For those who have trouble with their stomach area, a tummy tuck is a great option to get a smoother abdomen. A tummy tuck is a procedure that improves the contour of the stomach and abdomen area. We remove excess skin and fat from the area. Then we tighten the muscles in your abdominal wall. The procedure can smooth out skin imperfections on your stomach and can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Sometimes diet and exercise just won’t cut it, and a tummy tuck is a great alternative to get you feeling bikini-body ready again. Despite the benefits, there are many myths out there regarding tummy tucks. Below you will find the top tummy tuck myths debunked.
Myth 1—Tummy tucks are only for women
We often associate women with tummy tucks, as the procedure are a great way to get your body back after pregnancy. Often, stubborn belly fat doesn’t go away. And, carrying the baby has stretched the skin. Women often get a tummy tuck as a part of the “mommy makeover” procedure after their last child.
However, men are not immune from similar struggles despite not having to deal with pregnancy. After a certain age, men tend to suffer from “dad bod,” which can include stubborn belly fat or even loose skin after weight loss. With that, a tummy tuck is not just for women as many people want those youthful looking washboard abs.
Myth 2—You’ve aged out
Again, while many moms who are done with having kids get a tummy tuck in their 30s and 40s, the procedure doesn’t have an age limit. While most patients are over the age of thirty-five, there are many patients over sixty-five who undergo the procedure. There is no age limit on improving your body, and this should not be a deterrent if you are interested. A board-certified surgeon makes the final decision in a consultation. Candidates need to be physically healthy, within a five to ten pounds of their goal weight, and non-smokers who have realistic expectations for the procedure.
Myth 3—Tummy tucks are a weight loss procedure
On of the top tummy tuck myths is that they are a weight loss procedure. While you can get liposuction during the procedure, surgeons often want you to be within five to ten pounds of your goal weight. It’s important for candidates to know that a tummy tuck will not reduce the number on their scale in a significant way. The procedure is meant to sculpt and contour your midsection, remove loose skin, and address any stomach pouch issues.
Myth 4—Diet and exercise are an alternative to a tummy tuck
While you should definitely stay healthy, eat a balanced diet, and regularly exercise, you still may have issues with your stomach. The effects of natural aging, pregnancy, or extreme weight loss can leave your stomach with loose skin and stubborn fat. If this is the case for you, a tummy tuck is a great option. You cannot, unfortunately, fix stretched skin with diet and exercise. And, neither can abdominal muscles that have been stretched by pregnancy or weight gain. A tummy tuck not only removes stubborn fat, but it tightens your abdominal muscles and removes excess skin.
Tummy Tucks in Southern California
Dr. Brent Moelleken is a well-known cosmetic surgeon with years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He is one of the most highly trained surgeons in the country and received his training at Harvard, Yale, and UCLA. He has also been selected as one of Vogue Magazine’s “Top 10 Plastic Surgeons in America.” Contact Dr. Brent’s office today for a consultation.
