While many of our patients know what a tummy tuck is, they also have a lot of misconceptions about what the procedure can actually do. In a world of social media and “fake news,” we wanted to clear up where lines may have been blurred. Here are four tummy tuck myths and the facts that are actually hiding in the background.
MYTH: Tummy Tucks Help You Lose Weight
FACT: The tummy tuck itself is not a weight loss solution. In fact, a tummy tuck isn’t even a fat loss solution. A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that tightens weak abdominal muscles and removes excess skin from around the midsection. Many patients who receive a tummy tuck also receive liposuction, which removes stubborn and unwanted fat from the treated areas using gentle suction. While a tummy tuck can provide patients with the tight and flat tummy they desire, it does not guarantee a patient will go down a dress size or lose some pounds on the scale.
MYTH: You Have to be a Certain Weight to Get a Tummy Tuck
FACT: Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be a certain size or BMI to qualify for a tummy tuck. Your plastic surgeon, like Dr. Anh Vu, may recommend you are within 10 to 15 pounds of your ultimate goal weight before considering a tummy tuck. This is simply because patients who are planning to lose more weight in the future may want to remove all of their excess skin at once, rather than receiving to invasive surgical procedures a few years apart. So long as you’re happy at your size and lead a healthy lifestyle, removing your excess skin with a tummy tuck is a wonderful option.
MYTH: Tummy Tuck Results are Permanent
FACT: While it’s true that the fat removed from liposuction and the skin removed from a tummy tuck are never replaced with new fat or new skin, it’s important to remember that our bodies always have the potential to change. Your tummy tuck results can easily be maintained for the long-term with the help of a healthy diet and regular exercise. That being said, patients who do not lead an active lifestyle or make poor dietary decisions may end up gaining weight and reversing the results of their tummy tuck surgery.
MYTH: Only Women Get Tummy Tucks
FACT: While men are less likely to seek out plastic surgery altogether, many tummy tuck patients who come in to see Dr. Vu are men. Although we typically associate a tummy tuck with women following childbirth, men who have undergone a massive weight loss can also benefit from a tummy tuck. Not only can a tummy tuck help men get the physique they worked hard for and deserve, but it can also help boost a man’s confidence for years to come.
If you’re interested in learning more about what a tummy tuck can do for you, we encourage you to contact us and schedule your private consultation with Dr. Anh Vu today. He’ll be happy to sit down with you, listen to your concerns, and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your ultimate aesthetic goals.
