Friday, June 18th, 2021
by Liana M. Lugo, MD
A well-toned and flat abdomen is considered to be the epitome of a fit, healthy, and attractive figure. But whether due to weight fluctuations, genetics, childbearing, or lifestyle habits, achieving that smooth and slim stomach can feel impossible with so many factors actively working against you. A tummy tuck, known medically as an abdominoplasty, is a popular surgical aesthetic procedure that helps patients attain the otherwise unattainable by tightening the abdominal muscles and eliminating excess fat and skin for a more toned and sculpted stomach.
If you are bothered by the appearance of stretched skin, stubborn fatty deposits, or weakened muscles in the abdominal region, an abdominoplasty may be the perfect solution for getting the body you want.
If you considering a tummy tuck, here are four common myths you should know.
Myth #1 – Tummy tucks are a weight loss procedure:
One of the more common misconceptions regarding tummy tucks is that it is a surgery intended for those who would like to lose a substantial amount of weight from their midsection. However, a tummy tuck is not considered to be a weight loss procedure. In fact, the ideal candidate for tummy tuck surgery is someone who is at, or close to, a normal weight for their physique and who is otherwise active and healthy but is troubled by the appearance of a protruding abdomen or sagging, loose skin on their stomach.
That’s not to say that a tummy tuck won’t address excess fat within your abdominal region. Often times, liposuction will be utilized during your tummy tuck surgery to gently minimize stubborn zones of fat that have proven resistant to diet and exercise to improve the contours and tone of your midsection.
While your stomach will be flatter and slimmer after your abdominoplasty, it will not drastically lower the number you see on your scale. For this reason, if you are considering a tummy tuck you should be within a reasonable range of your goal weight before undergoing the procedure but will also need to have maintained a stable weight for at least six months. Any future significant weight fluctuations can start to reverse the results of your surgery.