The tummy tuck is one of the most popular procedures we perform at Southern Surgical Arts, but it is also the one that seems to generate the most misinformation and misconceptions. To help alleviate some of the confusion surrounding the tummy tuck, we tackle some of the most common questions we hear, below.
- Tummy tucks result in tighter abdominal muscles. FACT! Pregnancy often leaves moms with a permanent “pooch” caused by the separation and weakening of abdominal muscles and connective tissue. This can be difficult (or impossible, in some cases) to correct through exercise alone. During the tummy tuck, your surgeon will not only remove excess, sagging skin, he will repair and tighten your muscles, leaving you with a flat and smooth tummy.
- Tummy tucks are weight loss surgeries. FICTION! This is probably the most common misconception we run across during our tummy tuck consultations. The tummy tuck is not a weight-loss surgery—but you can fairly consider it a post-weight loss surgery.
As the tummy tuck has grown in popularity through the years, it has become closely associated with lap band and gastric bypass procedures. This is because so many patients follow the dramatic weight loss caused by these surgeries with a tummy tuck to tighten loose skin and sagging abdominal muscles.
While a tummy tuck absolutely will transform and beautify your body in dramatic ways, it will not help or cause you to lose weight. In fact, we recommend that you maintain a stable weight, close to your goal, for several months before your procedure to gain the full benefit of the tummy tuck. Additional weight loss after the surgery may create more loose skin, and weight gain will alter your final results and may detract from your aesthetic goals.
- Tummy tucks can eliminate stretch marks. IT DEPENDS… A tummy tuck can eliminate many of your stretch marks, depending on how many you have and where they are located. Chances are you will still have some marks because it will not be possible to eradicate all the stretched skin.
However, a tummy tuck will dramatically improve the appearance and tone of your skin, minimizing the appearance of any stretch marks that are left. And, you can always choose to further improve the appearance of your stretch marks with micro-needling treatments after you have recovered.
Do you have any questions about tummy tucks that we haven’t covered here? Schedule a FREE personal consultation with Southern Surgical Arts by calling us at 423-266-3331. One of our award-winning surgeons, Dr. Carey Nease or Dr. Chad Deal, will be happy to discuss the procedure with you.
