When it comes to body contouring procedures, a tummy tuck is one of the cosmetic procedures most requested among patients. However, many people believe that this surgical procedure is painful, expensive, risky, and even impossible. But these tummy tuck myths are completely false. This surgery is safe, affordable, and effective!
It has been heard from hundreds of tummy tuck patients, and they all agree that it was well worth it. They also say that they would recommend it to anyone looking to achieve a flat stomach.
But before you decide to go under the knife, you have to know what exactly this cosmetic surgery is and read about these 9 common tummy tuck myths.
The tummy tuck procedure explained
What is a tummy tuck? A tummy tuck also called abdominoplasty is one of the most popular procedures performed by plastic surgeons to improve the shape and look of the abdominal region. A tummy tuck Wisconsin removes excess abdominal fat and skin and tightens connective tissue in the belly. It leaves behind a smoother, tighter-looking stomach.
There are different types of this surgery such as mini tummy tucks and full tummy tucks as well as abdominoplasties performed only in the upper or lower abdomen.
In a mini tummy tuck, a cosmetic surgeon focuses only underneath the navel. In a full abdominoplasty, the main objective is to smooth and tone your entire abdominal region from just below the ribcage to the pubic area.
The first step involves making an incision between the belly button and the pubic region. A second incision is then made above the belly button. After that, excess skin is removed, and the muscle tissue is fixed and tightened. The skin is then stretched tight over the stomach, giving a smooth, slimmed appearance. The new belly button may be shaped differently than the old one.
Now that you know about the overview of the abdominoplasty procedure, we continue with debunking the most common myths about it.
Myth 1: Tummy tuck surgeries and liposuctions are very similar
Liposuction and tummy tucks are two completely different surgeries with different outcomes.
An abdominoplasty surgery removes extra abdominal skin and tightens abdominal muscles, so, there is the possibility that fat cells will be removed during the procedure. Unlike liposuction, which only removes fat from fatty tissue. In other words, liposuction dcan’ttighten loose skin like an abdominoplasty. In addition, a liposuction procedure is usually recommended for people who have stubborn pockets of fat, especially if they’re young and have good elasticity in their skin.
However, that doesn’t mean they can’t be combined. Both procedures can help remove stubborn fats from your body and give your skin a better appearance. If you decide to go through with these procedures, be aware that the initial tummy tuck cost will increase and that recovery may be longer than if you had gone through one procedure alone.
Myth 2: Tummy tuck surgery helps you to lose weight
An abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure or a bariatric surgery. You can get liposuction at any time during the procedure, but most surgeons prefer patients who are within five to ten percent of their ideal weight and have a healthy lifestyle.
A tummy tuck won’t significantly lower your body fat percentage. It’s designed to shape and contour your belly, tighten up loose skin, and deal with any abdominal pouches.
Myth 3: Tummy tuck is a high-risk surgery
There are always risks involved when undergoing surgical procedures. Abdominoplasty is an invasive procedure that requires general anesthesia and it is not riskier than any other type of cosmetic surgery. Finding an experienced, certified surgeon will help ensure that you get the best results from your surgery.
Are You Ready For A Consultation?
Join our satisfied clients who’ve experienced safe, effective treatments
Myth 4: Tummy tuck surgery damages abdominal nerve tissue
Tummy tucks in Wisconsin work to fix your abdominal muscles and remove unwanted extra skin. Nerve tissue is not involved in the surgery at any time.
Some people have experienced some numbness, but this side effect usually goes away within a few days or a couple of weeks. Permanent nerve damage can occur, but it is extremely rare in this kind of procedure. A skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon can help you achieve a beautiful result without damaging your skin. During your initial consultation, you will discuss all risks associated with this procedure with your cosmetic surgeon after reviewing your medical history.
Myth 5: Scars are terrible after a tummy tuck
After having a tummy tuck in Wisconsin, you may have a small, barely noticeable mark where the incision was made. However, there won’t be any obvious scars. Advances in surgical techniques and your doctor’s training will help him/her make the incision as small as possible and just under your panty or bikini lines.
If you want to get rid of your tummy tuck scar after recovering from surgery, you may consider having cosmetic treatments such as chemical peelings or laser skin resurfacing which are specifically designed to remove the appearance of scars.
An abdominoplasty scar takes some time to fully heal. It may take several months before it starts losing its color as part of the recovery time. Don’t worry too much and don’t get frustrated.
Remember during the recovery time you can do your daily activities normally as days and weeks go by. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity during this period.
Myth 6: Getting pregnant after a tummy tuck is not recommended
Pregnancy is possible after an abdominoplasty. One thing to keep in mind is that after having a baby or weight gain, the surgery result may change. Some women choose not to get a tummy tuck procedure until after having all their children because they want their results to last longer. Women also opt to get a mommy makeover which consists of abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, and liposuction.
However, don’t worry if you think you might get pregnant again after the procedure.
Myth 7: Tummy tuck procedures are exclusively for females
Abdominoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures performed on female patients. This is because pregnancy and childbirth often cause loss of skin elasticity and muscle atrophy in the abdominal wall is one of the reasons to get an abdominoplasty.
However, abdominoplasty was not created exclusively for either men or women and we’ve seen both genders gain great benefits from this procedure.
If men are healthy and fit but find their stomachs hanging out when they’re not exercising, they might be good prospects for having a tummy tuck performed.
Myth 8: Tummy tucks are not for old people
Most people undergoing the procedure are older than thirty-five, but there are many people over sixty-five who get the treatment. Age doesn’t matter when it comes to improving your body; however, there may be some physical limitations that prevent you from doing certain exercises. A doctor who has been certified by his or her medical specialty boards decides whether to perform surgery. Abdominoplasty candidates must be physically fit, have stable weight, be no more than 10 pounds away from their target weight, and not smoke. They must also expect to lose some weight after the surgery.
Myth 9: Tummy tuck is just to look good
There are several medical reasons why having a tummy tuck surgery may be beneficial for you. Tummy tucks are one of the best ways to remove excess skin from your body. They improve your overall appearance, help you feel better, and allow you to exercise without any discomfort. It’s a big deal for people who’ve avoided certain activities due to discomfort. It can be life-changing surgery for women who have diastasis recti because oftentimes they’re not able to perform certain abdominal exercises due to their past pregnancy.
Get a tummy tuck consultation in Eau Claire, WI
Dr. Ember Ewings is a highly-experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed abdominoplasties in Wisconsin and St. Croix Valley. If you are wondering about the cost of a tummy tuck in Wisconsin, call 800.456.8222, send an email, or fill out our contact form to request a private consultation with Dr. Ewings at the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Eau Claire.
