile. Depending on the goals of the surgery, plastic surgeons may choose to combine liposuction with abdominoplasty in order to achieve a comprehensive outcome.
5. Tummy tuck can help reduce weight
To say that abdominoplasty will help you slim down is very misleading. Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic treatment that is meant to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, while also tightening separated muscles. It is by no means an alternative to weight loss measures. Indeed, most plastic surgeons will ask that you are close to your ideal weight before they even agree to perform abdominoplasty on you. Furthermore, gaining weight (for whatever reason) after your tummy tuck surgery will ruin the result of your procedure.
6. Tummy tucks are for women only
Tummy tuck are very common with women who have been through pregnancy and childbearing. This is so because the procedure can help strengthen separated abdominal muscles while also removing excess skin to result in a smoother, more youthful midsection contour. However, men can also benefit from abdominoplasty surgery. In fact, a notable percentage of patients who undergo this treatment are men who are looking to address undesirable abdominal changes as a result of weight fluctuations or aging.
7. It isn’t safe to get pregnant after undergoing abdominoplasty surgery
Most plastic surgeons will recommend that you have tummy tuck surgery after you are done having children. This is not to say – however – that it is not safe to become pregnant after you have had this procedure. Keep in mind though that future pregnancies will stretch out the results of your tummy tuck and may make it necessary for you to have a revision procedure.
Conclusion
If you have thought about undergoing a tummy tuck in Baton Rouge LA or any other area for that matter, the best way to go about it is to schedule a consultation visit with your plastic surgeon. These visits provide an opportunity for you to meet face to face with your plastic surgeon. You will be able to convey your concerns, ask questions regarding the cost of the procedure, and learn more about what could be expected during recovery from this treatment.