One of the biggest insecurities a lot of our patients have is the extra skin around their abdomens. Thankfully, a tummy tuck can help reduce the excess skin around the midsection and strengthen the abdominal muscles underneath the skin for a tighter, slimmer silhouette. That being said, there are still many misconceptions about what the tummy tuck can do for our patients. Let’s clear up where lines may be blurred and go over what a tummy tuck can and cannot do for you.
A Tummy Tuck CANNOT Help You Lose Weight
Contrary to popular belief, a tummy tuck does not help our patients lose the weight they think they’re going to. The goal of a tummy tuck is to tighten weakened abdominal muscles and remove excess hanging skin around the midsection to produce a tighter and more flattering core appearance. That being said, a tummy tuck does not help you get rid of excess fat around your midsection or help you lose those last stubborn couple of pounds. Any weight you do lose after surgery will be the weight of excess skin hanging around your belly area.
A Tummy Tuck CAN be Performed with Liposuction
While a tummy tuck can’t help you get rid of your unwanted belly fat, liposuction can. Liposuction is a surgical cosmetic procedure that uses a gentle vacuum system to permanently remove fatty tissues from the body for a sleek, slim appearance. Patients typically opt to receive liposuction in addition to their tummy tucks to help them get the smooth and tight silhouette they desire.
A Tummy Tuck CAN Increase Confidence in the Long Run
It’s no secret that a flat and tight core can increase someone’s confidence. Following their tummy tucks, our patients report feeling a brand new found confidence in themselves and their bodies. They report feeling more comfortable wearing more tight-fitting clothing, going to a pool or the beach without a worry, and even feeling more confident in their own intimates!
A Tummy Tuck CANNOT Prevent Future Weight Gain
While a tummy tuck sounds like a magical solution for many of our patients, it’s always important to keep in mind that a tummy tuck (or any cosmetic surgery) is not a permanent fix for any issue without the proper maintenance. A tummy tuck gives our patients the initial boost they need to get the body they desire, however, we encourage our patients to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle to ensure they maintain their results for the long-run.
Is a Tummy Tuck Right for Me?
If you’re looking for a procedure to help strengthen your abdominal muscles and tighten the skin around your midsection, a tummy tuck may be right for you. The best way to find out if a tummy tuck is right for you is to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Pollard. She’ll be happy to sit down with you, listen to your concerns, and develop a personalized treatment plan just for you.
We hope we were able to answer some of your most pressing questions about the tummy tuck. If you still want to learn more about the procedure, or believe you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck, contact us to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Emily Pollard today. We are also offering virtual consultations, so you can get all of your questions answered in the comfort and safety of your very own home.