Tummy Tuck Myths: True Or False?
Abdominoplasty Is A Standard Cosmetic Procedure: FALSE
Tummy tuck surgery is not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you are exploring your options for tummy tuck surgery, you can opt for a full abdominoplasty or a minor abdominoplasty. Both will refine and re-contour your belly, but a full tummy tuck will address repair to the underlying muscle structures and a minor tummy tuck is a less extensive surgical procedure. You can also decide to combine abdominoplasty with liposuction, or have a tummy tuck as part of a “mommy makeover”.
Tummy Tucks Are A Weight Loss Solution: FALSE
Abdominoplasty is designed to remove sagging, excess skin and tissue, and can address stubborn pockets of fat that do not respond to healthy eating and exercise, but tummy tucks are not meant to be used as a weight loss strategy. In fact, it is recommended that you be within 10 pounds of your ideal body weight and that you maintain that weight for at least six months to achieve optimal results from your tummy tuck surgery.
You Are Too Old For A Tummy Tuck: FALSE
The average age of a patient choosing abdominoplasty is 35-50, but many patients can still be ideal candidates in their 50s and 60s, and maybe even older. A good candidate for tummy tuck surgery will be in good overall health, active, at a stable weight, a non-smoker, and have realistic goals for the outcome of surgery. Talk to your plastic surgeon to determine if you qualify for abdominoplasty.
Abdominoplasty Is Only For Women: FALSE
Tummy tuck surgery is definitely more popular with women due to the changes brought on by pregnancy and childbirth, but more and more men are exploring their candidacy for abdominoplasty too. Heredity, lifestyle, and significant weight loss can leave men with sagging skin and pockets of stubborn belly fat that do not respond to a healthy lifestyle, diet, and exercise. Abdominoplasty can address weakened and compromised abdominal muscles and sculpt and contour the midsection so that men can feel good about their bodies too.
Tummy Tuck Surgery Is No Big Deal: FALSE
It is true that abdominoplasty is a very common and safe surgical body contouring procedure that can have very long-lasting results. But this procedure is still a fairly major surgery that requires the use of general anaesthetic. Recovery after surgery is different for everyone, but you should expect to spend up to 6 weeks healing after abdominoplasty. During the first two weeks, you will be very limited in what you are able to do, and you will experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. After week two you will feel better and over the next four weeks, you will be able to slowly resume more of your regular activities and return to exercise.
Get The Facts About Tummy Tucks At Alberta Plastic
Surgery in Edmonton
When you have the facts, you can make the most informed decisions regarding your appearance and your health. The best first step in exploring your options for abdominoplasty and your candidacy for this transformative body-contouring procedure is to book a complimentary consultation with an experienced and skilled plastic surgeon. The right tummy tuck procedure is the one that will help you look and feel your very best.
If you are considering abdominoplasty, liposuction, a mommy makeover, or any other body-contouring procedure to achieve your ideal physique, the team at Alberta Plastic Surgery can guide you in exploring your options. Book your complimentary consultation today.
Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified and top surgeon in Edmonton, Alberta, and is highly skilled in cosmetic plastic surgery and other non-surgical rejuvenating cosmetic procedures. Dr. Ladak is a fully qualified Fellow of the Royal Canadian College of Physicians and Surgeons and his team is committed to providing patients with the facts and education to make the most informed decisions about their appearance and health. To explore all of your options to help you feel and look your best, visit Alberta Plastic Surgery in Edmonton by booking your complimentary consultation. Call us at (780) 407-6691 or fill out the form below.
FAQ
Q: How long does it take to heal after a tummy tuck?
A: Recovery after abdominoplasty is different for everyone and you need to give yourself time to rest and recuperate. But in general, it can take up to six weeks or even longer to fully heal. Most patients can resume all normal activity at about the six-week mark if they have been cleared by their surgeon.
Q: How many scars will I have after combining liposuction and abdominoplasty?
A: Liposuction will require several very small incisions to insert the cannula used for suctioning. These incisions are often only 1-3mm and your surgeon will be careful to place the incisions where they are mostly undetectable. For abdominoplasty, your surgeon will make an incision horizontally just above your pubic line to remove unwanted fat and skin and repair abdominal muscles. This incision will be closed with sutures and will require some special care. Follow your doctor’s post-surgical instructions to facilitate healing and minimize scarring. Once healed, your abdominoplasty scar will be easily hidden by your underwear or bathing suit.
Q: Why do I still have a belly after my tummy tuck?
A: Abdominal swelling after a tummy tuck is very typical for a cosmetic surgery this extensive. So don’t feel dismayed that your surgery did not work. You can learn more about why your belly is not completely flat after abdominoplasty here.
