Tummy Tuck Myths & Truths
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Thinking about having a tummy tuck? Want to separate the myths from Truth? We
list the truths about tummy tucks (abdomonioplasty) to help you make an informed
decision about your tummy
tuck procedure.
Myth #1:
Tummy tucks are for women only.
Truth: More and more men are having tummy tucks. This trend with likely
increase with the ongoing obesity problem in the world. Men have tummy tucks to
get rid of an aged or “beer belly” appearance as well as for tightening
sagging
skin following
dramatic weight loss.
Myth #2:
Any plastic surgeon can perform a tummy
tuck.
Truth: All
tummy tuck plastic surgeons are not created equal. They vary in their
training, experience, ability and usually specialize in certain areas. Be sure
to chose one that specializes in tummy tucks and is board certified.
Myth #3:
Tummy tuck surgery leaves no scars.
Truth: All tummy tucks heal with
scars. The amount of scarring depends on
your body, the talent and techniques of your surgeon, your aftercare and
recovery and the complexity of the surgery. A tummy tuck generally leaves a
permanent scar which can run horizontally across the entire width of your body
from hip to hip, depending on how much skin you lose
Myth #4:
The results of a tummy tuck do not last.
Truth: A tummy tuck may last a lifetime but varies with age, diet, health,
exercise, a healthy lifestyle and varies with each individual.
Myth #5:
Liposuction is a better choice than a
tummy tuck.
Truth: Liposuction and tummy tucks are different. Liposuction reduces the
thickness of your abdominal fat, and may slightly tightens your skin, it does
not remove excess skin like a tummy tuck does.
Myth #6:
Tummy tuck is a weight loss surgery.
Truth: Tummy tuck surgery is not a
weight loss surgery. It
makes the
abdomen slimmer by removing excess fat and loose and hanging skin. It may also tighten
stomach muscles resulting in a firmer, more toned appearance.
Myth #7:
A tummy tuck is a “minor” cosmetic
procedure.
Truth: Tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure and should be taken
seriously. Scarring should be expected but is easily covered by clothing.
Myth #8:
Back to work in a week after a tummy
tuck.
Truth: This may be true for some but many take a few weeks to a month to get
back to work. Many factors come into play when recovering from a tummy tuck
including personal health, ability to recover, complexity of surgery,
complications and more. Whether you have a physically demanding job or one that
you sit behind a desk will often be a key factor in when you can return to work.
Myth #9:
Tummy tucks are safe.
Truth: It's dangerous but you can minimize the risks. You may hear
horror
stories about people having tummy tucks, but these are the exceptions, not the
rule. There are many more satisfied tummy tuck patients with successful results
than those who have suffered from serious complications.
Myth # 10:
I don't need a tummy tuck. I can get
rid of my sagging skin with exercise.
Truth: Exercise and diet are good for maintaining a healthy lifestyle
and getting physically fit they do not remove excess or sagging skin or reverse
the effects of aging, genetics, and poor choices earlier in life.
Myth # 11:
Tummy tuck surgery cost the same no
matter who performs them or where they are performed.
Truth: Many factors effect the
cost of your tummy tuck. These include
geographic location, surgeon expertise and popularity, complexity of your
procedure, costs of anesthesia, surgical facility fee, lab costs and more.
Myth # 12:
It is disrespectful to ask your
plastic surgeon tough questions.
Truth: It may be a hard thing to do but it is not disrespectful. Asking tough
questions about his medical history and track record and any law suits past or
pending is the best way to get to know your surgeon.
Myth #13:
It is inappropriate to ask surgeons to
speak with their previous patients.
Truth: It is the smart thing to do.
Myth # 14:
All tummy tuck plastic surgeries are
performed in accredited facilities.
Truth: Not always. Some surgeons perform tummy tucks in non-accredited
facilities. Make sure you will have your tummy tuck performed in an accredited
facility to reduce safety risks and increase your comfort level.
Myth # 15:
All board certifications are the same.
Truth: Any group of medical professionals can create its own “certification”
board. Be sure your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic
Surgery - a group designated by the American Board of Medical Specialties to
oversee credentialing in plastic surgery.
Myth # 16:
Tummy tucks are pain free.
Truth: I was lucky. My tummy tuck was pain free, but some individuals
experience pain and soreness for as long as a year after the operation.
Myth #17:
A tummy tuck cannot be performed at the
same time as liposuction or other cosmetic surgery procedures.
Truth: A tummy tuck can be performed alone, but can also be done in
conjunction other surgeries. Your surgeon will make this determination for you.
His decision will depend on your health and the complexity and risks of the
procedures involved.
Myth #18:
You have to be rich and famous to
undergo cosmetic medical procedures like a tummy tuck.
Truth: Not true. As long as you can afford it or have insurance that covers it (not likely) anyone can have a tummy tuck.