Although it is one of the most popular plastic surgeries after pregnancy and major weight changes, there are still tummy tuck myths that continue to circulate and generate misinformation in future patients.
This lack of knowledge produces misconceptions about the results that can be expected from this surgical procedure. For that reason, we have compiled the most common assumptions to explain in detail the real expectations you should have before undergoing this type of surgery.
What is tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery that allows the removal of excess fat and skin from the abdomen area to mark the figure in a sculptural way [7].
In addition, it allows to join the weakened muscles of the abdominal wall, improve the loose skin of the abdomen and mark the waist. As a result, you will get a flat abdomen and a narrower waist.
To perform an abdominoplasty, the plastic surgeon may first remove excess fat from the abdominal area through laser liposuction, and then, he will make a fine incision in the patient’s pubic area to proceed the removal of the excess skin [4].
Abdominoplasty leaves a small scar, usually around the pubic hairline, hidden under the underwear or bikini. However, many patients find that the scar becomes almost imperceptible 6 months after surgery.
Common tummy tucks myths
It is common to lose the navel after tummy tuck
False. The navel is repositioned, and if necessary, the shape will be corrected as will the skin surrounding it, but it is never lost [5].
Patients arrive with sad looking belly buttons due to sagging of the area. However, abdominoplasty allows the plastic surgeon to apply the technique of his preference to make it look more vertical and youthful, without being too high or too low of the center of the abdomen.
Tummy tuck cannot be performed after cesarean section
This is not true. Abdominoplasty is possible in women who have given birth by cesarean section.
The important thing in this case is not to do it at the same time. It is necessary to wait a prudent time until the cesarean cicatrization has healed. In some cases, this could take 8 to 10 months approximately. However, it is always best to consult with your doctor about the best time to do this.
Is it possible to remove all stretch marks from the abdomen through tummy tuck?
Almost. Although abdominoplasty does not remove all stretch marks, it will remove those that are on the skin that is removed during surgery.
Generally, they are those that are in the middle and lower abdomen; and those that are outside this area, will not disappear but their appearance will be disguised by stretching the skin during the procedure. It is important to consult with your doctor or plastic surgeon for other medical solutions for those stretch marks that cannot be removed.
Tummy tuck is for women only
This myth comes from the conception of another. Both plastic surgeries in general and abdominoplasty are not just for women and this is confirmed by any of the annual surveys conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons [6].
Heredity or significant weight loss can also leave men with fat or loose skin in the lower abdomen. Therefore, seeking this type of procedure will tighten and tone the contours of your abdomen so that your clothes will fit better and give you back a healthy belly.
You might also be interested in reading: debunking 5 myths about plastic surgeries
In summary (tummy tuck myths)
Abdominoplasty is one of the plastic surgeries that generates the most questions. Myths such as the total loss of the navel after the procedure or the exclusive performance of this surgery in women are just some of the most common assumptions that create misinformation in many patients.
Therefore, it is important to clarify that this surgical procedure removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area in both men and women, where the shape of the navel is relocated and stretch marks are removed along with the eliminated skin
If you have more questions about it, we invite you to write to us to receive personalized assistance and resolve all your concerns about our services as well as prices in Colombia, travel plans, medical staff, etc.. Start your free medical assessment process with us.
Read also about: Top 5 of plastic surgeries in Colombia
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References:
[1] Aboutplasticsurgery.com. 2022. Top 5 Tummy Tuck Myths | About Plastic Surgery. [online] Available at: <https://www.aboutplasticsurgery.com/weight-loss/tummy-tuck/top-5-tummy-tuck-myths/> [Accessed 10 June 2022].
[2] American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2022. Tackling common tummy tuck myths. [online] Available at: <https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/tackling-common-tummy-tuck-myths> [Accessed 10 June 2022].
[3] American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2022. Tummy Tuck. [online] Available at: <https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck> [Accessed 10 June 2022].
[4] BetterME – Become your best self. 2022. Abdominoplastia – BetterME Cirugía Plástica Profesional. [online] Available at: <https://bettermegroup.com/es/abdominoplastia/> [Accessed 10 June 2022].
[5] Grupo Gamma. 2022. Abdominoplastia: preguntas frecuentes. [online] Available at: <https://www.grupogamma.com/abdominoplastia-preguntas-frecuentes/> [Accessed 10 June 2022].
[6] Isaps.org. 2022. ISAPS INTERNATIONAL SURVEY ON AESTHETIC/COSMETIC PROCEDURES 2020. [online] Available at: <https://www.isaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ISAPS-Global-Survey_2020.pdf> [Accessed 3 June 2022].
[7] Mayoclinic.org. 2022. Tummy tuck – Mayo Clinic. [online] Available at: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tummy-tuck/about/pac-20384892> [Accessed 10 June 2022].
