The 3 Most Common Myths About the Tummy Tuck

Posted on September 12, 2013 | by

Despite being the top patient-rated procedure in the country, with over 90% satisfaction, there are still many people who avoid the tummy tuck because of a few very common misconceptions people have about the procedure. The truth is, a lot of public belief about the tummy tuck is false. For example, the tummy tuck is not intended to help someone lose weight. Surprising? Here are the top three myths about tummy tucks.

THE NUMBER ONE TUMMY TUCK MYTH:

“Getting a tummy tuck is a sign of laziness because you can just diet and exercise to achieve the same results.”

Most people think that the tummy tuck is a weight loss procedure, so because of this misconception, they also think that the results can be achieved by simply eating right and exercising. This is not at all what the tummy tuck is about. Have you ever known someone who lost a significant amount of weight or just had a baby and was left with hanging skin and tissue? That is what the tummy tuck is designed for. Abdominoplasty (the medical term for this body contouring procedure) is intended to remove the excess skin or tissue that is often left hanging in these post-pregnancy or major weight-loss situations. These problems cannot be solved through diet or exercise because it is not a matter of losing fat/weight, but instead is caused by a loss of elasticity in the skin resulting from previously being stretched out.

THE NOT-SO-GENDER-NEUTRAL TUMMY TUCK MYTH:

“Tummy tucks are just for women, not men.”

Can a man lose a significant amount of weight and be left with hanging skin? Of course. So why should he not pursue a tummy tuck to remove this stubborn issue and finally reveal a strong set of abs? In 2012, over four thousand men underwent abdominoplasty. While it is more popular for women because of pregnancy, many men pursue the procedure as well.

THE DOUBLE-PROCEDURE TUMMY TUCK MYTH

“If you get a tummy tuck, you will need to have liposuction as well.”

While it is often used to help sculpt the waistline during a tummy tuck, liposuction is not always necessary. It is a matter of what your surgeon believes is best for your own personal case as well as whether or not you will like to address any fatty deposits during your tummy tuck. The two procedures have proven to be beneficial in shortening recovery time and sometimes avoiding the need for drainage when combined together. If there are areas of fat that you would like to be addressed during your tummy tuck procedure, liposuction can effectively help in the contouring process.