Childbearing, weight loss, and aging can take a toll on the abdominal region. Many consider undergoing an abdominoplasty or more popularly known as a tummy tuck to achieve a flatter and more toned mid-section. For those interested in this procedure being informed and getting educated about what a tummy tuck can do for you is important homework. How much do you know about this procedure? Test your knowledge by reviewing what’s true and false.
A Tummy Tuck or Liposuction Will Give Me the Same Results
Answer: FALSE
While both a tummy tuck and liposuction can improve the profile, they are different procedures. A tummy tuck focuses on removing excess abdominal skin, tightening abdominal muscles, and removing the outermost layer of fat. Liposuction involves the localized removal of fat and relies on the overlying skin to contract to some degree. It can be performed on a number of areas of the body in addition to the stomach. Liposuction may be combined with tummy tuck in some cases for optimal results.
Surgery Is the Only Way to Remove Excess Fat and Skin
Answer: TRUE
Sometimes a healthy diet and regular exercise can only go so far in removing fat and toning up the abdomen area. Excess and loose skin can only be removed surgically. A tummy tuck can help achieve that.
A Tummy Tuck Removes Fat in Front of the Muscle Wall, But Not Visceral Fat, which is Behind the Muscle Wall
Answer: TRUE
Typical tummy tuck procedures focus on removing excess skin and the layer of fat that lies just below the skin. The visceral fat, which is tucked beneath the muscles of the abdominal wall, is not affected by the procedure. During consultation, your plastic surgeon will conduct an examination to determine whether or not desirable results will be achieved with just the removal of the outer layer of fat. Some patients have too much visceral fat to make an abdominoplasty a complete success. In these cases, the plastic surgeon may advise the patient to lose weight through diet and exercise before being re-evaluated for a tummy tuck.
I Should Be at or Near My Ideal Weight Before Undergoing Abdominoplasty
Answer: TRUE
A tummy tuck is not a procedure that’s designed to help with weight loss. Instead, it is intended to be used by people who have gone as far as they can go with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Losing large amounts of weight after the procedure may lead to even more excess skin that needs to be removed. Accordingly, a patient should achieve or be close to their ideal weight before undergoing a tummy tuck.
I Can Get a Tummy Tuck Immediately After a C-Section
Answer: FALSE
New moms may be anxious to return to their “pre-baby” body as soon as possible after delivery. However, this doesn’t always make the most sense for the mom’s health and body. There are a number of reasons why it’s important not to have a tummy tuck immediately after a C-section. Your skin and abdominal muscles are stretched from pregnancy, which will take time to contract. A C-section is a major operation in which your body will need time to heal and lose the extra weight gained during your pregnancy. Ideally, you’ll want to be finished with having children, as future pregnancies can adversely impact the results of the abdominoplasty. Most doctors
